Midland, VA Country Guitar Lessons

All styles - strumming, fingerpicking
Improvisation soloing
Proper technique
Repertoire
Music analysis

I have been studying country guitar since 2005, playing professionally as a country guitarist since 2007 for nationally acclaimed acts, such as Paulette Carlson (of Highway 101 fame), & Doug Allen Nash (America's #1 Johnny Cash tribute). In our lessons we will cover many techniques techniques, such as chicken picking, using a slide, capoing techniques, performing double- & triple-stops, soloing strategies, etc. We'll also look at how to achieve good country tones, looking to the great players of the genre for examples to follow.

I have been playing guitar for 26 years, and have experience playing and teaching practically every style of guitar, including fingerstyle, classical, folk, jazz, rock, blues, pop, country, and metal. I have been teaching guitar for almost 10 years. Let my experience and patience guide you on your way to mastering the guitar!

Country music and its execution utilizes some specific techniques and methods of playing that brings the country style to life. Each lesson is tailored to fit each individual student, covering specifically the country music genre. I have a blast teaching and my students have fun learning!

Through the foundation I've gained by the influences of Mel Bay, Hal Leonard, and Suzuki musical instruction methods, I compile my own teaching materials. Using personally constructed guitar lessons, I demonstrate, instruct, and guide the student based on my assessment of their individual needs, skill level, and progress. Lessons are formulated in Modules, and advancement through them is based on the student's personal aptitude, skill level, and practice commitment. Learning is accomplished by ear as well as through essential methods of musical notation (tablature, 5-line staff, rhythmic comprehension). Students are trained to perform written music as well as to write and express the music within themselves.
I'm an encouraging and motivating guitar teacher with a casual relaxed approach. Teaching new guitarists is very rewarding to me. To see the light come on and watch a student perform a song, express themselves musically, and create their own composition is an awesome experience.

A major priority of my guitar teaching is to have students making expressive music every time they touch the instrument.

I begin by working on tone production on the open strings of the guitar, so that students are able to produce a full, beautiful tone on the first day. From there, we study left- and right- hand techniques in the context of real pieces of music, giving students the chance to apply the mechanics of guitar playing to the expression of musical ideas. At the same time, I work with students through progressive studies and warm-up exercises that have built-in expressive goals, so that they can learn to rely on their own ears to further refine their playing.

As I believe that a good guitarist is, first and foremost, a strong musician, I fold a number of diverse activities into weekly lessons, developing skills in music theory, ear training, sight reading, composition, and improvisation, all of which reinforce the acquisition of strong technique.

My main focus is to help you achieve whatever goals you have set for yourself. I tailor every lesson to each individual to ensure you are learning in a style that best suits your needs. Whether you are interested in rock, blues, country, jazz or any other style of guitar, I will work to make sure that you achieve your potential.

What you will learn: On top of guitar technique and performance skills, students will develop a strong foundation in music theory, ear training, and note reading.

My info: 7 years of experience teaching beginners to advanced guitar students. Bachelors in Music, specializing in Jazz Guitar performance.

My guitar lessons and classes are taught by a certified Musicians Institute graduate. I've had close to 10 years experience teaching lessons with kids and adults aged 5 and up. I've coordinated a number of after school guitar programs for kids in the past and still run a Y-Kids guitar program at the YMCA. I teach based on what the students want to learn to play while also covering music theory so you're enjoying while you learn!! I have had a lot of experience not only teaching but playing in bands, doing studio guitar sessions, playing gigs, and just working in the music industry.

I have been teaching professionally for 5 years. I have a various teaching curriculum with an emphasis on proper training, but the flexibility of time and effort to ensure improvement and growth even after the 1st lesson!
I believe music should be a joyful experience and one that will be a positive change in your life professionally and mentally.
I teach all genres of music and specialize in performance and event ready, audition preparation, and competition dynamics.
I want my students to reach their musical potential and aspirations while having a wonderful time!