Guitar with Chris W.

Hello, I have been teaching all styles of guitar for the past eleven years. I have a bachelors and masters degree in performance and guitar pedagogy. I currently teach at studios throughout Northern Virginia . Lessons are taught in-person and with various video chat programs. Every student will desire something different out of their lessons. I constantly encourage students to realize what their ultimate goal is in regards to the guitar. Every student has a different goal and therefore everyone will have a different route in learning the guitar. For example, a student seeking admission into a top level conservatory will need a vastly different route than an adult whom is taking lessons as enjoyable past-time hobby. My job as a teacher is to prescribe learning materials that will increase a student’s awareness to reach his or her own goals. Natural technical ability of dexterity, flexibility and strength can be developed over time and a general understanding of musicianship can be learned. However, I always try to explain the importance of these elements in relation to reaching a student’s final goal. Students most often take music lessons for enjoyment and as a past time and therefore a student's enjoyment from playing music is perhaps the most important part of my teaching. Today education is driven by test scores and often a grand comparison of the scores to every student in America. Students do need to meet certain competencies and goals to play certain pieces of music but a student also needs an awareness and comprehension of their emotions, spiritual sense, and a strong imagination to connect with the music they perform on their instrument. A balance between the two aspects should always be in awareness for the teacher and the student. I am blessed to be able to pass on my experience and knowledge to other aspiring musicians.