Private Acoustic Guitar tutoring lessons McKeesport, PA.

I have been teaching acoustic guitar for years. I design my lessons based on the individual needs and goals of my students.

Fingerstyle or strumming chords, I'm here to help!

Teaching for over 24 years; owner of my own music store/studio for past 14 years.

Teaching beginner - advanced from age 5 to 70+.

I typically use the 21st Century Guitar method book with audio CD and I supplement the text with write-ins or handouts/worksheets as applied to the student's needs and questions. I try to get students playing chords as soon as possible; usually stating with open position power-chords and one or two finger open position chords.

I do flatpicking and fingerstyle ( with or without picks) and encourage students to try both. I try to get the student to sing and play - don't be bashful...I try to have fun with students.

I will help you learn to create chord progressions and write a chord chart and maybe a melody for your first songwriting experience. Usually we will do this using power -chords for beginners or what ever chords the student can handle.

I can train you how to learn songs by ear from recordings once you have some basic abilities.

I've Been teaching for over 37 years, & I Teach all ages from 8 years old and up, and all levels from Beginners to Advanced. My Goal is to help the student to have a clear understanding of how to view Music & the Instrument that which they chose to play, and in the process keeping them Inspired and having fun. You will learn the correct way, from the beginning, and rise above all expectations of what you thought you could achieve. I Guarantee you'll Learn more in one year studying with me then with anyone else around.

*Adults*
Whether you are a beginner or have been playing for years my comprehensive lessons will help you to quickly realize your musical goals. I tailor each lesson to fit your individual needs and will get you strumming your favorite songs, reading music, taking soaring solos, or writing your own melodies while simultaneously deepening your understanding of the language of music. At the end of each lesson you’ll receive an MP3 of all the material covered.

*Kids*
I believe in building music fundamentals while fostering a love of playing. My fun, imaginative, and age appropriate classes are just right for any budding musician! Each lesson is customized to get the individual student excited about music, that means playing songs they like and having fun while learning the essential techniques and developing musicality. I have extensive experience working with children 5-16 and adapt my teaching to promote success for each unique student.

*Genres*
Pop, Folk, Rock, Blues, Jazz, ...

Every musical success begins with a small note - HR

I have created my own program to teach students from beginner to Advanced levels, I wrote it myself. I wish I would've had a program like that when I began my musical journey with the guitar, I have arranged the subjects in a special order that makes easy the learning process for my students. I like to demystify all theoretical and practical concepts applied to the guitar so the student can easily understand chords, scales, techniques, harmony, improvisation and other subjects that usually take years to master. My goal is to translate all this knowledge at the student's own pace, yielding quick results in 3-6 months.

Want to take your playing to the next level? Would you like to learn how to play your favorite songs? Are you interested in writing, composing & arrangement?
My lessons are custom tailored for each individual student, as we all have different goals and tastes. My focus is on helping you find your own sonic fingerprint.

Fun With the Fundamentals

Playing the guitar doesn't have to be difficult or confusing! In fact, with a little dedication it can be fun and empowering! Impressing your friends, family, girlfriend, boyfriend, whatever! 👍 Guitar lessons for experienced and inexperienced players, no problem!

I grew up in Pittsburgh and received formal training in rock and jazz while also being granted a scholarship for classical guitar from Mercyhurst College. In 2003 I moved to the Pacific Northwest performing both as a solo artist and in a few local bands before moving back home in 2017. I’ve learned a great deal over the years both from formal instruction and through the other musicians I’ve met and played with. I’ve experienced the teaching methods that work and promote growth and I’ve also witnessed the methods that suck the enjoyment out of playing guitar leaving students confused, bored, and without clear direction. There’s no one size fits all approach to learning to play music. Each student learns and thrives in different ways and a teaching method needs to be adaptable to accommodate that. -Stylistically I lean towards classic, indie, punk, garage, & yacht rock, classic & indie folk, 70’s-80’s metal, and classic jazz.

With that in mind my goal here is to make learning ...