Millersville, MD Classical Guitar Lessons

Classical guitar is warm, rich, and beautifully complex. It is a self-contained artform which needs no accompaniment. Classical guitar music is instantly gratifying, even at the beginner level. To unlock your highest potential, I'll help you learn proper picking as well as fret hand technique, sight reading, music theory, and fretboard logic. We will also study and learn chord voicings, voice leading, ear training, and sight-singing.

My teaching style is friendly, patient, and inclusive. I believe in a well rounded teaching approach through reading, as well as learning to play by ear.
I prefer to use these books for reading and developing good technique:

Aaron Shearer Classic Guitar Method vol. 1 and 2
Classical Guitar Duets: Charles Duncan
Franz Wohlfahrt Violin Etudes: 60 Studies
Frederick Noad Classical Guitar Technique, vol. 1 and 2
Matteo Carcassi: 25 Melodic And Progressive Studies
Andres Segovia: Twenty Studies For Guitar
Giuliani's 120 Studies For Right ...

I have studied and taught classical guitar for twenty years. I was fortunate enough to participate in Master Classes with the great Manuel Barrueco while at Peabody and my training as a classical guitarist forms the foundation for my approach as a musician and as a teacher.

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!

Classical guitar lessons are given to the beginner students up to advanced players looking to hone their professional skills. The lessons include instructions in note reading, exercises,theory and learning repertoire from composers such as Bach, Sor, Guiliani. Carcassi, Villa Lobos and others. Also, within the lessons, a method book will be incorporated to help in learning various techniques like, rest stroke, free stroke, slurs and ornaments and scales.

I combine the styles of music that you prefer with some kind of method book for reading and theory. No purchasing of music is required. Normal lessons start with the previously assigned material, determining what we need to work on, new material, and ending with things to do at home.

Classical guitar is perfect for the beginner as well as for more seasoned players wanting to expand their musical abilities.

You can expect a personalized plan to achieve your guitar goals, whether they are for playing for personal enjoyment or preparing for the concert stage. As a recent conservatory graduate, I can assist with applications, providing you with valuable insight into the college audition process. My teaching philosophy centers around developing a passion for music through the guitar in a systematic way. My goal as an instructor is to make every stage of development expressive, musical, and easy.

I teach on an individual basis as every student learns at a different pace. Each week is a structured lesson to help the student reach their individual goals. I have been teaching for 20 years privately and in the University academic world. I also work as a musician and artist. My background in pretty much all styles of music helps me access the students individual needs and desires for personal musical growth. I have helped students in every age bracket reach their musical goals. I HAVE A DEEP BACKGROUND IN JAZZ ROCK METAL SOUL R&B SOME COUNTRY, CLASSICAL, FINGER-STYLE BLUES AND OTHER NON TRADITIONAL FORMS OF GUITAR PLAYING.

From Beginner to Advanced - All Ages

Well structured lesson plan covering all aspects of music, and specifically designed to help you reach your individual goals.

Acoustic, Folk, Rock, Classical, Blues, Songwriting and Recording.

Max has been playing music his whole life, and teaching since 2006. Although recent students have been accepted into music programs around the country, including NYU, Peabody, Indiana, Maryland, and Miami, he loves to work with students of all ages, skill-levels, and ambitions. Max holds a BA in Music: Vocal Performance, but also teaches and plays guitar, bass, brass, and keys. He also regularly works with students on instruments that he doesn't personally play, to coach theory and musicality. Each lesson is individually tailored to the student, since everyone learns differently and has different goals (which frequently change!). Consequently, method books are only used as necessary. Max's goal is to help unlock every student's musical potential and path to personal expression!

Max also performs around the country as a professional singer and session musician, in addition to running a mobile recording business. He also composes music for film. Sharing music with others is his