Guitar Lessons in George Washington, DC

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Lap Steel Guitar Ukulele Double Bass Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I sincerely believe that even the most basic material can be made to "sound good", and I stress this from the beginning. I'm big on playing duets. I'll tend to toss in tidbits about the physics of sound, or how muscle memory works. I like to engage the curiousity of the student in this way. I like to ask students about what music they like, and what they would like to do--play in a school talent show? Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning piano students, I use a combination of books from Alfred's, Faber, John Thompson's. At the same time, I emphasize proper finger technique, shape, and position. For more advanced piano students I prefer exercises from Hanon, Czerny, and Bartk. For beginning guitar students, I prefer Mel Bay books. However, for guitar students I also use a much more individual and custom approach for learning how to get a good sound out of the guitar through proper hand position, finger placement and pressure, and string picking. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe the single most important part of a musician's work begins in the ear. Building a foundation in aural training, and understanding what you're hearing, will allow any student to then approach an instrument with clarity and patience. For most students at beginning or intermediate levels, I'll use a dual-curriculum approach to develop ear training/theory understanding alongside technical skill and practical ability. I create my own lesson plans with each student's needs in mind, in order to help them follow their personal path to musical success. Read More

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

I always want my students to strive, as I do, toward an ideal, without an attachment to the result.  For example, if a student wants to play like Jimi Hendrix and become a Rock Star, we will talk about what it takes to reach that goal and work (and play) diligently and enthusiastically toward it, and when difficulties inevitably arise, that's OK.  Keep up the practice and you will most likely reach your goal. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Keyboard

Adult students I have taught typically want to learn to do two things: 1) accompany themselves on an instrument while singing a popular song or 2) learn to play with others ... whether that be a jam session during a jazz set ... or playing behind someone else that is singing or playing a lead instrument. For these adult learners I lean toward teaching chords, arpeggios and scales. Important: I suggest that a student only practice 15 to 20 minutes a day ... whatever amount of time it takes to cover the lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

I find my greatest joy in sharing music! I'm currently working on a Professional Jazz Guitar Certificate from the Berklee Academy of Music Online, but I have been studying as many genres as I am able to over the years. I love performing and having jam sessions with my friends, and I love meeting new musicians! I was performing in Southern Maryland but recently moved around the D.C area to begin my professional teaching career. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I love playing guitar and strive to share the passion with others. I have been performing since I began playing guitar 12 years ago. In 2012, I began my studies at Oberlin Conservatory music as a Jazz Guitar Performance major. I graduated in 2017, with a B.M. in Jazz Guitar Performance and a B.A. in Political Science. My experience has granted me the opportunity of performing many styles of music in a variety of ensembles. Read More