Guitar Lessons in Community, VA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

Michael's approach to voice training is grounded in physiological and developmentally appropriate techniques. While this does not necessarily preclude any particular style of music, he believes very strongly that vocal health and well-being should take precedence in one's study of singing and that it is good for students to gain a diverse musical experience. Read More

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

I started out at the age of nine playing the trumpet, and continued this for two years before switching to piano. Ultimately, I found my love in playing the guitar, and took lessons for two years. As time went on, I advanced as a guitarist and actually expanded into new musical instruments. I began playing in local rock and r&b bands at the age of 15. These were some of my most influential experiences, as they expanded my musical tastes into jazz fusion, swing, standards and Latin Jazz. After graduating high school, I attended community college and then went to New York to study jazz theory, where I played a few sets with Sweetback in 2000 that led up to being asked to play with the band. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The most important thing for me is that the student is playing in every lesson. I like to know what the student enjoys listening to, and go from there. It is my belief that there is nothing too hard to learn. Whatever the student is interested in, I promise we can get there. Learning songs not only helps build interests, but is one of the best ways to learn. I strongly believe in the importance of improvisation because I believe it helps develop many skills, and I love jamming with students in lessons. Read More

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

The student and I focus on classical fingerstyle techniques as well as all aspects of each piece of classical guitar sheet music. This includes adhering to the pieces' given key and time signatures, dynamics, accents and ultimately executing the given piece of music with precision and distinct feeling. Notable compositions studied include those of Bach, Sor, Tarrega, Carcassi, Guliaini, Carulli as well as pieces composed and arranged for other instruments from Mozart, Pachabel, Tchaicovsky, and more "Some people think music education is a privilege, but I think it is essential to being human."-- Jewel "I think music in itself is healing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

I truly believe music should be a fun and rewarding experience. It brings me great joy seeing my students progress in their musical abilities. I encourage students to explore their talents and discover what it is they love about their instrument. If students wants to compose and write music I encourage and help them. If students have a recital or a performance coming up, we will take time to fully prepare for the gig, wether it is a talent show or competition. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

My approach varies depending on the student's skill level and chosen instrument, but for beginners I always try to get them familiarized with their instrument: teaching them the basics of reading music and how to navigate the different keys (or strings, etc.). From there I start teaching various musical concepts, the rudiments of music theory, and begin introducing them to different styles of music. When the student is advanced enough, I start having them run through my own custom designed technique and skill drills, and have them start selecting music that they would like to perform on their own. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I start out with basic warm ups scales..etc.. Then I go into 30 min of song learning and the last hour is music theory and teaching a little bit of composition I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I will give the parents and the students a report of the current progress i will give them notes and material to go by as well. Read More