Today’s teacher showcase blog highlights Nate Sauber, a guitar teacher who teaches in Northern Virginia and DC. By day, Nate works as a writer and editor. By afternoon/evening, Nate shares his love of music with our students in their lessons. While Nate loves writing and holds a degree in English from Furman University, he has also focused heavily through the years on his musical training, taking many music classes and teaching lessons. His specialty is in jazz studies, but he loves a variety of music, including hard rock and artists such as: Stevie Ray Vaughan, BB King, Albert King, and Hendrix. He even admits to playing a little Taylor Swift from time to time.
Continue reading to learn more about Nate in my interview with him.
1. Why did you decide to become a music teacher?
I believe in mentorship. I believe in the power of forging relationships through other mediums such as music. Whether you’re five or fifty-five it doesn’t matter. Selflessness is a quality that’s worth investing in especially when the stock is so low. A favorite musician of mine was once asked how satisfying it feels to know that he had inspired so many people to pick up the guitar. He responded with humility, but more so added, “Imagine how powerful that feeling can be when it is you who is inspiring someone else.” Be someone’s hero.
2. How do you motivate your students?
Motivation is a tailored skill. It is equally as important to understand the person you are teaching as it is the music. Some people respond well to consistent encouragement while others shine when there is some added pressure. For some it’s stickers, for others it’s a fist bump. I have had the blessing in my life to have some wonderful coaches and teachers who knew how to convey this message and push me to be where I wanted to go.
3. What do you hope your students will get out of taking lessons from you?
If we aren’t having fun then what’s the point? Having a music lesson could be someone’s most exciting part of the week. It was for me.
4. What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I am usually playing my guitar shockingly enough. It is as much of a catharsis as it is a dream. However, when I’m not in my bedroom on volume 11, I like spending my time in the company of friends. Like anyone else, I like to stay out late and travel.
5. What are some fun facts that people might not know about you?
I find that birthday cake tastes better when it’s one day old.
I would gladly replace air conditioning with retro oscillating fans.
I hope you enjoyed reading Nate’s responses to my questions. Leave a comment below, and tell me something interesting you learned about him. You can learn even more about him in his bio.
If you’d like more information on starting lessons with him or one of our other wonderful teachers, contact us.
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Have an awesome day!
Sincerely,
Cassie
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