Private Classical Guitar tutoring lessons Forest Hill, MD.

comfortable teaching most styles, including R&B, Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Funk, Rock and Metal. I try to encourage all students to learn the basics of music theory, so you can understand the music you learn.

-I use a wide range of method books. I also use books that I have authored, which have been used in music programs in Baltimore area private schools and charter schools.

you or your child on the guitar. The guitar is a great instrument for sharing the joy of making music.

Thanks for taking the time to check out my page and I hope to see you soon!

Mark F.

*** Lesson Details ***
I've had some great guitar teachers in my life and I've learned a lot from them about music and playing the guitar. I will use what my teachers taught me to help you or your child learn how to play the guitar. I teach beginning to advanced players (except for classical guitar which I teach beginning to intermediate levels), kids and adults, and will work with you in a fun and challenging environment to make sure you are getting the most out of your investment. I am a very calm and friendly teacher who will make our lessons fun while also encouraging you to make progress. I will strive to keep you motivated to improve and will document your progress with the use of technology like audio recordings and video so you can see and hear your progress. I like to work from guitar method books so we can establish specific and measurable goals, but I do respect and accommodate different learning styles. And, of course, we will work progressively on any songs that you have your heart set on learning so that you can soon be playing the music that you love!
I believe that there is always room for improvement. I continue to look for new ways to improve my own playing. I am sure that I will be learning some things from you, too, so let's get started!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I currently teach in the living room of my home while my basement music room is being remodeled. I provide a music stand, a metronome, a tuner and recording capability so students can see and hear themselves play. I expect the student to bring his or her own instrument and to purchase the book(s) that we'll be working from.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide a small amp for electric guitar if the student doesn't have one. I expect the
student to provide his or her own instrument, a music stand, and to
purchase the book(s) that we'll be working from.

*** Specialties ***
I can teach you to play guitar in any style of music that you want to play, from folk to rock, country to classical and bluegrass to contemporary Christian. I specialize in fingerstyle acoustic guitar that I have adapted from my many years of classical guitar training, but I also love to play the electric guitar, too.

to get you READY to play music, but perhaps was not music in and of itself.

I find that when I get right down to the nitty gritty of playing, and show my students a song they love and know, and get them playing guitar by the end of the session that they are usually thrilled and excited.

In the end it makes them work harder and practice long because THEY ARE PLAYING MUSIC ON THE GUITAR!!!

Certainly exercises are of paramount importance, but when you can make that connection with a student and help them to relate to the guitar the exercises are ultimately easier to them, and the experience of playing guitar an enjoyable and less alienating task.

Grab your guitar and start today!! Let's get you playing TODAY!!!!

TESTIMONIALS:

“I've been working with David for a couple of months, and it has been a great experience. I'm new to bass, with a little guitar experience--he quickly sized up what I knew and had me working on exercises and a great bass line that got me playing right away. He has been very flexible and accommodating of my schedule needs, and he gives plenty of positive and constructive feedback. I've been working in education for nearly 30 years, and I know a great teacher when I see one. David fits the bill, and I'm lucky to be working with him.”

Rudy F., Principal
Middle School

“My son had been taking lessons for seven years and was losing interest. David's passion for music, knowledge of music theory, ability to read the student and know the best way to approach the lessons is exactly what my son needed. Along with his background in a wide variety of genres….classical, rock, jazz, etc. has made learning more exciting, resulting in a renewed interest.”

Tammy S., University Place

“David is an outstanding instructor! My son is 5 years old and loves him. My son is occasionally a difficult child with his own special quirks, but David is so patient and observant and tailors the lessons as we go along week to week to keep my son engaged, encouraged and learning. I also have two younger children who must tag along to the lesson and even they are excited during the lessons and are already asking when they start their lessons! We will be starting at least one more child's lessons with him during this coming school year! He is great!”

Cherise H., Parkland

“Loving the relaxed atmosphere with David. Bargain prices for the one on one experience with such an awesome, educated and talented musician.”

Raven R., Tacoma

“David is an amazing talent and provides me with much needed inspiration. In little over a year, I have learned a tremendous amount about nearly all styles of guitar, classical and lead guitar in particular. It's very helpful to have an awesome instructor who is extremely knowledgeable and very patient. His lesson plans are geared towards what I want to learn and the lessons that we work on cover all the techniques that are necessary to take my skills to the next level. He makes every lesson fun and he works with me until I am comfortable to move on.”

Larry L., Gig Harbor

“David tailors each lesson dynamically to my own progression which has been great. Gauges progression and gives you things to work on before the next lesson. Highly recommend him!”

Kory J., Tacoma

"David has been our son's guitar instructor for the better part of a year. During that time we've appreciated his patient encouragement, especially during the early weeks of instruction. His ability to individually tailor his teaching to his students , incorporating their musical interests has helped our son progress quickly and helped keep him motivated. he really is a wonderful teacher."

Amy L., Tacoma

"Where do I begin? I started with a guitar and a couple of chords...(A lot of desire but basically an empty canvas)." 'This was my life for a number of years until I met David.

