Guitar with Gustav S.

As a singer/guitarist/pianist, and I have several years of experience teaching music in private lessons and after-school programs at DC's public schools. My specialty is working with young children (5-10) and anyone interested in learning how to play blues and classic rock, including adults. I have worked with kids as young as 4 and first-time students in their seventies, and have developed a unique curriculum for getting children excited about music. In lessons, my style is laid-back and my priority is creating a safe space for my students to challenge themselves, take artistic risks, and learn from their mistakes. I believe you're never too young to enjoy music, and never too old to start learning! I also have an interdisciplinary Master's Degree from the University of Chicago and offer academic tutoring services in writing, English, social studies, language arts, and test preparation (SAT, GRE). *** Lesson Details *** I believe that music is a potent vehicle for self-expression and that the joy of playing is the most important part of any musical education. Especially in my work with younger children, I have found that my students learn best when they are comfortable and relaxed - while discipline and hard work are indispensable for those who want to advance as musicians, there is also no substitute for a genuine love of playing. In order to foster that love in my students, I make sure that the atmosphere in class is safe, casual, and friendly. I also use a unique curriculum tailored to the needs of each student. Rather than a "one-size-fits-all" book or series of lessons, I craft an individual learning experience based on each student's unique goals, skills, and (with younger kids especially) stage of development. *** Studio Equipment *** N/A *** Travel Equipment *** I provide all necessary equipment except the instrument itself - I expect students to have a guitar/piano in their home that they can use. *Please note that I am only able to teach students whose homes are within 1 mile of public transportation. *** Specialties *** Stylistically, I am strongest in blues and rock guitar.