Guitar Lessons in Stevensburg, VA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard

My preferred piano method is Piano Adventures and I recommend using the Lesson, Theory, and Sight Reading books at each level. For guitar and voice I typically do not follow any specific method unless the student has a preference. For more advance piano students I typically will begin using Suzuki or move them to Burgmller Etudes and Schumann's Opus 68 - Album for the Young. I perform an assessment of new students in the areas of sight reading, music theory, rhythm, performance, and ear training. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

First I like to get a snap shot of the student's goals and sources of inspiration, once I figure that out I can tailor my instruction around their wants and needs. I see myself as an accountability partner with my students and so I help my students set goals for their progress, celebrate their successes, and evaluate the shortfalls. I encourage loved ones to be a supportive and active part of the process as that encouragement can fuel a student's desire to grow. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet French Horn Oboe Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I start with basics: learning how to hold the instrument, put it together, etc. Then when that is solid we learn a few notes. From there we go to the Rubank books. At the same time, we start reading music that I find appropriate for them. For adults, it depends on what they want to learn. Popular songs or songs they request. But I also push for technical mastery of the instrument so I push for knowledge of scales and then keep pushing with more challenging/fun pieces. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe the single most important part of a musician's work begins in the ear. Building a foundation in aural training, and understanding what you're hearing, will allow any student to then approach an instrument with clarity and patience. For most students at beginning or intermediate levels, I'll use a dual-curriculum approach to develop ear training/theory understanding alongside technical skill and practical ability. I create my own lesson plans with each student's needs in mind, in order to help them follow their personal path to musical success. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I have a handful of College music courses under my belt, as well as remembering and doing well in a handful of music courses from high school. I have an associates in arts backgrounds, and traversed the Guilford College music minor program in good standing. I have studied under a jazz guitarist, and was part of a high-ranking high school drumline during my high school days. I have studied privately in areas of Rock, Folk, and Blues especially. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I start out with basic warm ups scales..etc.. Then I go into 30 min of song learning and the last hour is music theory and teaching a little bit of composition I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I will give the parents and the students a report of the current progress i will give them notes and material to go by as well. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I focus on 3 fundamental aspects of music education: sight-reading, music theory and ear training. I will typically use a method book like the Berklee Basic Guitar: Phase 1 and 2 or Berklee Modern Guitar Method: Volumes 1,2,and 3, for advanced students. I also use Hal Leonard and other methods that may be more appropriate for some students. My method includes extensive use of online video and tutorial resources, plus the "Play Guitar for Life" video series that I can make available for interested students. Read More