If you are ready to start taking your guitar skills SERIOUSLY then stop wasting time and money on teachers who don't fully understand the instrument or subject matter themselves. My name is Russ and I have been playing guitar professionally for 20 years and teaching music and producing records for over 15. I have a Platinum #1 Billboard charting record under my belt, worked with artists such as Mac Miller, Sean Kingston, Red Velvet, Lifehouse and more; and have composed music to 100s of your favorite TV shows! Feel free to browse my official website for a full list of credits. Want to learn to shred guitar? Produce beats? Write your own songs? Dive into theory? Record yourself? This page is the one stop shop. Feel free to reach out with any requests or questions!

I have been teaching classical guitar for many years with lots of happy and satisfied students! My experience as a teacher, performer and recording artist guarantee your progress !

I have been teaching guitar professionally for 16 years, and have extensive experience playing and teaching practically every style of guitar, including fingerstyle, classical, jazz, folk, rock, blues, pop, country, and metal. Classical is definitely one of the most challenging genres, but also one of the most rewarding. Let my experience and patience guide you on your way to mastering classical guitar!

Beginners Learn to find the notes on your instrument and read simple pieces, as well as all the theory to back up all concepts. Explore the basic methods of fretting and finger picking. Play simple pieces primarily in first position in major keys. Intermediate Expand upon your theory to include all three types of minor keys (natural, harmonic, and melodic). Start to traverse the neck in pieces. Advanced Start to apply prior concepts to arrangement and improvisation. Take music off the page, and begin to live it.

My own former guitar teacher once told me, "Guitar is one of the easiest instruments to play, but the most difficult to master." Now that I teach guitar including theory, I understand exactly what he meant. We will start with finger-strengthening exercises while learning basic music fundamentals; then on to sight reading, string by string, note by note; we will learn to group notes together (chords) a bit later (after you have mastered the rest and free strokes. Be prepared to purchase Hal Leonard's Classical Guitar Course (or Finger-Style Guitar (I get 30% off retail), and/or A Modern Approach to Classical Guitar (including Easy Classical Guitar Duets - both of these can be bought on Amazon). Other supplies: metronome/tuner, picks, and a classical-nylon stringed guitar of course. Music contains two things: pitch and rhythm, so using a metronome right from the beginning will help you learn rhythm if you have problems in that area (many students do). We will do clapping exercises if necessary. I am looking for committed guitar students who already "play" a steel string guitar; however, may want to learn or transition over classical nylon-string guitar studies (application and theory). Practicing daily is the best way to learn guitar, you will find that your body molds itself with your instrument; your guitar may become one of your best friends. Please feel free to let me know which songs you desire to master. NOTE Lastly, September 2019, one of my three year sixth grade students performed Canon in D at Mulenburg County, KY at its thumb-picking competition event. He was the youngest guitarist there; he started out with classical guitar training and intends to compete in the JR Competition as soon as it is offered again.

Having studied guitar in Spain with masters of the craft, Francesca has a personal passion for classical and Spanish guitar. The first instrument Francesca seriously studied was the classical guitar, starting at age 4. It is her first language. Francesca regularly travels to South and Central America, as well as the Caribbean to teach masterclasses and immerse herself in local musical cultures.

Sight-reading, right-hand technique, repertoire development.

My primary ensemble focus at Berklee revolved around the classical guitar. I emphasize the PIMA method and the understanding of chord structures.