Guitar Lessons in Kenmore, OH

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

Music is the center of my life, and sharing the knowledge and joy with students is my passion. I have been playing professionally for two decades in a variety of styles, and I hold a Ph.d. in Ethnomusicology from The Ohio State University. I have performed in around the world and recently completed a tour of India. Two of my recent albums were selected for the final 2015 Grammy Ballot. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am proficient with electric, acoustic as well as classical guitars. I have studied fingerstyle and enjoy experimenting with different methods of producing sounds on them. I enjoy using Ableton Live as a performance and writing tool. I also dabble in analog synthesis and enjoy playing keys, bass, drums and singing. I take an easy approach to learning with the belief that it should be rewarding to play an instrument and not frustrating. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

First I try to set goals and learn more about the student (schedules, passions, goals, etc.). Then I focus on the basics. The first lesson almost never results in the ability to play anything because it's so important to avoid practicing with improper technique. First the student must learn hand position, how to support the guitar, how to hold the pick and more before a note can be played. Once the student has grasped the fundamentals I move on to a simple song in the category of music that I know they'd like to focus on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Bass Guitar

I have a passion for music. I started on the piano when I was seven years old and I've never looked back. After spending years in grade school, junior high and high school learning and performing in the band program on trumpet and euphonium, I moved on to play euphonium in The Most Exciting Band in the Land, the Ohio University Marching 110! In the Marching 110 I played in front of thousands of people at Ohio University's Peden Stadium and at professional football games in Cincinnati and Buffalo. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Lap Steel Guitar Mandolin

I like to keep a fun, lighthearted, and exciting mood in my lessons. My priority is keeping students working towards their own goals. I certainly hope to influence those goals, but if the student doesn't have the motivation, no one else can help them. In some ways, I view myself not as a teacher, but as a guide. A student can be their own best teacher, but without guidance and explanation, it is easy to get lost. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My program is one that I have developed over the last 18 years. I use no method books. I ask my students to bring a blank manuscript book that I will fill up as we go forward. I also highly encourage all of my students to have a keyboard of some kind available to them, IE: a piano, organ, or even one of those battery-powered little CASIO keyboards that one can buy for $15-25 at a Salvation Army or Goodwill store. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

I like to have a very laid back, fun lesson for every student. Reinforcing that every person learns at their own pace is very important, as well as teaching good practice habits. I also like to remind everyone that mistakes are normal, and that even the best musicians make mistakes quite often. Listening to music is a must for any musician, so I often like to find and listen to a little music during lessons as well. Read More