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Guitar with Peter A.

5.0
(9)
Background check
Teaches online
Teaches all skill levels
Age: 10+
Speaks English
Teaching since 2008
Professional Certificate in Jazz Studies

    Learn classical and jazz guitar from a gigging professional and experienced teacher

    I've been teaching guitar for fifteen years and playing for most of my life. I've made every mistake in the book and spent hours (days, weeks, years) trying to fix them all. If you’re having trouble with something, chances are I've had trouble with it too––chances are, I can help. I studied classical and jazz guitar in college, during which time I performed in masterclasses for numerous world-class concert guitarists, including Ana Vidovic, Manuel Barrueco, and Andrew York. After college, I moved to New York City, where I where I worked as a gigging jazz guitarist and studied with musicians like Peter Bernstein and Brad Shepik. My approach is rooted in technique and musicianship, but always tailored to the individual. When you study with me, you'll receive coherent, cohesive lessons designed around making actual music. I want to help you get the most out of what you already know, then build from there. You'll receive detailed lesson plans and written materials the whole time. Teaching students to make the music they love is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I love helping people do something they're proud of ... helping them use the guitar to explore their interests in more depth than they thought possible... helping them explore new and exciting music.

    Instructor details

    Location:
    Teaches Online
    Teaches Online

    Teaching Hours

    Monday
    10 AM-2:45 PM
    4:45 PM-7 PM
    Tuesday
    10 AM-12:45 PM
    5:30 PM-7 PM
    Wednesday
    10 AM-10:45 AM
    12 PM-1:45 PM
    6 PM-7 PM
    Thursday
    10 AM-10:45 AM
    12 PM-7 PM
    Friday
    8:15 AM-3 PM
    Saturday
    6 AM-2:30 PM
    Sunday
    10 AM-4 PM
    Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
    Pricing
    30 minutes
    $35
    45 minutes
    $45
    60 minutes
    $60

    About Peter A.

    5.0
    (9)
    Peter is a guitarist and composer from rural Virginia. He studied music in college with a focus in classical and jazz guitar. After graduating, he moved to New York City, where he performed in jazz clubs, art spaces, improvisational theater productions, restaurants, converted auto-body shops, and the occasional subway station. While in the city, he studied with numerous world-class guitarists including Brad Shepik and Peter Bernstein. His favorite guitarists are Wes Montgomery, Jimi Hendrix, Derek Trucks, and Jim Hall, and he listens to just about any song with instruments in it, from John Coltrane to Taylor Swift to Buck Owens or Beethoven. He has taught aspiring guitarists of all ability levels, including beginners from ages five to seventy-five, and looks forward to teaching many (many) more.

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    5.0
    9 Reviews
    Caleb S.
    Online
    I have been playing guitar lightly on and off for 30 years. I have been around guitar enough to somewhat discern talent and skill. When I decided I wanted to start over and learn classical guitar from a professional teacher I went hunting for a great teacher. Before starting lessons with Peter I met with a couple other guitar teachers and gauged them against others I have known. I chose Peter because I found him to be everything I was looking for. Peter is smart. He is both a highly skilled player and a talented teacher. He is dedicated to teaching guitar vs teachers who don’t primarily play guitar or teachers who don’t have any training in guitar pedagogy. Peter is a great communicator in general, which has helped us navigate my complicated schedule and tailor my instruction to my needs and interests. Peter seems to be flexible and realistic with the curriculum he devised for me and the goals we set. Peter has a great personality for teaching. In the journey of developing guitar skill, I think he is a great guide. He knows the art, he knows how to teach it, he knows how to do hard things, how to overcome challenges, and he has a deep trove of experiences to draw from in lessons. My lessons with him have been fun, helpful, and well structured. For the kind of guitar playing I am interested in, my search is over, Peter is a great teacher.
    Posted Jul 19, 2024
    Dave
    Online
    Peter is the first person I’ve taken lessons from after playing for more than a half decade. I’ve considered lessons for a long time, but being able to find someone who could actually ‘translate’ the aspects of music I’ve avoided felt unlikely. Peter’s reviews were excellent (I now know that they’re well deserved), but what the reviews consisted of was what drew me in. He’s clearly a sharp guy, and that’s most evident in how he simplifies concepts that are often boring and unpalatable; there’s no request to memorize the notes on the fretboard or climb scales for weeks on end. Everything is put into context so that actually understanding your instrument becomes something that feels inevitable. The multiple ‘eureka’ moments I’ve had have lit a fire under me, and I feel fortunate that I made the right choice. All of that to say - Peter is a stand up guy who’s an expert in his field, and I haven’t even considered the idea of working with someone else. Beyond his teaching, he’s someone I’d be happy to consider a friend… and if I improve enough, hopefully someone to play with one day. If you want someone who truly cares about music and your progress, then Peter’s your guy.
    Posted Jul 18, 2024
    Zack
    Online
    Taking lessons with Peter is a great experience! Peter tailors his lessons to reflect your goals & interests, all while making sure you are learning great fundamentals and musicianship. I came to Peter already having a little bit of a classical background and wanted to expand my playing capability into other styles. Peter was able to immediately identify areas where I can build and improve upon what I already knew. Peter is very patient and encouraging, and always looking to help you in areas of your playing where you might feel stunted. He is also very professional with how lessons are managed, and follows up on what we did, what we plan to work on, etc. I highly recommend Peter, he will teach and challenge you on your instrument, all while having fun. Thanks Peter!
    Posted May 29, 2024
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    Experience

    Teaching artist

    May, 2023 - Present

    Soundscapes

    I work with an elementary school jazz band, teaching them to play instruments, understand music, and improvise.

    Teaching artist

    Oct, 2022 - May, 2023

    Tidewater Classical Guitar Society

    I taught guitar ensemble to beginners at a city middle school.

    Guitar teacher

    Sep, 2022 - Dec, 2023

    Centerstage Academy

    Guitar instructor for young and adult beginners. Classroom instructor for beginning rock band.

    Maitre d

    Jan, 2018 - Mar, 2020

    The Jazz Standard

    Ran the door at a world class jazz club in Manhattan. Worked with GRAMMY-winning artists, and celebrity patrons.

    Independent guitar teacher

    Jan, 2009 - Present

    Self-employed

    I’ve been teaching guitar since I was 17. I love it and I’m good at it. I’ve taught students of every ability level, ranging in age from 6 to 81.

    Education

    Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance

    Aug, 2009 - May, 2013

    Christopher Newport University

    Professional Certificate in Jazz Studies

    Aug, 2009 - May, 2013

    Christopher Newport University

    Languages

    English

    Native Proficiency

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