Guitar Lessons in Northfield, OH

Instruments: Guitar

For the absolute beginner, I generally, will start with the absolute basic foundation. This includes, correct posture, basic playing essentials, guitar setup and tuning. No one plays a guitar well when the strings are a half inch off the fretboard! So, I help my students get their guitar setup for optimum playability. I usually do this in the first or second lesson. As the student begins to learn we start to work into the actual playing of the guitar. 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 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

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

For beginning students that are children, I like to start with Hal Leonard’s Essential Elements or any other book that has the basic principles of music in them. Once the student has progressed and has a good grasp of the fundamentals, I will bring in other repertoire appropriate to their level. For adults, I like to find out what the student is interested in and then tailor the lesson toward that to keep lessons engaging and fun no matter what their abilities are. I always try to keep the lessons fun and entertaining. 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