Guitar Lessons in Middlebury, OH

Instruments: Guitar

My teaching experience spans the music store environment and private students. I started out giving private lessons in students homes over 15 years ago, eventually becoming a guitar teacher at a local music store. I'm a big advocate of having fun while practicing. This is called playing for a reason. Music can sometimes be viewed as this big mountain to climb and seemingly, a task. Baby steps is the way to think here. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is straightforward and practical, always emphasizing the goals of each student specifically. The benefits of reading and understanding sheet music as it relates to your instrument far outweigh those of simple tablature used for guitar and banjo etc. However, in some cases it is practical to use non-traditional forms of instruction. A good teacher's goal is to help the student advance, even if it doesn't happen in a pre-conceptualized fashion. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Positive reinforcement is everything! While there will always be room for improvement and growth, it is crucial to acknowledge successes throughout each lesson. Learning a new instrument requires patience, practice, and determination, and reinforcers can be a huge motivator (I know they were for me when I was learning). Realistic goals should be set for the individual at each lesson. Most importantly, it is not a race. Adaptations will be made accordingly based on the learning pace of each student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I want my students to really learn to play the music they love. I want them to be able to play for someone or an audience. I've regularly taken my students to open mics and performance locations and have them get up in front of an audience and play along with me. I've taught students of all ages and have had many who started in their 50's and 60's and learned to play at an excellent level. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My approaches change depending on a students age, experience, and personality. Every student is unique and has their own musical language to develop and it is my philosophy that unique students require unique approaches. All of that being said, I utilize lesson time as efficiently as possible to give students the tools they need to progress in their own solo practice. One of my teachers once said "I am only your teacher for an hour each week, that means for 167 hours a week you are your own teacher." This adage shaped my approach to lessons so that I can give students the ability to practice as effectively as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

After college I continued to gig professionally, tour, and record and kept up a private studio where I taught upright bass, electric bass and guitar. I kept working and added voice, piano, drums and ukulele to the roster of instruments that I could teach after working for BandWorks- a school of rock- and at the Bird School of Music. I've played a diverse range of music from Afro-beat, Latin, Latin Jazz, RB and Soul to Rock, Funk, Hip-Hop, Pop, Avant-garde, Jam, Americana, and Bluegrass and it has helped me to see the fundamental similarities that exist in all styles. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My approach to teaching kids has always emphasized finding joy in the instrument. I will always start with the a good foundation of a solid understanding of music fundamentals and work with the kids at a pace that allows them to grow yet really enjoy what they are doing. For older kids and adults I make sure that I have a good understanding of what they are trying to achieve and provide the tools to allow them to get accomplish their goals. Read More