Guitar Lessons in Chesapeake, VA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
First, are their hands big enough to wrap around the neck of the guitar? If yes, that's a good start. Do they show an interest in learning guitar? Are they into music in general? If yes, then I think they're ready to learn an instrument. If a child is being forced to learn an instrument, it most likely won't go well. It needs to come from a place of curiosity and excitement. Granted, the child may go through spells of not wanting to play guitar while learning, but that's normal. Do they have a natural passion to learn?

When will I start to see results?
I can't guarantee or promise results after a specific amount of time because the results a student sees are heavily dependant on their work ethic. How good a student gets at playing an instrument is up to how badly they want it and how often they intentionally practice. Theoretically, though, a student who practices consistently and effectively should see improvement within the first couple of lessons. As they learn chords and strumming patterns, through practice and regular lessons, they should see a difference from when they first started.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My uncle was a big inspiration for me as a beginner guitarist. He would do exactly what I now do with my students -- teach them a song they love. He would stay patient, often playing the part over and over again, waiting for me to get it. He would even jot down the chords and notes on how to play the strumming pattern. He just wanted to share the joy of playing guitar. And I do that with my students.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
My mom actually had a guitar that she never played, so that's what I would jam on before I really knew any chords. Also, lots of people I knew played guitar (like my uncle, brother, and friends), and it seemed like fun.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Find a private place so you're not worried about people judging your developing skills. Practice your part(s) over and over again -- play the song, run through the scale, work on the strumming pattern, whatever it is. If you can, play along with the song you're learning. Also, set a timer. Set the timer for at least 10 or 15 minutes (but 30 minutes is a good amount) and practice intentionally until that timer hits 00:00. This will help you avoid noodling on your guitar, daydreaming about being an awesome guitarist, or messing around on your phone.

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