Private Blues Guitar tutoring lessons Millersville, MD.

Blues is the heart and soul of American music. Every note sings with feeling and attitude. Make your guitar become your voice through diverse string bending and vibrato techniques, open tunings, four note chord voicings, voice leading, learn to play independent harmonies using fingerstyle or hybrid picking. Study all of the great blues forms, learn to improvise as well as compose. All of my students will learn the most important skill any musician can possess- the ability to listen to other musicians in a jam session and compliment their ideas.

David enjoys teaching students from all different backgrounds and levels of proficiency. Whether you are just starting out or a virtuoso shredder in the making, he is happy to teach you! Over all, he is fairly laid back, as long as you practice. He usually combines work with reading off of the treble clef (what he likens to "eating your vegetables." You may not want to do it, but it will make you a healthier musician!) with learning more popular songs (or songs the student says they would like to learn) through tablature and chord charts, depending on the style of the song.

David is also very pro music theory. He usually incorporates music theory into the curriculum in conjunction with the material already being discussed. He is also very knowledgeable about composition/songwriting, and if the student is interested in learning more about this area, he is happy to share what he knows!

You will learn in the style of the blues. Lessons you will learn are basics like rhythm notation, time signatures, reading tablature, fretboard diagrams and reading notations. All styles and lessons will include the basics.

While learning the basics, you will also learn rhythms and licks for solos so we can then put together to improvise with. This will then help you work towards learning Stevie Ray Vaughan songs and many other blues artist. For the beginners, we will learn basic blues rhythms and solos to advanced to a higher level.

You will learn rhythm guitar, 12 bar blues progressions, rhythm patterns, turnarounds, chords and exercises, blues soloing, slow and fast blues, blues scales and much more.

Rhythm Example for a 12 bar progression.
Play the A part for 4 X

E_________________________________________
B_________________________________________
G_________________________________________
D____2__2___4__4____2__2___4__4_________
...

I have been playing guitar for almost 12 years now. I have helped many musicians for their auditions into various music schools and programs and each have been granted acceptance, some even received scholarship. I am currently studying music for a degree in music education with an emphasis on guitar pedagogy. I also like to teach and incorporate elements regarding ear training and music theory. Music is very personal and should be treated as such, therefore I believe the student should have a wide latitude of input for what they wish to learn and goals they deem fit to achieve. I am truly driven towards playing and spreading the love of playing music and will help the student reach their highest potential possible. I can teach blues, rock, pop. jazz, and classical.

My main focus is to help you achieve whatever goals you have set for yourself. I tailor every lesson to each individual to ensure you are learning in a style that best suits your needs. Whether you are interested in rock, blues, country, jazz or any other style of guitar, I will work to make sure that you achieve your potential.

What you will learn: On top of guitar technique and performance skills, students will develop a strong foundation in music theory, ear training, and note reading.

My info: 7 years of experience teaching beginners to advanced guitar students. Bachelors in Music, specializing in Jazz Guitar performance.

Are you a total beginner and just want to learn some of your favorite songs?

Would you like to learn some music theory and how to read music on the guitar?

Do you want to branch out into different styles of music such as Spanish guitar or jazz? 

Can you already play rhythm guitar but want to learn how to play lead and acquire some SICK TECHNIQUE and SPEED?!!

Whatever your musical goal may be, I have the educational background and teaching experience to take you there! Years of flamenco, classical and jazz studies at the university level and with some of the area's most renowned instructors have left me uniquely qualified as a guitarist. And over a decade of imparting knowledge in a FUN and RELAXING way has given me the experience to become a patient teacher who gets great results! Several of my students have gone on to prestigious conservatories, started successful bands and have students of their own! Group beginner lessons in the Silver Spring area are forming now and ...

I love to help my students start playing right away with something simple, and as soon as they are able, I have them play songs in the genre and style they are truly interested in. I taught myself about the guitar, and have been learning through live performances as a full time musician for the past two years. I have a great working knowledge of what it really takes to make a career out of music.

Smile and have fun with it !

I love teaching guitar. And each student is unique.

My approach is to gear my teaching methods to the individual learning style of the student.

You need someone who responds to you and interacts with you as a unique learner. This makes learning fun and effective for you.

Gary is a professional touring/recording guitarist,composer
and member of PERE UBU, ROCKET FROM THE TOMBS AND THE LEGENDARY SHACK SHAKERS.
A Graduate of Berkee College of Music, he has over 30 years of experience teaching and performing. He specializes in Contemporary and Classical Guitar. Lessons focus on the application of Music Theory to Guitar to help students acquire strong compositional and songwriting skills, knowledge of chord construction, the ability to play scales proficiently, and gain necessary skills needed for solo improvisation. In addition to a wealth of teaching experience, he has toured extensively throughout North America and Europe and has numerous songwriting credits on international releases.