McKeesport, PA Acoustic Guitar Lessons

I love to teach chords as well as how the chords are formed and teach scales and notes.

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.

Each student's training program is uniquely based on his/her personal goals. This depends on individual needs to include teaching basic technique, music theory, chord inversions, scales, improvisation, site reading and/or ear training as part of the process.

Remember... becoming a fluent musician requires practice, practice and more practice!

*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, ...

Hailing from a background constituent of Jazz, Indie, Pop, Death Metal, and Rock, my studio is aimed at helping to coach and teach contemporary styles of the guitar. I can teach both acoustic and electric styles, with my specialties lying in Blues, Rock, and Metal (specifically on electric). The studio revolves around theory and practical musical concepts to help the student unlock the mysteries of the fretboard, eventually leading to the ability of heightened creativity and improvisation. I am an avid player of 10 years, and with my training in Music Education from WSU, have consolidated much of what I've learned to help maximize understanding and communication within the studio setting.

My goal as an instructor is to keep the lessons fresh, fun, interesting, and to ultimately guide the students to better teach themselves as they gain experience and familiarity with the instrument and music. Students can have their lessons catered to the music and styles they wish to pursue. Lessons are tailored to each individual student so that we can build upon their strengths and focus on lessons to improve weaker areas. Students will learn how to build dexterity, use proper technique, and be creative. Every student has different goals, some really want to learn theory and read music. Others may simply want to learn to strum a few chords. Whatever the goal, I can provide the instructions to help the student succeed!

Beginner Guitar lessons include: Chord and Chord Shapes (Open and Barred), Scales, Rhythm, Blues Licks, and Song Form.

I have been an active performing musician in Pittsburgh for over ten years now. I am extremely versatile and have played in many varying styles of bands. I am not strict on a specific way to learn the different aspects of playing the guitar. There are many ways to approach the proper way to play whatever songs or styles you gravitate towards. I am well versed in blues, rock, metal, jazz, country, and folk styles. I am currently studying music composition at University of Pittsburgh, while at the same time playing in an original Punk/Metal band and the Pitt small Jazz ensemble. Whatever it is you are trying to learn on the guitar I can provide with the proper information and explanations to help you get there.

Learning music can empower your entire life! No matter if you are a beginner or a pro, I offer myself as an effective partner and coach to your creative expansion and musical self expression. What I bring to the table is over twenty years of experience as a teacher, seasoned professional musician, productivity and awareness educator, and seminar facilitator. I offer a unique transformational approach to learning that will supercharge your results. What you bring is an open mind and a commitment to learn. Learn the songs you want, at the pace you want. Discover your musical voice and your source of inspiration. See music theory and concepts in a new light that directly applies to your performance in the moment. Let's get started!

Teaching the guitar since 2010, graduated with a certificate of professional competences, originally from France, and having a solid background as live performer with different bands and as a self-producer/songwriter, I'm here to help you reach your targets: It can be learning some specific technical skills on the guitar, learning a song, improving your theory knowledge, or help you in your songwriting process (working on Logic Pro X).

Reach me on this website for more details about my lessons !