Want to learn music?
Start with Steady Steps.
Book a Free Lesson →Guitar · Bass · Piano · Voice · Songwriting · Music Theory
About Your Teacher
Hi, I'm Nik
I've been playing music my whole life and teaching for over 20 years. I specialize in guitar, bass, piano, and voice. I believe anyone can learn to play music at any age, as long as they approach the learning in the right way.
My approach is simple: we start with what you actually want to play. No boring exercises for the sake of it. No one-size-fits-all curriculum. Just clear, steady progress toward goals that matter to you.
Based in Boise, Idaho, I teach students online across the country and in-person locally. Every lesson comes with a session summary so you always know what to practice and why.
What I Teach
Six Paths to Musical Growth
Whether you're picking up your first instrument or leveling up an existing skill, there's a path for you, online or in-person in Boise, Idaho.
Guitar
From your first open chord to advanced fingerpicking and lead playing. Acoustic or electric, all styles.
Start Guitar Lessons →
Bass
Lock in the groove and hold down the low end. Learn technique, theory, and how to play with a band.
Start Bass Lessons →
Piano
Build a strong foundation in keys: scales, chords, reading music, and playing songs you actually love.
Start Piano Lessons →
Voice
Develop your tone, range, and confidence. Breath control, pitch, technique, and performance covered.
Start Voice Lessons →
Music Theory
Understand how music actually works: intervals, scales, chord progressions, and how to apply it all.
Start Music Theory Lessons →
Songwriting
Turn your ideas into real songs. Melody, lyrics, structure, and the creative process. All covered.
Start Songwriting Lessons →How It Works
Book Your Free Lesson
Fill out the form. I'll usually get back to you the same day and we'll find a time for your free 15-minute demo.
We Talk Music
We'll figure out what you want to play and where you're starting from. That's what the lessons get built around.
You Start Playing
You'll leave the first lesson with something to work on. Every lesson after that picks up where the last one left off.
Pricing
Start with a free demo. No pressure, no commitment.
Demo Lesson
- ✓No commitment required
- ✓Meet your teacher first
- ✓Get a personalized plan
- ✓Online via Zoom
30-Minute Lesson
- ✓Great for beginners & kids
- ✓Focused, efficient sessions
- ✓Online via Zoom or in-person*
- ✓Session notes sent after each lesson
- ✓Save 10% with monthly pre-pay
60-Minute Lesson
- ✓Deep dives & faster progress
- ✓Ideal for dedicated students
- ✓Online via Zoom or in-person*
- ✓Session notes sent after each lesson
- ✓Save 10% with monthly pre-pay
Pre-pay for the month and save 10%. Mention it when you book.
* In-home lessons include an additional $15 travel fee per session, on top of the prices shown above.
Student Stories
What Students Are Saying
“Nik has been teaching our boys for approximately 12 years… He is so very knowledgeable and good at making music fun. Our (now) teenagers don't complain about lessons or practice, because they get to drive where they want to explore, and Nik has been THE BEST teacher.”
“Great teacher, very knowledgeable and patient. Highly recommend.”
Rated 5 stars on Google.
Questions
Frequently Asked
What happens in the free lesson?
It's about 15 minutes, over Zoom. I'll ask what you want to play and where you're starting from, you can ask me anything, and we'll figure out together whether I'm the right teacher for you. Nothing to prepare and no obligation to sign up after.
What ages do you teach?
I teach from about 4th grade on up, including plenty of adults who are starting later than they wish they had. If your child is younger, reach out anyway and we'll talk about whether they're ready.
Do I need any prior experience?
No. Most of my students started with none. Beginning from scratch is an advantage, because we get to build the right habits before any bad ones set in. I also work with players who have hit a plateau and want a way through it.
What if my child doesn't want to practice?
That usually means the music isn't theirs yet. When a student picks what they're working on, practice stops feeling like a chore. I build lessons around what they actually want to play, and that's what keeps them coming back.
How do online lessons work?
We meet on Zoom. After each lesson I send you a summary of what we covered and what to practice, plus any chord charts or sheet music you need.
How often should I take lessons?
Once a week works best for most students. It gives you enough time to practice between sessions without losing momentum. That said, I'm flexible, and we can work out what fits your schedule.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Life happens. I ask for at least 24 hours notice to reschedule or cancel. Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours notice may be charged in full.
Serving Boise and the surrounding Treasure Valley
Get In Touch
Book Your Free Lesson
Fill out the form and I'll get back to you the same day to set up your free 15-minute demo session.