Guitar Lessons in South Alexandria, DC

Instruments: Guitar Voice Keyboard

My formal education in music started in high school ... later ... I won a scholarship to attend Cornell University (1973) where I was admitted to the music department where I studied keyboards, operatic voice, music theory, arranging, orchestral scoring and conducting. While receiving Classical training at the university, I also lead a 12-piece band ... performing jazz and rb around upstate New York and surrounding areas. After college I arrived in the DC metropolitan area where I have performed on many stages ... both with an accompaniment band and solo ... opening up for artists such as Steve Oliver, Nick Colionne, Jeffrey Osborne, Joyce Cooling and others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For students of all ages, it is important to remember that the individual is key. From the youngest beginner to the seasoned pro, everyone learns in their own individual way. Because of this, I find it very necessary to hone in on the interests, aptitude, and abilities of each of my students in order to give them the best possible instruction. A student who is engaged on their own terms and who has a say in their own path through music instruction often becomes a successful and lifelong musician. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

Lesson style is fresh, fun and includes an objective of what the student can expect to accomplish by the end of that lesson. I am enthusiastic and like students to come away from every lesson feeling like they have something to show! When lesson begins, we get right down to it. After older material is reviewed, we begin on the current lesson. Afterward, I ask my students to write down their assignment in their Assignment Log. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I cater to the needs of every student. My enjoyment from music lessons is sparked by the enjoyment of my students. I find the appropriate level of engagement and challenge for every student, and apply strategies and assignments accordingly. I've worked with so many students over the years, that my style is that which is flexible based upon student interest. I am able to teach Classical, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Folk, Pop, and every style in between because I find a way to teach songs that my students like. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

The most satisfying moment as a teacher is when a student finally "gets it", and for students, I find that lessons are the most fun when the student feels capable and not overwhelmed. I like to challenge my students and encourage them to exceed even their own expectations of their abilities. With this in mind, my overall teaching philosophy emphasizes gaining technical mastery over the student's chosen instrument, strong music reading and theory skills, along with creativity and improvisation to turn them into well rounded players who can hold their own in just about any music setting from the stage to the studio. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginners students I always try my best to find out what is the best method that suits the student to start with , I use almost all the methods of Guitar teaching plus practices that I developed from my long experience , working on both hands techniques, fingering and rhythmic advancing. For students who already had lessons before or been playing ,I always start with there current level and finding out if some missing techniques to be able to address the missing lessons and take from that point. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For beginner students I will utilize either the "Alfred's Basic Piano Library" or "Faber - Hal Leonard's Piano Adventures" with the particular books selected to fit the student's age and skill level. I also enhance lessons by integrating scale pattern practice as well as exploration with simple boogie-woogie bass patterns; encouragement to sing and play where the lessons provide such an arrangement; and tinkering creating very simple melody lines and lyrics. Read More