Guitar Lessons in Avon Lake, OH

Instruments: Guitar

I believe each student is unique, and aim to help the student fall deeper in love with the guitar by meeting them where they are at with their own interests and desires with the instrument. I have had multiple different instructors throughout my life, and some of them seem to have had their own agenda and what they wanted me to be learning. I instead prefer to understand what the students goals are with the guitar, and devise lesson plans based on what each student hopes to gain from taking lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Keyboard Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been playing guitar since age 5, and started performing in the US and Europe in 1969. In 1994 I turned my hobby into my profession and started teaching music full-time and performing concerts and small venues. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My first steps into teaching were as a camp counselor at a local music summer camp in Shaker Heights from 2008-2012. During that time I had a few students who were just beginning to play saxophone and clarinet. Those experiences coupled with phenomenal teachers throughout high school inspired me to pursue a bachelor's degree in Music Education at Ithaca College. During my collegiate years I continued honing my abilities and knowledge of all the instruments I play while also studying music theory, conducting, and composition along with researching pedagogical approaches. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

Nothing is better than watching a student make the transition from one level of playing to the next. It is important that each student progress at his or her own pace. This is achieved by setting realistic goals each week. I love to encourage students' success by acknowledging their accomplishments, no matter how small. This helps fuel their desire to get better. I want to know what inspires my students so I can bring that into the lesson every week. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Positive reinforcement is everything! While there will always be room for improvement and growth, it is crucial to acknowledge successes throughout each lesson. Learning a new instrument requires patience, practice, and determination, and reinforcers can be a huge motivator (I know they were for me when I was learning). Realistic goals should be set for the individual at each lesson. Most importantly, it is not a race. Adaptations will be made accordingly based on the learning pace of each student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

For young beginners, I usually start with simple note reading so that they can begin playing tunes right away. When children realize that they can play "Happy Birthday" or "Jingle Bells" after just a couple of lessons, their interest level increases. For older students, I tend to ask "What does playing the guitar look like to you? What do you imagine yourself doing when you ponder it?" This gives me the best idea of what direction we can plan for. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My approach to teaching kids has always emphasized finding joy in the instrument. I will always start with the a good foundation of a solid understanding of music fundamentals and work with the kids at a pace that allows them to grow yet really enjoy what they are doing. For older kids and adults I make sure that I have a good understanding of what they are trying to achieve and provide the tools to allow them to get accomplish their goals. Read More