Private Lessons with Sean McLeod - Music Instruction – RiverCity Rock Star Academy Music Store

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Sean McLeod’s love for music began in childhood, with his parents recognizing his innate talent from a young age. By age six, Sean was singing with the Spokane Area Children’s Choir, followed by piano lessons that eventually led him to the guitar at age 12. Inspired by iconic bands like Nirvana and Green Day, Sean formed his first band, Low Octane, at age 12 and began performing professionally in clubs by 14.

Sean’s musical journey includes studying with esteemed guitarists Christopher Woitach and Garry Meziere and earning a Bachelor of Music in Contemporary Music from Western Oregon University. While at Western, he played in ensembles such as the Western Hemisphere Orchestra and the university’s Guitar Ensemble, gaining extensive experience in jazz and big band styles.

Over the years, Sean has performed with various groups, including Acting Captain, The Hornswogglers, and his current band, Boundless Joy. Known for his laid-back and fun teaching style, Sean has been guiding students for over 13 years. His philosophy emphasizes the joy of learning, aiming to leave students feeling inspired and confident after each lesson.

Currently, Sean leads RiverCity’s Regents jazz group and has been involved in the Rockers and Renegades programs. When not teaching, Sean enjoys composing original music, collecting retro video games, attending trivia nights, and golfing. He is dedicated to helping students find their own excitement and creativity in music, whether it’s through mastering an instrument or starting their own band.

• Our goal is to teach you to play the music that you want to learn- teaching all styles and genres of music: rock, pop, metal, jazz, and more!

• All our teachers are working professional musicians who are passionate about teaching music - focused on helping you reach your musical goals

Music Education FAQs

What makes your group classes different than a conventional music lesson program?

When you enroll in a Group Class with us, you will have a weekly 1-on-1 lesson on your instrument of choice- in addition, the weekly group rehearsal involves music exercises, learning group songs, correct band equipment set-up/break-down, and so much more! Our classes culminate in an opportunity to perform with your group for your family and friends. This means students enjoy the best of all learning scenarios- private learning, along with learning is a group.

What does my skill level need to be to join Rivercity Rock Star Academy?

Zero experience is needed! We have different programs suitable for first time beginners to advanced musicians. We get everyone playing a real song right away.

Do I need to know how to read sheet music?

No, it's not required, but always helpful. We will teach you what you will need to know based on your skill level and experience.

Can I play multiple instruments at the school?

You'll have the opportunity to play multiple instruments and/or sing if you're interested. We encourage all of our students to play multiple instruments and sing. Our coveted Five Star Award goes to a student who plays 5 or more different instruments or sings in one show!

Do I need to have my own instrument(s)?

No! We have instruments at the studio for you to use. If you have your own instrument, you are welcome to bring it.

Am I too young/old for the program?

We have music education programs for kids, teens, and adults! Private lessons are open to all ages. Check out our Classes page for group learning options by age range.

How does billing work?

Private Lessons- Monthly

One-on-one private lessons are billed on a monthly cycle. The first monthly payment is due before the start of your first lesson. You can enroll for lessons and make your first payment on our website through an individual teachers private lesson page, filling out the required fields, and going through checkout. Registration for lessons through our website will automatically enroll you in an automatically paid subscription, which is billed every 30 days.

If you run into any issues during the registration process, or need to pay by cash or check, please call or send us an email and we can make other arrangements for you.

We offer family discounts for multiple students registered for lessons. Please call or email us to see what discounts your family is eligible for!

Programs- Monthly or Seasonally

Our program & class billing is based on a 10-week or 12-week season rehearsal schedule for Fall, Winter, and Spring; Our 2025 Summer programs will be 8 weeks. Once you have registered for a class or program, your first payment will be completed. Monthly billing is scheduled every 30 days until the class is paid in full.

If you are unable to pay the full balance before the season begins, a $50.00 deposit is required to hold your spot. Our billing team can send you an invoice for the deposit and this would be deducted from the first payment of your billing. Cash and Check payments can also be accepted. Just give us a call or send an email if you'd like to set this up.

Camps/Workshops

Camps and Workshops will be paid in full upon online registration. If you'd like to hold your spot in a camp or workshop and cannot pay the full balance, we can invoice you for a $50.00 deposit that will be deducted from your balance, which will be due before the camp or workshop begins. For Summer Camps, before and after care is available, which is billed at an hourly rate. This time will be billed separately and we can send you an invoice based on your family's needs. Please send an email or give us a call and we can offer more details about this option.

Do you offer scholarships?

RiverCity participates in the Salem Music Initiative program that provides scholarships and tuition assistance to qualified students for lessons, music classes, camps, and workshops. To find out more, please schedule a visit or contact us.

RiverCity Rock Star Academy offers group music classes for all ages, as well as a comprehensive private lesson program.

Have a different question? contact us!

Drum Lessons

My seven year old loves his lessons with Sean! Sean is approachable, relaxed, but with a clear direction for each lesson.

Sean is rad

Always happy, always smiling, my kid loves him. Not controlling and let’s my son learn things he likes. Very happy with Sean

Sean makes it look easy!

Great teacher and easy to follow. I had a blast and I learned a lot:)

Look Forward to Every Lesson

Sean is a terrific guitar teacher! He's professional, patient, listens and responds to my level and goals. I couldn't have asked for a better match.

Lessons

Sean is very knowledgeable and encouraging. Sometimes material is gone through faster than I'm always understanding it but that may just be a normal part of learing an instrument. I'm very new to playing any instrument and have never taken lessons prior to this. That may be part of the reason for that so I don't really see that as a con. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is I feel he often gets on his phone during lessons.