Guitar Lessons in Emmitsburg, MD

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

 If the student does not reach his/her goal and they put in genuine effort and most importantly, heart, then undoubtedly they have gained from it and I am never one to harshly criticize a student.  If I think they can do better I will tell them how, but for me, music is made primarily for enjoyment and self improvement and not for the approval of others or to be better than others. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching method depends on what the student wants to learn, if they prefer to start learning songs first that is fine but I will still make sure to cover basic music principles in early lessons and incorporate them into the lessons. I can also start with method books but I have found that students don't always want to start there. For students that want a well rounded approach I will combine one of the common method books with simple songs and chords that the student can get going on right away. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I taught music theory and musicianship at Johns Hopkins University from 2007 to 2017. I have also previously taught at Towson University and the University of Arkansas. I have taught private lessons in guitar, piano, composition, music theory, and musical arrangements off and on for the past 16 years. I encourage students to seek out and explore music that they enjoy and wish to master. I have taught students of all ages and can cater to each individual's needs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Mandolin

I have been teaching for the past 26 years and have had as many as 50 regular students a week. I have had several students who have gone onto earn college degrees in music, both inperformance and education. I teach students to read music and provide them a firm foundation in chord structure and music theory that will enable them to play diverse styles of music. Once a student achieves a certain level of compentency, I encourage them to bring music to their lessons that especially appeals to them so they can develop their talent and love of music in a way that serves them best. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar

I have a lot of experience with curriculum development. My favorite books to teach from include Accent on Achievement, Alfred's Piano Book series and Essential Elements. However I can teach without a book on any instruments and compose assignments as I have done in the past. Even if I am teaching using a book, I usually do a lot of ear training and music theory based assignments that are not found in these books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

As far as books go, I prefer the Hal Leonard method, especially for beginner musicians. I combine visual, audio and kinesthetic learning methods to tailor to anyone's needs. After the basics are taught or they're already learned, I assess the student's level and teach the student what they wish to learn to the best of my ability. Read More

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

My experience begins immediately out of college. I gave private music lessons for many years. Soon I began concentrating on playing at the professional level in the Pocono Mountains where I lived. I was in several successful bands with Mickey Day, John Murphy, Spencer Reed, and Ed Ludwig along with others. I returned to teaching when I found a studio in Hackettstown, New Jersey to continue giving private lessons. I gave lessons there for approximately 20 years. Read More