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I love teaching and helping others realize their dreams of playing the guitar. I’ve been performing for many years, in many different musical settings (see bio) and bring much practical experience to my guitar teaching.
Some people want to play tunes in their living room with friends, some want to join a rock band, some want to play jazz or bossa nova standards, while others love the intricacies of classical guitar music. I can help students achieve a variety of musical goals such as these. Lessons are personalized for you based on your skill level and your own musical knowledge, style of music and musical goals.
I teach both Adults and Kids, from complete beginners to more advanced players.
Adults: Some of my students are adults who are new to guitar or are picking it back up after a short, or much longer, time off. Others are more seasoned players. If you’re thinking about starting on the guitar, it’s never too late! No matter what age, it will give you countless hours of enjoyment.
Kids: I teach children ages nine and older. Guitar is a fun instrument, and learning an instrument has many great benefits for kids, such as listening, problem solving, math, teamwork, and self-esteem.
Beginners and near beginners will learn basic guitar chords and strums and fundamental skills of good guitar playing that will give you a basis for further study in any other style. I’ll get you “up and running,” playing actual songs right away. Learn to play songs by artists such as the Beatles, Sheryl Crow, Eric Clapton, Green Day – or any other artists of your choice – with confidence and competence. No prior musical experience needed, and no note reading is required.
As you get more advanced, we’ll build on the fundamental skills and concepts you’ve learned with more sophisticated chords, chord patterns, strums, arpeggios and runs.
Beyond the basics, I can help you pursue these styles:
- Modern/contemporary/pop – We’ll key in on whatever popular artists or styles you listen to and want to play, or play in a more sophisticated way.
- Jazz guitar is my specialty. We can cover such areas as learning jazz harmony and chords, learning how to improvise, transcribing solos, learning different jazz standards and playing chord-melody solos.
- Latin jazz/bossa nova – Learn the songs and specialized strums, including “Girl From Ipanema” and other well-known tunes.
- Blues/Rock – Classic rock including Eric Clapton and others.
- Folk/Rock – I grew up learning the great finger-picking styles of James Taylor, Simon & Garfunkel, Crosby Stills & Nash and the like, and these are always fun to learn and play.
- Classical guitar – Beginning to more advanced repertoire. Classical guitar music is not only beautiful and satisfying to play, it also provides a foundation in note reading and guitar technique that will prepare you to go further in any other style. Some students choose to pursue both classical guitar and another style such as rock or jazz guitar simultaneously.
Music theory, harmony, and ear-training, which I cover as a necessity in some styles (like jazz), can also be covered in connection with other styles if you wish as a helpful component of your studies.
My goals are to teach you not only the technique and mechanics of good guitar playing, but also how to practice effectively and how to set reasonable goals and solve musical problems. We’ll use an organized approach, asking where you are, where you want to go, and how we’re going to get there. And though your learning won’t be without effort, we’ll work on keeping it fun!
As a teacher, I try to ensure my own continual learning in the area of music pedagogy by keeping up with writings on guitar and music teaching techniques. I am a member of the National Association for Music Education.
Where I teach: I teach at my home studio in Bethesda, Maryland (close to NIH and the YMCA, the Beltway and 270), which has an adjacent waiting room for parents. I also travel within a limited area to teach at students’ homes (at a higher hourly rate).
Extras:
Guitar rentals: I have guitars available for rent at a low cost ($19/month plus deposit) (depending on supplies).
Networking: I’m hoping to develop a way for students to network and get together to play informally or in musical groups. Stay tuned.
Guitar materials and accessories: For your convenience, I have available at my studio guitar strings, picks, capos, music paper, music books, and other items.
Rates and availability:
I have studio times available both during the afternoon and early evening hours, and some hours on the weekend. I can be flexible with your schedule.
Rates for lessons are $30 for 30 minute lessons, $45 for 45 minutes, and $60 for an hour.
Trial lesson: I am happy to arrange an initial meeting and trial lesson at no obligation and no cost.
Contact me and let's talk and discuss your goals and needs.
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