Guitar Lessons in Sudley Springs, VA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I never want to pressure or overwhelm a student with too much information or expectation, because instead of the instruction being seen as a challenge, it is interpreted as an unenjoyable command, and that discourages the student from practicing to meet their goals, instead of motivating and inspiring them. What I find works best is relating lessons to popular current music, further exploring the bridge of dynamics that make up the songs that the student enjoys. Read More

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

For younger students I usually recommend a method book or I make copies from my own library for the student.  I usually will teach fundamentals through a book, but I always look for opportunities to convey musical principles in a more natural way, and especially for kids, fun is the most important method there is.  Often times a student will stumble upon something interesting unintentionally and I use these moments to teach, because it both encourages them to recognize their natural talent and helps the student to make connections from their limited technical skills to greater conceptual knowledge. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar

Since I'm primarily a Classical Guitar player, I emphasize the technique required for it, which is mainly finger-style. My primary teaching method is derived from Aaron Shearer, which many famous guitarists have used, including the well known Manuel Barrueco. The main instruction book is written by Aaron Shearer, which teaches classical guitar technique and standard music notation sight reading, but I'm also flexible. If I see a student would prefer to strum and accompany their own or others singing, I teach from Hal Leonard's Complete Guitar Method book. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I encourage small but daily practice. you don't have to play guitar for 4 hours a day to make good progress. Just 15 minutes every day will be sufficient especially when you first start out. It is deeply satisfying when i see a student grasp a concept that they worked so hard on. set realistic goals and don't try to overwhelm yourself by trying to play extremely difficult music in a short amount of time. basics is key if you know the basics you can do the harder things and with ease. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I started teaching private lessons on guitar and bass in the mid-1970's, after playing for about 10 years. If you want to learn to play, you have to practice. It is a physical and mental exercise that is a significant challenge to any beginnner and and on-going project that you can work on for your entire life. That's why I emphasize, encourage and enable you with many methods and techniques to keep yourself focused on praciticing, rehearsing and performing so it becomes part of your daily routine. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For young beginners, I generally will start with a beginning method book (such as Hal Leonard's Essential Elements) but the book will depend on the instrument as well. For older students, I want to know what kind of music they enjoy playing or listen to, and guide them along to reach their goals--whether that be to play in a band, write and record an album, or just become a better player! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Double Bass Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I like to find out why my students are interested in playing music. This helps me to create a lesson plan for each individual one. I like to start out teaching using Alfred's beginner books, and progress from there. Each student learns at a different pace, so I base my lessons off of their progress. I have found that doing this helps keep the student motivated and encouraged in the process of learning their given instrument. Read More