Guitar Lessons in Markham, VA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

Michael has over 8 years of experience teaching students from age 6 through adult, from directing large ensembles (70+) to private lessons. He specializes in teaching singing, but also has taught beginning guitar and piano lessons, composition, music theory and history, and digital recording. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

For beginning students I try to start with the essentials. It is important for young children to become familiar with the instrument, the proper way to hold an instrument. The proper way to sit when playing or stand while singing. Fundamentals at the earliest ages are essential. Practicing the fundamentals leads to success which leads to a desire to learn more about the instrument. 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

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching just before the age of 18 at a local music school. My initial training as a teacher was very formal/classical, but I began to experiment with more modern methods and technology and was eventually able to set out to create my own school. Soon thereafter, I had the opportunity to join a prestigious and wonderful program which gave me access to the biggest network of young musicians and teachers in the world. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Style: Lessons should be conducted in a relaxed atmosphere, one that is conducive to learning. I go about teaching by demonstrating,explaining and elucidating the different musical concepts.Every student is unique , so i utilize various methods and different approaches to suit each individual's needs and capabilities. In my many years of teaching, what I have realized is that proper technique should be emphasized as early as possible so that the student will not carry bad traits both in practice and in performance. 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: Guitar

In many cases there were no options but to try to figure out what they were doing. I never had a dull moment and music became a big part of my life. The Guitarists who have influenced me the most, in no particular order: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Mark Farner, Alvin Lee, Charlie Hargrett, Tony Iomi, The Outlaws, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Lindsey Buckingham, David Gilmour, James Hetfield; all come to mind but I'm sure there are many others. Read More