In-Person Lessons
Brian Rivers - Quality and Excellence in Music Education
Covid-19 Note: In-person lessons are currently not being offered, please see the online lesson information page.
Photo by Tim Kraus
You can pay for online and in-person lessons with this Paypal "Buy Now" link
What I Teach:
Guitar - Piano - Bass Guitar - Songwriting - Computer Recording - Music Theory - Improvising (for all instruments!)
-About Rivers Music-
Rivers Music is a private lesson studio in Cincinnati OH. The instructor, Brian Rivers has years of experience as both a private and classroom music instructor. Brian takes pride in providing top quality music instruction in a warm and relaxed manner. Brian has a strong commitment to musical excellence, education, and his students. He tailors the lessons and methods to the individual student; child to adult, beginner to advanced. He plays a wide variety of styles: Rock, Jazz, Blues, Country, Folk, Reggae, Finger Style, and Latin. Brian has appeared on many recordings and performed at numerous music festivals throughout the United States.
The facility and teaching environment contributes to the quality of instruction. It includes a library of guitars, books, handouts, recording equipment, and internet. It provides a quiet and focused environment for learning. The studio waiting area has complimentary WiFi and the Clifton - Ludlow business district is a short walk away!
The facility and teaching environment contributes to the quality of instruction. It includes a library of guitars, books, handouts, recording equipment, and internet. It provides a quiet and focused environment for learning. The studio waiting area has complimentary WiFi and the Clifton - Ludlow business district is a short walk away!
Where is Rivers Music?
In the Clifton neighborhood of Cincinnati, north of the Ludlow business district.
If you looking for music lessons for yourself or child, you have come to the right place. My goal is to help students develop the skills to become life-long musician with a love for music making, amateur, to professional. I offer the very best in quality instruction in an excellent facility that is spacious and quiet. Your satisfaction is my goal. Click the “testimonials” button to see what students say!
How Much Do Lessons Cost?
$35.00 per 30 Minute Lesson
$60.00 per 60 minute lesson
Why Students Choose Brian Rivers...
√ A Warm and Patient Teacher - Brian focuses on listening to the student and helps them to achieve their personal music goals at their own pace and in a way that works for them.
√ The Highest Quality Instruction! - Brian is a professional. Helping students learn and publishing instructional books are Brian's passions!
√ Teaching Experience - Over twenty-five years of private and classroom teaching experience
√ Professional Experience - Numerous recordings, professional credits and real world experience as a professional musician
√ Education - Graduate of CCM, Bachelor's of Music, Music Education
√ Licensure - Licensed Ohio Music Educator
√ Professional Memberships - National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA), Association of Popular Music Education (APME) and Technology in Music Education (TI:ME), Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)
√ Award Winning Musician and Educator - Numerous awards and recognition as both a performer and music educator
√ Private Studio Designed for Learning - Unlike many lesson facilities that cram a bunch of teachers into closet sized rooms lining a hallway where everyone hears the lesson next door, Rivers music provides a spacious studio that is a focused learning environment with room for students and parents. Also, internet access, recording play back equipment, and printer integrates technology to support student learning.
√ Real Results - Brian's students develop the skills that allow them to fully enjoy their love of music. Brian students range from amateurs to professional award winning musicians, but what they all have in common is an enjoyment of music making.
√ Tailored Lessons - Brian is an expert in a variety of styles and instruments. He does not teach one style, or use the same approach with each student, he tailors the lessons to help you reach your goals and uses your previous musical experience with other instruments to support your learning.
√ A Library of Resources and Lesson Handouts - Brian has a collection of resources so very little time is spent writing things out by hand, lesson time is maximized for instruction
√ The Highest Quality Instruction! - Brian is a professional. Helping students learn and publishing instructional books are Brian's passions!
√ Teaching Experience - Over twenty-five years of private and classroom teaching experience
√ Professional Experience - Numerous recordings, professional credits and real world experience as a professional musician
√ Education - Graduate of CCM, Bachelor's of Music, Music Education
√ Licensure - Licensed Ohio Music Educator
√ Professional Memberships - National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA), Association of Popular Music Education (APME) and Technology in Music Education (TI:ME), Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)
√ Award Winning Musician and Educator - Numerous awards and recognition as both a performer and music educator
√ Private Studio Designed for Learning - Unlike many lesson facilities that cram a bunch of teachers into closet sized rooms lining a hallway where everyone hears the lesson next door, Rivers music provides a spacious studio that is a focused learning environment with room for students and parents. Also, internet access, recording play back equipment, and printer integrates technology to support student learning.
