Guitar with Paul W.

I am a classically trained guitarist whose mission is to help my students reach their goals while inspiring a love and passion for music. Never picked up a guitar before? No problem! You’ll be playing your favorite songs in no time. Have you been playing for years but need a little help overcoming that next hurdle? Great! You’ll be playing better and with more confidence than ever before. In order to truly improve you need determination and dedication, and that’s why I try to keep things fun and inspired from the very first lesson. I first picked up guitar in 7th grade and never put it down afterward. I took lessons throughout high school and eventually decided to pursue music in college. I received my Bachelor of Music in Recording Technology and my Master of Music in Classical Guitar Performance from Ball State University. While studying I held the Classical Guitar Graduate Assistantship at BSU. My responsibilities included instructing individual undergraduate students in proper classical guitar technique, history of the instrument, and musical expression through etudes and repertoire in preparation for performances. I also directed small classical guitar ensembles as part my of duties. After receiving my degrees, I moved to Chicago and, in addition to my own private lessons, I also taught for Merit School of Music in Chicago and Sherwood Community Music School at Columbia University. I instructed private and group classical guitar classes with both schools. Our goals were to expand students’ personal and educational growth by cultivating a strong work ethic, effective listening, teamwork, and self-confidence. We developed each student’s musical potential by improving their musical knowledge, skill, and instrumental technique. I took a short hiatus from teaching to travel Australia and New Zealand. While there I still taught and did a little street performing while traveling. While I was there I began working with Yousician to develop an additional service for their app in which users get personalized help from music teachers. Now that I am back in the USA I'm ready to get back into teaching full swing! When I teach I don't simply have a One-Size-Fits-All approach. Every guitarist is different, with what they're good at, what they need to improve on, their likes, and their dislikes. Because of this, I use their interests to help propel them forward while incorporating personalized technical exercises that are designed to help them overcome challenges. Simultaneously, I sprinkle in Music Theory so that each student can gain a stronger understanding of harmony, rhythm, and layout of their instrument. So, whether you're trying to pursue music at the collegiate level or just learn a few of your favorite songs, I'll be sure to help you get here and have some fun along the way! Please let me know if you're looking for Private Lessons and whether you're interested in Online, In-Home, or In-Studio Lessons as my rates are different for each type of lesson. Additionally, I do provide Group Lessons on a case-by-case basis. If you're interested in Group Lessons please contact me and we can work out the details. Finally, I have a 24-hr cancellation/reschedule policy. If you fail to notify me 24 hours in advance of our lesson it will count as a missed lesson. I look forward to hitting the shed and getting to shred! Paul Witkamp