Gold Coast Guitar Vocal Lessons

Organized and experienced teacher with passion helps successful learning.
I'm Steve Zirkler & I have been a career teacher since 1982. Since relocating from Tokyo to Surfers Paradise in 2004, I have been teaching and playing live music on the Gold Coast.
I tutor from my studio in Central Surfers Paradise and also in Bonogin.
I play a variety of styles and musical instruments. Guitar and voice are my specialties.
I have formal teaching qualifications and am an accredited member of Queensland College Of Teachers.

Additional Costs
I will recommend a text as a starting point. I can provide a copy or you can organize your own.I produce several texts at beginner level and intermediate for a modest cost but I won't insist you use my text, you may of course purchase any you wish.
From time to time, a commitment to collecting sheet music is very useful for effective learning. Although a lot of free material is available through the internet these days, the quality of professionally produced material will enhance the learner's opportunities.
I also have an extensive file to supplement this.

Parents and friends are welcome to attend a lesson by arrangement. This can be helpful with younger students who need greater support with their learning programs or if you are a little nervous. I want you or your child to feel safe and comfortable in my lessons so my policy is always open door for parents & you may come in at any time without invite or come with a friend.

Fees are payable in advance, 4 weeks for private lessons, 8 for group. Fees become payable on the last lesson if pupils wish to continue. Unfortunately a time cannot be held for a pupil if fees are not in advance.
I prepare beforehand for lessons so importantly be on time and attend regularly. As music is my job, pupils who are absent without prior arrangement forfeit their week's fee. As time set aside for your personal lesson cannot be recovered, I regrettably cannot guarantee make-up lessons.

Extended Lessons and Groups
45 minute or one hour lessons are available. This type of lesson may suit pupils who find it difficult to set aside regular practice time because of their own busy schedules and the lesson will hence become part of their practice regime. Other more advanced students can extend their skills and playing experiences to include songwriting skills and recording time.
Group lessons may be available for those who wish to organize a team. These would suit those who value the social experience of learning together. If you wish to do this please let's discuss the possibilities.

Private Lessons
Individual instruction is $30 per half hour lesson. This time is generally sufficient to review past assignments and set new ones. Successful students do something at home between lessons on most days. I never bully students to practise but aim to give students a musical experience regardless of their level.

I choose a program to suit the individual needs of the student, usually a blend of theory and practical. Note-reading is encouraged and for those who are inclined, it is possible to sit external Trinity College Of London Exams.

A typical lesson could contain:- review of previous lesson points, some note reading, a popular song for chording & riffing , an exercise for physical development, improvising from a rule plus something for fun & interest.

The Trinity Program from London has a wide balance of contemporary, folk & classic pieces for reading skills, includes sight reading, scales, technical development and viva voce. I also use components of AMEB's Contemporary Popular Music program. I teach accompaniment for the voice, music technology, including hard disc recording, midi-based recording and editing, programming and use of FX, PAs, amplifiers and improvisation skills. As I have other instruments here, knowledge of keyboard, banjo, mandolin, violin, harmonica and drums may be shared as appropriate.

Group lessons are often run for economy or profit, not effective teaching and learning. I'm a firm believer that private lessons are a superior way to learn music. However, I will and do lead groups , and in fact some individuals within groups do very well in this environment & many prefer the social context that a group lesson can offer.