Guitar Lessons in Catharpin, VA

Instruments: Guitar Voice

I tried to do some training on my own with a couple of exercises that are said to improve the voice but that never seemed to work well on me. At that point I started to look for a voice teacher. I went through different teachers, techniques and methods, and learned some good exercises. I felt that I was improving a little but was never fully satisfied. A couple of years later I heard about the Rabine Method or Functional Voice Method. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods depend both on the experience and interests of the student. Generally, I hope that students acquire enough skills that they can begin teaching themselves. This involves basic technical abilities, understanding of the layout of the guitar, basic reading skills, ear training skills, understanding of music theory, and rhythm skills. I believe that once a student can begin learning on their own time is when real growth happens through practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

My goal is to develop a personal and holistic plan to teach each student. I do not believe in nor was a I a product of 'one size fits all' teaching. Music is a very personal and rewarding lifelong journey and I take special interest in developing each student's love for music and his or her instrument. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

I had an opportunity to start teaching early as a student leader in my high school music program and continuing into college. I've found that my students have a much higher level of success when they are encouraged to practice regularly at home. I use classical repertoire to build techniques across styles and modern music to keep students engaged. If they aren't enjoying themselves, I'm not doing something correctly. I encourage students to enter recitals and competitions as well as create their own original material. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For anyone beginning I make my lessons fun because you have to love music to keep wanting to learn. In person lessons I let them play with my studio equipment my guitars and see what style they like or what sounds they enjoy. Then throw in some chords, some notes or a small scale. Whatever makes music fun is what I will start with. Once my student has a good grasp and is hooked then we work hard on techniques, speed and rhythm. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The first time that we meet, I'll sit down with a new student and ask them about their musical experience and goals so that we can tailor the lessons to their individual needs and so that I can adjust my expectations accordingly. I am very flexible with my approach! During subsequent lessons, I will introduce the student to some basic concepts for their choice instrument(I teach piano, voice, or guitar), bel canto, Marchesi method(s), etc. Read More

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

 In essence it helps to build basic musical vocabulary using skills they already have, but may not know that they have them.  For intermediate, advanced, and older students in general I have a more flexible approach that is based upon their goals or lack thereof.  For all students I always emphasize knowledge of music theory and real life application of their musical education toward realizing their own musical goal or dream, as humble or as grand as it may be. Read More