Meet Your Instructor
I am a professional guitarist, pianist, and composer with a bachelor's degree from UCLA, and 2 master's degrees from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. I have been teaching guitar and piano lessons to students of all ages for 20 years. Music is the universal language that brings us together and has been a lifelong passion of mine. I create a unique and individualized curriculum for each student that blends fun, hard work and exciting challenges. Learning a musical instrument expands our creativity with disciplined practice. These skills will help lay the foundation for artistic freedom and success. I want your musical process of learning and improving to be as gratifying and fulfilling as possible.
In addition to creating the John Vidovic Music Academy, I had the privilege to be a judge at UIL (University Interscholastic League) solo and ensemble festival in March of 2023. I am currently an adjunct professor of music for guitar and piano at Lone Star College - University Park, and an adjunct professor of guitar at Houston Christian University.
MM Guitar Performance 2019. San Francisco Conservatory of Music
MM Composition 2017. San Francisco Conservatory of Music
BA Music 2011. University of California Los Angeles
Artist Diploma Certificate 2015. Paris, France
Artist Diploma Certificate 2014 with Honors in Harmony. Paris, France
Studio Policies
My Mission to You:
JV Music Academy is a studio that teaches the discipline needed to master your instrument. The reward is the freedom to express yourself through the creative powers of music, and every student has the potential for mastery.
Parent (Guardian) Attendance:
A parent or guardian must be present during the time of the scheduled lesson. If this is not possible, alternative times may be scheduled. The lesson will be billed as a cancellation if a parent or guardian is absent.
Methods and Materials:
Although these texts are not required, they are highly recommended. They can be purchased at most local music stores, as well as through the links provided.
Guitar: Although these texts are not required, they are highly recommended. They can be purchased at most local music stores, as well as through the links provided.
Mel Bay or Hal Leonard series for picking/strumming.
Frederick Noad or Christopher Parkening for classical. Supplemental music is also provided in addition to these texts.
Piano:
For both guitar and piano, I also have the option of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) exam preparation. These are graded up to level 10 and are internationally recognized curriculum.
Recitals and Performances:
Two recitals per year, in both Spring and Fall semesters.
Recitals are not required, but they are highly recommended to achieve the goals that we set for you.
Any additional performance opportunities will be sent to students as they arise.
Media Release:
I have an active website, Facebook, Instagram, and Yelp accounts. Unless otherwise requested, photos/videos of lessons or recitals may be used as promotional materials. First names may be used in photo credit.
Attendance:
Consistency is the key to success.
All lessons will begin and end on time.
24 hours advance notice is required for all cancellations. If the required notice is not received, the lesson is ineligible for a make-up and will be billed to you.
Discontinuing lessons requires a two week notice prior to billing.
(Summer breaks are not included in the lesson plans; a two week notice is required)
Excessive absences may result in lessons being charged, regardless of the 24 hour policy.
Make-up lessons may also be done via distance learning, upon request.
Practice Routine:
Your daily practice goal should be equal to the length of your lesson.
Use a practice journal. JV Music Academy can provide you a journal, upon request.
Listen to and watch artists that you enjoy for extra fun and motivation!
Payment:
Cash, check, Paypal, Googlepay, Applepay, and Venmo are also accepted. These forms of payment are not automatically billed and are expected to be paid in a timely manner. They are agreed upon after the trial lesson.
All forms of payments only cover one month of lessons at a time. The rates reflects 48 weeks of lessons, with the following holidays observed:
Thanksgiving (five days from Wednesday before the holiday through Sunday)
Christmas and New Year (December 23 - January 3rd)
4th of July (day-of, only)
Spring break (dependent on school schedules)
Instrument Selection:
I am happy to assist in finding the right instrument for your needs and musical interests.
Guitars: acoustic, electric and classical (nylon strings). Straps are normally used for electric and acoustic guitars.
Picks are used for strumming and playing both acoustic or electric guitar.
Footstools/guitar supports are used for classical playing.
Pianos: electric keyboards, uprights and grands.