Guitar Lessons in Benson, MD

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar

My teaching experience started eleven years ago when I retired from my career as a Systems Engineer. The guitar technique I teach is mostly finger style, which is suitable of a wide variety of solo guitar music, including Pop, Jazz, Rock, and especially Classical. I usually teach at the home of my students if the drive is not too far, but I also teach at my house in Gaithersburg Md, Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress, gain confidence and develop a passion for the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Bass Guitar

I have several tools that I use to get students playing music.  One of my favorite tools is the Music Flashcards made by Bastien.  Rather than teaching notes using an acronym like "every good boy deserves fudge" to teach notes, I use landmarks which get students to see the relationship between notes and allow them to read music with fluidity and ease.  I pair these flashcards with Music Tree book 1 and feel that they compliment each other very well. 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: Piano Guitar Voice

As a student, I would dread the idea of a boring practice, therefore as a teacher, I do all I can to make lessons engaging and useful. I believe that music should be approached holistically and with an open mind rather than trying to force one method to work for everyone, so I strive to tailor my methods according to the needs of each of my students. With that in mind, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for young students, and our lessons will consist of playing from the book, as well as working on crucial skills like ear training and improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet

I always start with what type of music the learner is interested in. This helps engage the learner so that the student comes from a comfortable place, and then we use the lessons from that music to apply and expand to other genres. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I like to let the student chose some pieces that they like or are interested in playing. I will play the piece for the student so that they know what it sounds like. I go through as book like "Solo Guitar Playing" by Frederick Noad with the student. After they achieve some proficiency on the instrument, I will allow them to pick other pieces from their guitar books or I will suggest pieces that they might like and wish to learn. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I really enjoy and endorse Hal Leonard's guitar teaching books. They are widely available, affordable and easy to read and comprehend for beginners. I like to develop a personalized lesson plan for each student beginning with an evaluation during the first lesson. I like to ask a lot of questions pertaining to the students' musical background, learning preferences and musical tastes. I then focus on fundamentals, practice regimens and music theory. Read More