Guitar Lessons in Maclean, VA

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

I have been hosting and playing singer/songwriter showcases for 10 years. I have in that time completed and released Three full length CD's of original Music. 2008 Brother Lou "As Good As You Want" 2011 Brother Lou "The Devil in Me", and 2013 "We The People" Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar

Since I'm primarily a Classical Guitar player, I emphasize the technique required for it, which is mainly finger-style. My primary teaching method is derived from Aaron Shearer, which many famous guitarists have used, including the well known Manuel Barrueco. The main instruction book is written by Aaron Shearer, which teaches classical guitar technique and standard music notation sight reading, but I'm also flexible. If I see a student would prefer to strum and accompany their own or others singing, I teach from Hal Leonard's Complete Guitar Method book. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

The student is the most important piece of the puzzle. If the student is not happy, then practice and lessons will not be a positive interaction. My goal is to make music as fun as possible. I have done the work of teaching myself and I have the hindsight of mistakes I made along the way; slight areas of wasting time, plateaus, you name it. Therefore, I have the answers to how to avoid some of the same mistakes I made! Read More

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

My teaching style is integrative and interactive. I tend to write, record, and encourage local performances for my student base. I like for students and parents to have something to show for their efforts in music, whether it be a recording or performance. I tend to get my students more excited than most because I prioritize understanding my students’ taste in music. My past students have commented that this was their favorite part about our lessons, was the fact that we were playing music the student actually likes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience started after college, teaching a family friend bass guitar. From there I realized I could just as well teach guitar, piano, and saxophone as well. I find it rewarding to watch people grow and learn skills they can use the rest of their life, enriching their life with the expression of music. From taking private lessons of my own on saxophone and guitar throughout high school and college, I've learned that consistency of practice is key! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Keyboard

Adult students I have taught typically want to learn to do two things: 1) accompany themselves on an instrument while singing a popular song or 2) learn to play with others ... whether that be a jam session during a jazz set ... or playing behind someone else that is singing or playing a lead instrument. For these adult learners I lean toward teaching chords, arpeggios and scales. Important: I suggest that a student only practice 15 to 20 minutes a day ... whatever amount of time it takes to cover the lesson. Read More