Now I must first admit, I am ADD so teaching me and captivating my attention is no easy task...David not only broke through that barrier but opened the door to world of music I had aways felt and now suddenly I could touch.

If you posses the desire to learn and the drive to work...the sky is the limit."

Wes H.
City of Destiny
Tacoma, WA

"I am very happy with my decision to take lessons with David. In just 2 months I've gone from strumming some chords to understanding picking patterns, learning how to put together an entire song, and expanding my techniques. I am very surprised at how much technical skill I have been able to pick up in such a short period of time"

Marianne B., Tacoma

"I'm 46 years old and my only known talent is for overcomplicating things. I've always admired a good guitar player and wanted to learn to play myself--who doesn't?--but felt I didn't have the talent or just "couldn't do it." Then I found David and he said, 'Oh yes you can. Commit to 4 lessons up front and you'll see that you can.' I took the leap and sure enough, he had me playing blues riffs in less than one month. All I had to do was listen and do as he instructed me to and it all comes very naturally. There's no stress, just a whole lot of fun! If you're like me and you thought you couldn't play guitar, start with David and just have some fun with it. It's simple. You won't want to put the guitar down again!"

Dan D., Tacoma

I had been playing guitar for about 5 years and had only been self taught. I found myself completely stuck playing the same chords and not able to play riffs or solos at all. In my first lesson I was playing the blues with slides and hammer ons and pull offs. In a couple of lessons he had me soloing in different keys and playing riffs from guitar gods! He was able to teach me in a couple lessons what took me years trying to teach myself! He makes lessons so much fun because not only are you learning the music theory but he relates it to popular songs that you can practice along with. He also has so much knowledge in other aspects as well. He can teach you about music gear and amps or help you compose your own music. He caters to your style and taste in music and can teach you ANYTHING!

Ashley A.

I love guitar period, but it's overtly frustrating when you have no idea where to start, or how to play at all. I went through multiple guitar instructors trying to learn how to play and each of them weren't very specific, or didn't hone in on any one thing at a time so you could really start to get it down and process it. Then we happened to find David, and he was really what we were looking for. I started picking up chords like no other, It helped, and is helping tremendously. He goes into depth about the song,letting you comprehend it a little more, and ultimately learning it quicker and better.

Skye R., Tacoma WA

I have had 4 different Blues guitar Teacher in the last 6 months, getting nowhere as far as really playing some Blues until I ran across David. The other teachers just wanted me to learn the pentatonic scales, Major and Minor. That took a lot of boring weeks and I am sure I will need to know those scales but I just wanted someone to show / teach me Blues chords, related to Blues songs and the timing to the chord changes so I could start playing some kind of Blues. I have had 6 one hour lessons so far with David and I am playing the Blues. The first 4 hours Dave showed me a E, A, B7 blues chord progression with some step up and step down notes. The 2nd 2 hours Dave showed me a A, D9, A7,E9 Blues chords and Blues timing with slides.

I take one hour Lessons every Thursday and in 6 hours I am playing the Blues. I picked up the guitar about 6 months ago, started teaching myself and not really getting anywhere. I am not a fast learner, about average in learning something new. Now I set a home Learning my guitar and polishing the Blues songs that David has taught me, starting to get FUN.

Les F. Tacoma, Wa.

Working with David has made me focus on areas of my chops that needed fine tuning. He provides the basic exercises and tools that, when practiced enough in a zen-like manner, clarifies your understanding of movement on the fret board, and makes you sound a bit more professional. Questions regarding speed, theory, notation, composition, and even string size, are ready for answer with David, which is what keeps me working with him. From begining, to intermediate, to professional levels, if you're looking to improve your chops, Dave's your guy.

Frank L., Seattle WA

I had tried many different instructors and had become very frustrated with trying to learn guitar. Within one lesson David had me playing ACDC and RUSH! David just has a way of explaining things so that they make sense and doesn't waste any time getting right down to the nuts and bolts of guitar. A lot of other instructors spend alot of time getting you 'ready' to play guitar, but with David we got down to playing guitar right away!

Stevie J., Olympia WA

“I started receiving lessons from David a few years ago, to improve my guitar abilities. I always used to tell people, "I've been playing guitar since the Eighties, though you would never know it." At the time I started, I knew some Metal riffs, three-chord Punk Rock progressions, and simple 12-bar blues. Though I took two guitar classes and first-year Music Theory in college in the early Nineties, the only scale I could say I knew was "blues pentatonic," emphasis on the quotation marks.

My goal was to relearn Modes/Scales, and brush up on theory, so that I could write more complex material. David taught me that, and so much more. Over these few years, I've learned Progressive Rock, Fusion/Jazz, and even some Country styles, as well as a great deal more about Metal and, yes, even Punk from David. I can play leads and solos with much more proficiency, in timing with the rhythm, and more tonally correct, than I ever could before. He has also helped me read music better, construct more professional-sounding compositions, and has started me on my own path to produce my own recordings, from recommending and using recording software, to capturing dynamics with mic placement, to mixing the rough takes to get the most out of the sound.

