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Guitar with Carla U.

Somerset, New Jersey

5.0
(29)
Teaches online
Teaches Beginner, Intermediate
Age: 9+
Speaks English
Teaching since 1990
Summer Certificate

    Master playing the guitar: award-winning teacher with 30+ years of experience

    I have a degree in music, and have taught at three summer camps three music stores and two universities. I have been teaching guitar since 1990. I teach ages 9 and up, and I aim to tailor lessons to work with your natural strengths and learning style. I offer note-reading but it is optional. We can study guitar using tablature and chord diagrams. The important thing is to make great music, enjoy the process, play songs you like, make steady progress and become independent. If I teach you well, eventually you won't need me very much- you'll be able to figure things out on your own, I started playing guitar when I was 4. I've played classical, rock, a bit of jazz, folk, a little bluegrass, and fingerstyle. I love the guitar and I love teaching!

    Instructor details

    Location:
    Teaches Online
    Teaches Online

    Teaching Hours

    Monday
    9 AM-10 AM
    3 PM-5 PM
    Tuesday
    9:30 AM-10 AM
    1:30 PM-3 PM
    Wednesday
    8 AM-9 AM
    10 AM-11 AM
    12 PM-12:30 PM
    2:30 PM-3:30 PM
    Thursday
    9 AM-10 AM
    1 PM-2 PM
    2:30 PM-3:30 PM
    Saturday
    5:30 AM-6:30 AM
    Sunday
    8 AM-9 AM
    Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
    Pricing
    30 minutes
    $40
    45 minutes
    $53
    60 minutes
    $66

    About Carla U.

    5.0
    (29)
    Music is my LIFE! After 30 years of teaching at music camps, music stores, 3 colleges and my home, I completely understand that the lessons are all about YOU, the student: what you want to learn, taught to you in a way that works for your brain and personality. And if you don't know exactly what you want to learn, that's OK. We can figure that out together as we go along learning the basics. I help students learn to play songs by artists they like. I also help students write songs, or put chords to their existing lyrics. For those who are interested, I teach note-reading (not required) and theory (not required) and ear training (not required). The lessons are always tailored towards your (the student's) goals. I also teach classical and fingerstyle guitar for the occasional person who specifically wants either of those styles. My purpose as a teacher: help people have a fun experience, learning in an organized way, adapted to your learning style and goals, while learning to do exactly what you wanted to do when you decided you wanted to play the guitar. In 1994, I was let go from my job at a music store because I was sick. Which sounds awful, but was the best thing to ever happen to me- it was then I got over my fears and became a full-time musician, teaching and writing and performing. I have never looked back! I may not be a household name, but I am living the dream. Whether you want to sing to your kids or play for an audience of 50,000, or just play guitar for yourself, you first have to get started. Wait no longer! The guitar is calling!

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    5.0
    29 Reviews
    Brad
    Teacher's studio
    Correction to my review below - I take lessons online, not at the teacher's studio. Thanks.
    Posted Jul 19, 2023
    Brad
    Teacher's studio
    I have had the privilege of working with Carla for several years now. My lesson period is absolutely the highlight of my week. Carla is an outstanding teacher. She is patient, makes you feel really good about your progress, and is always gently and patiently challenging you to excel and do your best. She is well-practiced and skilled at teaching online; it's just like being there with her. As a teacher myself, I give her my very highest recommendation.
    Posted Jul 19, 2023
    Isaias
    Online
    This instructor is different from most guitar instructors I learned from. She asked me what kind of music I wanted to play and what I wanted to get out of guitar lessons and tailored my entire curriculum based on that. She makes very personalized lessons and is excellent at teaching guitar.
    Posted Jul 4, 2023
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    Experience

    Performing Songwriter

    Feb, 1995 - Present

    Professional Smart Aleck

    Perform original humorous songs for festivals, concert venues, house concerts. 10 indie CDs of humorous songs released. Aired on Dr. Demento, SiriusXM Radio, the BBC, numerous college and community radio stations.

    Guitar Teacher

    Oct, 2008 - Jun, 2014

    Golden Age Guitars

    teach weekly private lessons in a music store.

    Guitar Teacher

    Jun, 1999 - Aug, 2011

    Hummingbird Music Camp

    teach class guitar (35-45 students) with 2 other teachers. Short private lessons daily. Prep class to perform 3 songs as a group by week's end, and each individual to perform a solo at week's end. Perform at faculty recital. Play volleyball, dance, be goofy.

    Guitar Teacher

    Sep, 1997 - May, 1998

    Lander University

    private weekly lessons for students majoring in music as guitarists. Also, lead weekly guitar ensemble.

    Guitar Teacher

    Aug, 1996 - May, 1998

    North Greenville Baptist University

    private weekly lessons for college students, on campus.

    Guitar Teacher

    May, 1996 - Jul, 2001

    National Guitar Summer Workshop

    teach small classes (6-8 students) of adult students (14 and up). Prepare for concert performance at the end of the week, individually and as a class.

    Guitar Teacher

    Jan, 1994 - Present

    Private Studio

    private weekly lessons (sometimes duet lessons with siblings or parent/child).

    Guitar Teacher

    Oct, 1990 - May, 1993

    Pearson Music company

    private weekly lessons at a studio in the store

    Education

    AFA Music

    Aug, 1984 - May, 1986

    Brevard College

    Summer Certificate

    Jun, 1987 - Aug, 1987

    Guitar Institute of Technology

    Bachelor of Arts: Music: Guitar

    Aug, 1986 - Jun, 1990

    UNC-Greensboro

    Awards

    Best Upbeat and Best overall

    Jan, 1999

    South Florida Folk Festival

    Winner, Comedy Album of the Year

    Dec, 2020

    Just Plain Folks Awards

    Logan Award for Excellence in Comedy Music

    Jul, 2016

    The Funny Music Project

    Novelty Song of the Year

    Feb, 2006

    Just Plain Folks

    New Folk Finalist

    Jul, 2004

    Kerrville Folk Festival

    Most Wanted Emerging Songwriter

    Aug, 2003

    Falcon Ridge Folk Festival

    Affiliations

    BMI

    Oct, 2021

    Broadcast Music Inc. was founded in 1939 by forward-thinkers who wanted to represent songwriters in emerging genres, like jazz, blues and country, and protect the public performances of their music. Operating on a non-profit-making basis, BMI is now the largest music rights organization in the U.S. and is still nurturing new talent and new music.

    Languages

    English

    Native Proficiency

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