Guitar Lessons in Benson, MD

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar

I received a Bachelor degree in Guitar Performance from Catholic University in Washington DC back in 1980. However, my career was in computer programming for the next 30 years. During this time, I continued to improve my Guitar skills and performed at many venues, including weddings, parties, formal events, and concerts, such as those at Brook Side gardens in Wheaton, the Olney Theater, and Afternoon Teas at Strathmore Hall at the Mansion in Bethesda Md. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Firstly, I teach the student the anatomy of the guitar and how to tune it, along with how to hold a pick. After that, I start teaching students how to identify notes on the fretboard. When they have a good grasp on that, I start to teach the basic modes, such as the major, minor, pentatonic, blues, lydian, mixolydian, and dorian modes, and while they are learning these, I give them exercises that use these modes to increase the student's mechanical skill, such as going up and down the scales in patterns of three/four/etc. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I have been teaching since 1977, and I am as passionate about teaching as I was on my first day! I have taught students of all ages and levels, and learned to customize lessons to fit their stated musical goals. A number of my former students now work in the music field, from music instructors at Towson State University to local freelance musicians. I currently hold the rank if Sergeant in the Maryland Defense Force Band, serving as a percussionist/drummer. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I utilize every instruction manual possible as well as my own experience from 15 years of teaching in the classroom. I am able to differentiate for students with special needs that include developmental delay, accommodation, honors, and gifted. I specialize in classroom instruction as well as private lessons. Depending on student needs and wants, I tailor a specific learning plan to help students progress beyond current skill levels. I make every effort to give students experience in new genres and reinforce knowledge in familiar genres. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Mandolin

I use several different method books for teaching. I try to use the method that best matches the goals of the student or the parents of the student. I currently use: Alfred's, Bastien, Piano Adventures andProgressive methods primarily. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

 In essence it helps to build basic musical vocabulary using skills they already have, but may not know that they have them.  For intermediate, advanced, and older students in general I have a more flexible approach that is based upon their goals or lack thereof.  For all students I always emphasize knowledge of music theory and real life application of their musical education toward realizing their own musical goal or dream, as humble or as grand as it may be. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with John W. Shaum piano course. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More