Guitar Lessons in Edgefield, VA

Instruments: Guitar

My main goal right off the bat for my students is to get them playing from the very first lesson, starting with basic chords, and even have them practice a simple riff or lick from a song that they might recognize. In my philosophy, because this is how I was taught, it is important to keep the student interested, having fun, while still learning the things that they may consider "boring." I do this by implementing songs that they may know, or songs that they want to learn, and use that to teach what chords the song is using, what scales it might be using, and from that, have them practice the song and chord or scale accordingly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I possess excellent communication skills, that is to say, I listen well to my students before I speak. My students are free and encouraged to express their goals and they become comfortable doing so. They begin to understand that even though I am their instructor, we are working as a team and that my goals for them are directly tied to the goals they have set for themselves. I always use easy to understand and practical piano books chosen based on the student's experience, age, and goals. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Harmonica Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Encouragement is one of the most important things for learning an instrument. I've heard from many students how much easier it is for them to take private lessons instead of being on display in front of a group. It can be disheartening to hear other players in a class setting who can play more proficiently than you. Private lessons offer exactly what it states: privacy. I want my students to be comfortable and safe and not feel judged on their journey of learning. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

For beginning students I usually encourage a method book such as Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method or a Fingerstyle method book. At the same time I introduce basic chords and try to introduce songs as early as possible to show the practicality of all that is being learned. For intermediate students I ask what would like to be learned and what techniques they would like to see themselves doing in the near future. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods vary student to student- we all learn differently and my objective is to find what works, wether it be a quick demonstration, or a complete breakdown right to the fundamentals. No student is too slow nor incapable. One of the things I really keep my eye on is technique- nothing is more detrimental to a student's progress than poor technique and adaptation! I can quickly spot these future difficulties, and help the student develop the proper means and WHY -with encouragement and positive reinforcement! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods will depend to a degree upon each individual student's musical tastes and ambitions. For example, I would put much more focus on developing picking hand foundations for a classical guitarist while the fretting hand would receive more early attention for the metal shredder. This said, there are common general goals that can be set for all guitarists as they track and improve their skills. The guitar is a physical tool, and it is learned as such: the student learns how to handle the tool, how to carry out the various uses of the tool, and how to apply the tool's uses to the art they wish to create. Read More