Guitar Lessons in Takoma Park, MD

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Organ Conga Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Mark Deffenbaugh is an innovative, and provocative Jazz Artist and Educator. As a keyboardist, composer, and producer he has turned the heads of many of the most talented and famous personalities in Jazz, Rock, Hip Hop, and R&B. Mark started his career early, playing gigs, in the Washington D.C. area, starting at the age of sixteen. Within a few short years he had numerous live and television performances to his credit. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar

My teaching style is very flexible. If I see that a particular lesson isn't working, I will change to a lesson covering something the student is more interested in, and possibly not as intimidated. The main thing is for the student to gain confidence in what he/she is trying to learn. I also think that teaching my students to read music in standard notation is a very important aspect of my teaching. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Lap Steel Guitar Ukulele Double Bass Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The main thing my years of lesson-giving has taught me is that everyone takes it in a little differently, but everyone needs to practice each and every day! Some work well with tabs, others learn by watching, still others are most comfortable with the formality of traditional notation. All these roads can lead to the goal of making music provided the student is motivated to pick up the instrument regularily. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Keyboard

Music theory is very important ... because this will help the student begin to see 'patterns' in their playing, hearing and education of how songs progress through changes, chord progressions, etc. This is most important because students also need to work on music that they hear and love everyday ... particularly consisting of modern and / or pop music. A state of euphoria can be achieved once a student begins to play something that they really love to listen to ... so I always encourage learning to read and play music ... as well as just listening to something and trying to 'pick it out' for fun! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Another excellent feeling for me as a teacher is when students older than I leave with the satisfaction that comes with improving their musical knowledge and skill as well as an appreciation for how vast the spectrum of musical knowledge is: how even the greatest instrumentalists can and do spend a lifetime learning music.  Teaching is truly a rewarding craft and I am always open to offer my knowledge to those who are open to learning it. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I encourage small but daily practice. you don't have to play guitar for 4 hours a day to make good progress. Just 15 minutes every day will be sufficient especially when you first start out. It is deeply satisfying when i see a student grasp a concept that they worked so hard on. set realistic goals and don't try to overwhelm yourself by trying to play extremely difficult music in a short amount of time. basics is key if you know the basics you can do the harder things and with ease. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

I always encourage students to study and practice on a regular basis. This greatly helps them make progress and like the instrument over time. Nonetheless, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. My homework sheets are designed to address both of those points. I always encourage them to practice well; when they practice well, they improved and once they improve they start to like the instrument more. Read More