Musika Quick Stats
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Lesson Special - Up to 20% OFF! Get Started Now with a Risk-Free Trial!
Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Guitar lessons in Philadelphia . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar
Hailing from Philadelphia area, I grew up in a family of professional musicians. My diverse musical life has brought me to a number of stages: solo recitals, jazz big band, and electro-rock to name a few. While I love playing, I bring just as much passion to teaching, and love helping people of all ages achieve their goals and to help them find their way. Learning music is as much about the journey as the end goal, and I try to make that journey as fun and worthwhile as possible. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar
My philosophy of teaching has always been to customize the student's lessons to match their interests, while ensuring that they receive a extensive foundation that will let them move in any direction they may choose. The methods and materials that I select for my students are always focused on enjoyment as well as efficacy. The goal is to get the student playing musically as soon as possible. While I stress the importance of practicing effectively, I understand that students move at their own pace and tailor the lessons to reflect this. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar
I have a love for teaching students of all levels and ages. My specialty as a guitarist is in jazz, but I bring that love for improvised music to a number of other styles: blues, rock, funk, acoustic/fingerstyle, country, folk, ska, reggae, RB etc. I graduated from Duquesne University in 2013 with a degree in jazz performance. Pittsburgh is a great jazz town with a fantastic local scene, which was a very fun and nurturing environment for me as a student. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Drums
My methods are in service of the cultivation of interest. Mainly I want the student to focus on learning how to play the music they want to play. The key to cultivating interest is to nurture the social, communicative and fun elements of playing music; associating the laughter and exhilaration with learning. I'm a self taught musician - I know that music is intuitive enough to learn without getting overly text-book about it, and I think focusing too much on the book at an early age can turn away potential musicians. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Double Bass
I have been studying and playing music since I was 7. I began on saxophone in my school's concert band and jazz band proceded by my own musical endeavors on electric bass playing rock and jazz music. I spent high school gigging Philadelphia with The Paisley Haze Quintet. In my undergrad studies at University of Vermont, I picked up the upright bass, studying both jazz and classical styles. I became heavily active in the Burlington, VT music scene performing with such groups as: The Object Three, Nuevos Comediantes, Divine Lorraine, Anna Pardenik and the Holy Smoke-Off, Brass Balagan, Duke Aeroplane and the Wrong Numbers, and Grup Anwar. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar
I want to build a course that reaches your every desire of whatever musical path you decide to take. Instead of just teaching the basics I run my courses like a college every student chooses a major genre to want to play and a minor. From those two genres I add on additional genres to touch of in the course to make your new found musical ability that mush more unique. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar
I make sure that all of my students are getting what they want out of their lessons and the instrument that they are learning in general. My philosophy is that if a student isn't enjoying their lessons then I am not doing my job to the fullest potential. While they are learning the music they love, I make sure that they are gaining knowledge in music theory, as well as improving their technique and repertoire. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Students need to practice at least four days a week, covering everything we've gone over in the lesson. Don't worry about mistakes - think of them as questions from your fingers that can be answered in the lesson.
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If he/she can: sit still and pay attention for half an hour,
recognize colors or
count from 1 - 5
recognize numbers from 1 - 5
When will I start to see results?
Immdeiately. For children the first lesson consists with keyboard games and simple exercises that they can do either on their own or with the help of a parent. From there we move on to simple songs that they can play on their own or with a bit of parental help. For adults, we begin with very basic exercises, and I give very clear instructions that students can follow from the first day we work together.
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My second teacher, Mrs. Natalie Cherney, was a tremendous inspiration. She was a great player and a fair, tough teacher. I think of her all the time and am always grateful to her.
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
Not sure with piano. I started asking for one when I was three. For guitar, I wanted to play in the folk choir at the Catholic school I went to. I thought acoustic guitars looked extremely cool and sounded incredible. I started teachimg myself when I was nine.
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Putting together a tour of New England colleges (using Amtrak and Greyhound) on the strength of a demo cassette. In February, no less.
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Speed and volume dynamics for piano - the mechanics of expression. For guitar rhythmic complexity is challenging.
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I use John Thompson method books in beginner piano classes with children. The songs are wonderfully tuneful and provide a solid introduction to the musical structures and techniques needed to play classical music. When students are done with the first grade book, I move on to the Guild Repertoire books, for a wonderful cross-section of Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern piano literature. For guitar, I use the Mel Bay method books. I love its clarity: the guitar neck diagrams and explanations of note values are very easy to understand. I also like the way they introduce string-to-string playing gradually.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
When I practice piano, I begin with scales, cadences and arpeggios. I move onto 'warm-up' songs, usually something I'm working on with my students. I then get into the more challenging stuff that I'm working on for my own pleasure: usually a Bach piece, a Beethoven and a Chopin.
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody.
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Teaching elementary school, probably kindergarten, first or second grade.
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
On piano, baroque music. On guitar, blues and rock rhythm.
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My paternal grandmother was a touring ragtime pianist who led her band. My maternal grandfather played by ear. My mother played a little - taught me the C major scale. All my siblings took lessons (piano, drums, guitar) so there were instruments in the house. I'm the only one to make it my profession.
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
The defining moment was when I was a senior in college. I did an open mic in Greenwich Village, and felt like I'd come home.
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Guitar lessons in Philadelphia to students of all ages and abilities.
We'll then reach out to the teachers for you.
Schedule the risk-free trial lesson directly with the teacher.
Continue with that teacher or try someone else.