They say it takes 10,000 hours to master an instrument.  I’ve definitely played more than 10,000 hours in my 37 years as a guitarist, bassist, keyboardist and drummer.  But what I didn’t anticipate when I embarked on a professional music career in 1991 was spending 25,000 hours (and counting) teaching.  Teaching music is the only full-time job I’ve had since I was 22.  I thought in the beginning teaching would account for 50% of my income.  It currently accounts for over 80%, and at times it’s been 100%.  Some days it is tedious, most days it is engaging and certain days it’s flat out surprising.  Teaching is a unique window into many aspects of society, psychology and the human spirit.  So that is my apologia for this portion of my online blog:  a chance to share some of my insights and many fabulous experiences as a private and group music instructor to over 1,000 students of all ages and skill levels in the Seattle area.