√ Real Results - Brian's students develop the skills that allow them to fully enjoy their love of music. Brian students range from amateurs to professional award winning musicians, but what they all have in common is an enjoyment of music making.
√ Tailored Lessons - Brian is an expert in a variety of styles and instruments. He does not teach one style, or use the same approach with each student, he tailors the lessons to help you reach your goals and uses your previous musical experience with other instruments to support your learning.
√ A Library of Resources and Lesson Handouts - Brian has a collection of resources so very little time is spent writing things out by hand, lesson time is maximized for instruction
- Frequently Asked Questions -
Q: How old should my child be to start lessons
A: Most any age is OK, as long as children have basic motor skills and can hold the instrument.
Q: What do lessons cost?
A: See the "Pricing Information" section above.
Q: Do I get a refund for missed lessons?
A: See the "Rates and Policies" section above.
Q: Where are you located?
A: In my home studio, 471 Wood Ave. In the Clifton Gaslight neighborhood of Cincinnati OH.
Q: Do you teach home-schooled students?
A: Certainly. I welcome all students.
Q: I am an adult with not much music background. Can you start me in lessons?
A: Absolutely. You are never too old to learn, even if you have never had music instruction before. Adults usually learn music concepts quickly, the real challenge is finding the time to practice, not age.
Q: I am a college student with a changing schedule, can I change lesson times when needed?
A: Absolutely. If you are a college student and can make a lesson time before 3:30, it is not a problem to change lesson times if needed.
Q: I got bored with music lessons when I was young. Can you teach me the kind of music I want to play and sing?
A: I welcome the opportunity to work with students with a wide range of musical tastes!
Q: I am stay at home parent, can I change lesson times when needed if my child is sick, or it's a school holiday?
A: Absolutely. If you have a regular lesson time before 3:30, it is not a problem to change lesson times if needed.
Q: Does there have to be an instrument at home to use for practice?
A: Yes — you must have an instrument to practice on between lessons.
Q: Do you rent or sell instruments etc.?
A: No, I will be happy to suggest a music retailer. (See the home page or side bar here) This is what they do, and they do it well. Rivers Music is not a retail music store.
Q: How long are lessons?
A: Weekly private lessons can be 30 or 60 minutes .
Q: What is better, 30 or 60 minute lessons?
A: It all depends on the student. If the student has the ability to focus for 60 minutes, then the 60 minute lesson is by far the best value because the ratio of instructional time to transition/set-up time is much better. The 60 minute lesson is also good for the student that simply needs more time or guidance. It also allows for a deeper exploration of a new concept. For most students who often have limited practice time, the 30 minute lesson is more than enough time to keep a student busy all week.
Q: When can lessons be taken?
A: Weekdays during the day as well as some evenings.
Q: Do you give lessons in people’s homes?
A: No.
Q: Do you offer group lessons?
A: Yes (Please contact me to discuss a specific plan)
Q: How can I help my child learn?
A: Be supportive. Even if you are not musically inclined, you should encourage your child’s efforts. Find ways to praise your child and give occasional rewards. Do not threaten or use practice time as a punishment. Such actions make music study unpleasant, unrewarding, and — almost always — unsuccessful. Encourage regular practice sessions. No one can "cram" for music lessons. it’s best to have regular, daily practice sessions. Someone who doesn’t practice will not learn the material. Practicing each day will guarantee success. Quality practice time is important. It is okay to break up the practice into smaller periods of time for students who have a hard time practicing for longer periods of time. Some children profit from two or three (shorter) practice sessions a day.
Q: Should I attend my child’s lessons?
A: Parents are always welcome to attend their child’s lessons. However, doing so sometimes inhibits the child. This is especially true with adolescents. On the other hand, young children are sometimes more comfortable if a parent is present. If you do attend your child’s lessons, please let the teacher do the teaching. Be attentive.