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.

We learn the essential techniques of Classical guitar, music reading and fingerpicking, and I will get the student to be on a college level using college materials faster than they might expect.

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.

As a student you can expect to learn how to read notes and rhythms on the acoustic guitar. you will learn, proper fingerings, develop right hand finger style (no pick), scales, short pieces and a good foundation for future guitar exploration.

You hablo Espanol y puedo conducir los leciones en Espanol.

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 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.

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.