East Texas, PA Classical Guitar Lessons

learn to read composed music for the guitar... learn the fingerstyle technique.... classical acoustics are recommended, but plectrums or electric are still welcome!!

I've been playing classical guitar for 7 years & have performed hundreds of classical pieces for different events, ranging from concert halls to dinner parties to receptions for big businesses.

I have been playing guitar for 26 years, and have 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. I have been teaching guitar for almost 10 years. Let my experience and patience guide you on your way to mastering classical guitar!

Technique, Literature from all periods.
I'm Dir of Guitar Studies at
Lebanon Valley College
Annville, Pa

All levels welcome!

Sight Reading, Technique, Standard Repertoire, Posture, Fingering Technique, and associated terms and concepts.

Learn the formalities and proper techniques of classical guitar playing. I have been playing classical guitar for over a decade and am very familiar with the repertoire and sensibilities of this beautiful art. From proper seated position to a thorough understanding of standard notation, counterpoint, and voice-leading, my students acquire a lifelong knowledge of the guitar and guitar music for their own enjoyment or for performance purposes.

A major priority of my guitar teaching is to have students making expressive music every time they touch the instrument.

I begin by working on tone production on the open strings of the guitar, so that students are able to produce a full, beautiful tone on the first day. From there, we study left- and right- hand techniques in the context of real pieces of music, giving students the chance to apply the mechanics of guitar playing to the expression of musical ideas. At the same time, I work with students through progressive studies and warm-up exercises that have built-in expressive goals, so that they can learn to rely on their own ears to further refine their playing.

As I believe that a good guitarist is, first and foremost, a strong musician, I fold a number of diverse activities into weekly lessons, developing skills in music theory, ear training, sight reading, composition, and improvisation, all of which reinforce the acquisition of strong technique.

Want to learn to play your favorite songs, guitar riffs or solos? Frustrated by the lack of detail in music concepts and technique found with most online and in-person guitar instruction? I can help! I’ve been teaching professionally for over 20 years, have specific training in guitar (Masters in guitar performance), am proficient in all styles except blue grass, and know how to break down the technical and musical concepts in detail that will help you improve your playing and understanding of music in a fun and engaging way. You’ll learn note reading as well as TAB, chord charts, finger picking, the most popular strum patterns for any style of music, as well as theory (how music works) and more! I have years of experience both teaching AND performing in bands covering a wide variety of musical styles and can pass on helpful tips that can improve your playing.

Your lessons will be well structured so you’ll always know what to work on and how so that your home practices are as ...

If you're a complete beginner, an advanced classical player, or anywhere in-between, this is the place for you! My teaching philosophy is simple: each student is unique and each student requires a unique approach.

With experience in a range of teaching methods and schools of guitar playing, I take the time to get to know you, to learn what it is you want to play, to learn your music, and teach it to you in the way you will understand.

​I'm Jay, an award-winning guitarist and teacher with a doctorate in guitar and music theory.