James Lipka is a graduate of Berklee College of Music with a degree in Professional Music. He has been gigging professionally for over 10 years as a member of the Ogham Stones, the 1.21, Tractor Jerry and the Mudbucket among others. He has also worked as a pit musician for the Ephrata Performing Arts Center and the
Bare Bones Theate Ensemble. Through this wide array of experience, James has gained a working knowledge of many styles of music. He is also an accomplished fingerstyle guitar player. As a guitar instructor, James believes in a well rounded approach to the instrument with an emphasis on music theory, ear training and reading. In addition he has an emphasis on guitar specific techniques and concepts. He is available for lessons Monday-Friday.
Alan Hill has been teaching private guitar and electric bass lessons in Lancaster County for over 20 years. He has played in numerous bands over the years including Organic, Mostly Harmless, Bjorn Jacobson and his current band Snapsquatch.
Personalized lessons from beginner to advanced and the art of improv are Alan's specialties... "There are many paths to success on an instrument. Let's work together to find the best one for you!"
My personal mission statement is as follows, “I consider myself a musical mentor. The instruments are just the vehicle for them to love music and through that process, to love themselves.” I have 33+ years of combined experience. I have played in bands such as; Rombis, Sugarcoat and Jet City Vega. In this time, I have drawn large crowds consistently at The Village and Chameleon Club. My band, Sugarcoat was a multi-state touring band with 40+ gigs in our schedule consistently. I’ve had the pleasure to record a full length album with Obie O’Brien at Blackbird Studios (Bon Jovi, Danny Gatton etc.) As I’ve told parents of inquiring students my approach to teaching makes me unique.I tend to make an investment of myself into my students. I consider myself a musical mentor and not just a guitar/bass instructor.The instrument is just the vehicle for that. I have multiple students past and present using what they have learned, playing in bands.
Rich graduated with his bachelors degree in Music Performance in 2013 with a concentration in percussion performance and currently resides in Lancaster PA. He has a grown reputation as an outstanding educator in national competitive performing arts at the highest levels, instructing world class youth ensembles and individuals. His experience has resulted in his participation in several national tours spanning the past decade, working with students of all ages and levels of experience. Rich maintains a regular teaching schedule here at Tone Tailors and is a great addition to the team as he is a perfect fit for students just beginning or coming to advance their skills in drum set and percussion.
Laura is a graduate of Millersville University with a BA in Music Business majoring in voice with two years study in Music Education. She also completed core studies in Communicative Disorders {Speech Therapy} at West Chester University. Laura has performed since adolescence in various country, pop and rock bands and applies her classical training in teaching these genres. She teaches a whole body method approach to singing which includes muscular mechanics and coordinated breath control allowing the student to be spontaneous, expressive and confident. She is accepting students for Theatrical, Worship, Pop, Country, Rock. Her mission is to help each student to become better at the music they love. Laura is also available for beginning lessons on flute, clarinet, saxophone and piano.