For a musician of any level or caliber, having an instructor like David is a true asset--for he has the knowledge and skills to take an entry-level musician every step of the way to becoming a professional performer, recorder, mixer, engineer, and producer. The only limit to the lesson's potential is your own level of determination, which David quite expertly helps you to improve with every session. Even if your goal is to simply learn to play one song on one instrument--and David teaches MANY instruments--he will have you playing that song like the musician who wrote it before you realize it--as long as you stick with your practice between lessons. That part's up to you!”

Marc D., Apple Valley CA

*** Studio Equipment ***
Mac
Logic
Presonus
invariable guitars, amps, keyboards, and other stuff.
Tama drumset, Full Mic's.
University trained mind and honed skills. Who cares about the software.

*** Specialties ***
Generally come from conservatory/ classical background so utilize classical methods of teaching with a contemporary application to suit modern day application

bass, ukulele, banjo as well as write music.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am extremely patient and firmly believe that anybody can learn to play music.

I try to keep my teaching philosophy simple. We figure out your musical goals and aspirations and carve out a path to achieving them. Along the way I will try to illuminate how the path to attaining your goals and aspirations is best taken at an enjoyable, relaxed pace and with a strong work ethic.

I always prepare for your lessons based on your interests, integrating relevant books and videos, creating handouts tailored to what we are studying in order to maintain clarity.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitars, Keyboards, Ukuleles, Microphones, Amplifiers, Recording Equipment

*** Specialties ***
Any style you prefer (Rock, Pop, Folk, Country, Jazz, Bluegrass, etc.)

edlands College Orchestra, the Riverside Symphony, the Palomar Symphony, and the North Coast Symphony in San Diego. I am currently playing with the Timpanogos Symphony in Highland Utah.
I played guitar with the Woody James big band and with the big band and hall of fame orchestra. I've played classical guitar for weddings and dinner parties. I played guitar with the variety band "Sound Investment" and other rock, blues and jazz bands
My theater performance experience includes play violin for Annie, Hello Dolly, Chess, Cinderella and more. I also played guitar in theater performances of Les Miserable, Man of La Mancha, Hairspray, Marvelous Wonderettes, and Catch Me if You Can.
My studio, The Speedy Beers Music Studio is a highly professional studio equipped with computer, recording equipment and video lighting and camera for making highly professional videos.
I teach all styles of music on the guitar and violin including classical, jazz,rock, blues, country, folk and fiddle. I have a strong back ground in applied music theory that works for all instruments.
I have a Bachelors degree from the University of Redlands and I have studied privately from some of the best teachers in the world.

ous chamber ensembles in Milano and Genoa. Currently, Travis is performing with the Sage Ensemble as one of its founding members, performing as a soloist, and building his private guitar studio of over 40 students while being on the music faculty at Avanti Music Academy and Allegretto Music Lessons LLC.

*** Lesson Details ***
Learning a musical instrument should be a fun and rewarding experience that enriches your life!

With over 7 years of teaching guitar and over 13 years performing, I know that efficient practice habits and solid technique can unlock your inner potential.

As a student of mine, you can expect a fun and challenging learning environment where bad habits will never be an issue. I primarily teach classical guitar, although all styles are welcome!

My curriculum covers the basics of right and left hand technique, sight reading, ensemble playing, music theory, and performance practice.

It is my personal guarantee, with your dedication and hard work, within 3-6 months, you will have a competent grasp of basic guitar technique, note reading and musicality.

I look forward to working with you!

Sincerely,
Travis C.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I teach primarily at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Lamont school of Music, in their studio spaces and private practice rooms.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide classical guitar footstools, music stands, as well as music theory text books to get started. I require the student to provide their own guitar. I am also available to consult on the purchasing of a guitar.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Classical Guitar and teach many methods depending on the students needs. I can teach the Suzuki method and the Parkening method but primarily teach out of "Bridges" The Royal Conservatory of Music graded repertoire series.

) the Classical approach to Western tonal harmony and asks that the students develop certain fundamentals of technique and theory. In my experience, this structure creates the strongest foundation for pupils to build the rest of their musical lives on, whether professionally or solely for personal enjoyment. All of my students are on the fast track to studying music theory. Whatever level they are at when I start with them, I guide their efforts into bringing the students up to a certain level of comprehension regarding the mathematical aspects of music and how it relates to their instruments. This understanding of theoretical principles of sound allows the students to play any style of music they wish, no matter how their tastes may change throughout their lives.

Curriculum Gradation:
Elements of rhythm
Elements of pitch
Elements of dynamics
Elements of articulation
Reading/Writing notation
Tone development
Finding/Expanding your range
Dexterity, speed, and accuracy
How to project
How to advance to the next level
Music theory
Playing by ear
Improvisational techniques
Finding your signature style
Expression/Lyricism
Composition/Arrangement
Project Management

ian. She wants you to be able to pursue any avenue of Music that appeals to you, professionally or personally.