Cliff Island, ME Acoustic Guitar Lessons

Acoustic guitar - any style!

Each lesson is tailored to fit each individual student. We will cover genres of music that's of interest to you, using music you enjoy most so learning the instrument will be fun. Even if you have experience playing acoustic guitar, I will be able to show you alternative strum patterns, useful techniques, tricks and short-cuts to make playing easier. I have a blast teaching and my students have fun learning!

Many people think playing acoustic guitar is the same as playing the electric. While this isn't completely untrue, there are subtle differences that are key to mastering either or both. When we sit down to work on building our skills on an acoustic guitar, we'd go at a pace comfortable for you, and you'll be playing like a pro in no time.

I have spent the past 12 years of my life dedicated to the guitar. While obtaining my Bachelor's degree in Guitar performance at Oberlin Conservatory I was employed by the conservatory's secondary lessons department. This studio featured a diverse mix of college students, adults, and children. In addition I am Suzuki method certified and I was a summer instructor at the Amherst School of Guitar in Buffalo, NY. I have experience working with children from as young as 5 to as old as 65.

I have been playing and studying music for 30 years and performing for 20 years. I teach a variety of styles including rock/pop, jazz, country, and classical, as well as how to compose and improvise in a variety of settings. I can show you the in's and out's of the equipment used with electric guitars including amplifiers and effects, as well as teaching instrument maintenance and modifications. My teaching approach revolves around getting new students to make music as soon as possible, even with the most basic skills, to build confidence and ensure a continued interest in learning. I emphasize the internalization of the physical aspects of playing through repetition and progressive exercises customized to the individual.
Practicing very slowly, learning to use a metronome, shorter but more frequent practice sessions, and plenty time for free play, are some of the concepts at the core of my teaching style. My strong communication skills are used to dispel any mystery in the ...

The most important thing a teacher can do for a student is to guide him or her to a point where advancement becomes a self discipline.
This is accomplished by getting to know a student's learning style and adapting to it. And absolutely laying a strong foundation in fundamentals of music.
I've been teaching private lessons for over five years and all of my students have extensive instruction in music theory. I also encourage experimentation and creativity to work in some music composition.

I love working with musicians who want to grow and develop into the musician that they truly desire to be. Whether you are learning guitar to play in a band, work on your solo career, be able to play your favorite songs with friends and family together, or simply practice a healthy and productive hobby on your free time, my goals as your teacher are to help you feel comfortable expressing yourself with a guitar in your hands.

We will work through learning and playing songs, right-hand rhythm technique, left hand chord structures, playing with easy-feel, soloing and different scales, improvisation, and of course, music theory and the science behind how everything works up and down the guitar neck.

Even if you have never held a guitar before, I will have you jamming by the end of our first lesson. I don't use note names, but instead teach you to improvise in every key using memorable, movable patterns on the fretboard. I’ll show you how to find the key of any given song so that you can begin playing along with your favorites in your free time using the patterns I’ve shown you. Getting better at guitar is all about spending time with the instrument; what you will learn in our lessons will provide you with ample material to practice by giving you the tools to make an infinite amount of great sounding music, even after just one lesson! After your fretting hand has become accustom to the neck of the guitar and your picking/strumming hand has developed the necessary coordination, we will build your chord vocabulary and begin experimenting with different rhythms.

I have a great deal of experience teaching complete beginners of all ages and find it extremely fulfilling to bring ...

I have been playing guitar for 10+ years, with a focus in finger style, jazz, blues, rock, and folk/singer-songwriter guitar. Well versed in music theory, I understand and can translate the foundations to offer an understanding of why music, particularly guitar, works the way it does. I can easily teach others to their unique styles of learning. I’m familiar with many resources for practice outside of lesson-time, and highly recommend playing at least 30mins to 1 hour a day. I’m very patient, kind, and passionate about guitar and music. I’d be happy to help you along on your musical journey!