Beallsville, MD Guitar Lessons

Most modern genres of music can be taught; rock, metal, blues, alternative, etc., as well as classical. We will using tabs and conventional music sheets. Music theory will be integrated into the lessons as needed.

For beginning guitarist, I begin by familiarizing the student with the instrument, and some very basic theory and tuning. We then move on to simple patterns to get those calluses on those finger tips. Then we start with chord charts and strumming rhythms. Followed by the fun stuff, which is actually playing a song. I am very open to my student's tastes and encourage them to bring in songs they would like to learn, because I when someone is familiar with a particular song, it can be almost as if your fingers naturally know what to do. I can teach both electric, classical acoustic, and steel acoustic guitars. For students who are further along, I like to assess their particular level first, and go on from there.

I've been teaching guitar for 25 years and my students have gone on to various musical fields of endeavor. Within the first few lessons, you'll be able to play simple chords and as time goes on you'll be able to play tunes or musical pieces. Every student has different goals ,wants and needs..and it is for this matter that an individual and personal approach is needed to address those musical aspects, which are specifically geared towards their learning the instrument .I use various resources at my disposal: books, cd's, dvd's as well as my many years of experience and knowledge of performing and teaching. I specialize in Jazz and Classical but I'm also knowledgeable in other genres such as pop, rock ,folk etc... For Jazz: I use the Berklee series ,For classical: I use the Matteo Carcassi and Fernando Sor methods .I love working with students of all ages and experience levels and I can't wait to meet you!

Strum and play chords; read and play notes. Sing, write songs and appreciate guitar music of all kinds including flamenco, classical and popular musiic.

I teach all levels of guitar in the areas of rock, blues and jazz, but I really focus more on the musical skills need to play guitar in any style. These include a thorough chord vocabulary, experience playing rhythm guitar, and a complete progressive study of scales and their use in improvisation (lead guitar) starting with pentatonic scales and progressing to major scales, different forms of minor scales and modes. All scales are learned in multiple positions and the student learns to perform with them in any key. In every lesson the student and I play exercises and study materials together to make actual music from the materials being studied.

Guitar

The most important thing to me is to keep the student interested and engaged in the lessons. This way learning guitar is easy and fun, not a struggle. A great place to start is by learning songs you enjoy listening to. Then later moving on, applying theory and scales to the songs we have learned.

Theory - To develop your independence.
Scales - To develop your fret board navigation.
Exercises - To develop your technique.
Chords and progressions - To develop your rhythm.
Compositions - To develop your style
Out-of-class projects - To develop your knowledge.
Weekly Progress Reports - To monitor your improvement.

PLUS!!! - Over 2,000 original recordings from AC/DC -- ZZ Top WITHOUT GUITARS!!! - To develop your applications of various skillsets.

For 23 yrs I’ve taught all levels and most guitar styles. My specialty is blues. Beginners can use my instructional book and begin playing songs from their 1st lesson! I focus on the musical styles my students like and create a curriculum customized for each one. Best of Bethesda Guitar Instructor 3 consecutive yrs. Maryland Blues Hall of Fame for my experience and talent as a professional performing bluesman. Most importantly, I believe that learning how to play guitar should be fun!

Chords and reading lines as well as technique and strumming patterns.

My guitar lessons are unique because I teach technical guitar skills by way of teaching classic guitar songs. Whether you are interested in learning Classic Rock, Spanish Guitar, or today's hits, you will take away not only a repertoire of your favorite songs, but the skills needed to sightread new songs on your own. For beginner students, we will work to identity songs that are both of interest to you and meet the needs to teach you pertinent skills. For intermediate to advanced students, we will work through songs you wish to learn while working through other genres to increase your musical exposure. Overall, my lessons are driven by your interests while subtlety incorporating the proper technical skills.