Guitar Lessons in Oak Valley, PA

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a very passionate and motivated instructor who truly enjoys sharing my love and curiosity of music with everyone. In 2016, I graduated from University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in Jazz Studies. Some of the the highlights of my musical career have been studying under legendary Pittsburgh jazz guitarist, Joe Negri, and world renowned jazz pianist, Geri Allen at University of Pittsburgh. I am also an active performer throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and New York with my own jazz, funk, and jam group, The Clock Reads and have shared the stage with acts such as Poogie Bell, The Werks, Consider the Source, Robert Randolph. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe in making lessons engaging and enjoyable for adults, regardless of their skill level. So, I begin by understanding their musical preferences and goals. Whether they are beginners or have some prior experience, I tailor my instruction to align with their interests. This way, learning remains a fun and fulfilling journey, ensuring that each student finds their musical path. Whether youre a young beginner or an adult learner, Im here to make your music learning experience enriching and enjoyable. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I typically recommend that all beginner students start with Hal Leonard's guitar method books to learn the essential notes, chords, scales, styles, and music theory. After a student becomes comfortable with the basics, I begin diving into what styles or genres the student enjoys or favors. Tailoring lessons for each individual student is very important to my teaching. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Conga Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching lessons started back in high school, playing with the schools jam band. I'd give lessons for 20-30 minutes on scales, chords, circle of 5th and so on. After graduating high school, I moved to Los Angeles to continue musicianship. Giving private lessons in Hollywood I began to see the power of passing music along. I will never forget when I had one of my first few students bring a new song to me and played it all on his own. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Saxophone

For beginner students, I like to start with general music understanding before jumping into the specifics. I will make sure the students can read and understand music so that when we start with harder materials it will be easier and more fun. I will make sure that the students have songs and music books that they will enjoy learning and performing. I will leave it up to the students if they wish to do a recital. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

My approach and methods of teaching are simply this: Enjoy the learning experience without getting bogged down with staring at sheet music for hours on end. Ear training and motor memory will provide a much more enjoyable learning experience and will render results at a much faster pace than "books". However, "books" are important to some degree I admit. But, practice and dedication will render the most important result....and that is ....PLAYING AND ENJOYING THE GUITAR!!!!!!!....and the music and joy it brings along. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Although I began performing and teaching while still a teenager, I consider the beginning of my full time career to begin upon my graduation from Berklee (1979). I had taught on and off through C.A. House Music in Wheeling, WV, and also as a teaching assistant during my years of graduate study. In 1994, I developed WVU's first program in Guitar Performance, where I taught until 2018. During this period I also taught at Frostburg University, Washington Jefferson University, and West Liberty University, where I continue as an adjunct Professor of Guitar. Read More