Private Guitar tutoring lessons Fredericksburg, VA.

I aim to instill a love of music and of the instrument through both student guided song selections from popular genres and movie/video game soundtracks, as well as technical and music reading exercises designed to make my students well rounded and ready for any way they choose to pursue music.

My goal as an instructor is to keep the lessons fresh, fun, interesting, and to ultimately guide the students to better teach themselves as they gain experience and familiarity with the instrument and music. Students can have their lessons catered to the music and styles they wish to pursue. Lessons are tailored to each individual student so that we can build upon their strengths and focus on lessons to improve weaker areas. Students will learn how to build dexterity, use proper technique, and be creative. Every student has different goals, some really want to learn theory and read music. Others may simply want to learn to strum a few chords. Whatever the goal, I can provide the instructions to help the student succeed!

Fun, supportive, and thoughtful- lessons with Ian are centered around learning classic and modern songs from the very start to build excitement and momentum. For the new student we begin with Familiar Riffs & Melodies, tunes you know from the heart to help break the ice and build finger strength/calluses. Chords are introduced slowly yet smoothly into songs with lyrics to help memorize the progression. Intermediate levels learn how to effortlessly navigate the guitar's fretboard with good ergonomics, as well as exploring interesting chord shapes and groove based strumming patterns (think John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz). Theoretical knowledge is presented easily and without stress, with the option to explore further if interested. As a wise teacher once told me, "It's all just letters and numbers."

I am a singer/songwriter also for those interested in learning about composition and lyricism.

My philosophy as a teacher is to not only give every student a solid foundation of good technique and practice habits, but to most importantly foster their sense of musicality and expressiveness on the guitar. Having played and been dedicated to mastery of the guitar since the age of 10, I have found that the two greatest joys of playing regardless of skill level is 1. To find your "voice" on guitar and create your own music and 2. Playing and making music with other musicians. I aim to help any player of any age achieve these wonderful benefits by teaching music theory in a fun and practical way alongside developing their technical skills in engaging ways. I still consider myself a student of the instrument even after 14 years of playing and learning many styles, so students will also enjoy learning about (and from!) other great players and musicians as part of their curriculum, giving them an insightful history into the playing of various great guitarists and the timeless music they

Beginner to Intermediate. Rhythm, tab, and musical notation.

From Classical to Jazz, and lots of World Music in between.
Guitar was my main instrument until I began playing Bass in bands in 2000. Since then Guitar is still my main 'go-to' for practice at home, teaching music theory, and composition.