Cottage Grove, WI Classical Guitar Lessons

Classical guitar is warm, rich, and beautifully complex. It is a self-contained artform which needs no accompaniment. Classical guitar music is instantly gratifying, even at the beginner level. To unlock your highest potential, I'll help you learn proper picking as well as fret hand technique, sight reading, music theory, and fretboard logic. We will also study and learn chord voicings, voice leading, ear training, and sight-singing.

My teaching style is friendly, patient, and inclusive. I believe in a well rounded teaching approach through reading, as well as learning to play by ear.
I prefer to use these books for reading and developing good technique:

Aaron Shearer Classic Guitar Method vol. 1 and 2
Classical Guitar Duets: Charles Duncan
Franz Wohlfahrt Violin Etudes: 60 Studies
Frederick Noad Classical Guitar Technique, vol. 1 and 2
Matteo Carcassi: 25 Melodic And Progressive Studies
Andres Segovia: Twenty Studies For Guitar
Giuliani's 120 Studies For Right ...

I play a variety of styles, from rock to jazz to classical, and combine techniques from each genre.

I cannot learn something without wanting to immediately begin sharing what I know. That's what inspired me to begin teaching, and it continues to drive me today.

My credo is, "Take fun seriously." There is a reason we say that we "play" music; it is meant to be entertaining, for the listener and the performer. I know you want to learn to play an instrument so that you have one more pleasure in your life, and not to take up a new profession. But I also assume the highest potential in my students. If something is worth learning, it's worth learning well. My goal is for people to say to each other, "There seem to be a lot of good guitarists coming out of the Madison area. What's in the water?" My bottom line: Whatever your personal objectives, it is my job to discover them and help you meet them, whether you're interested performing at the campfire or the concert hall.

If you do not live nearby, we can learn together through online chat via FaceTime, Skype, or Google Hangout. I ...

Learn to read music and perform classical guitar using the Christopher Parkening Method and select pieces of sheet music.

I have three goals for each individual student. First, is for the student to understand and learn the fundamentals of the basic flamenco forms and techniques. Second, is to take what he or she has learned and apply it (e.g., composing his or her own falsettas and/or accompanying baile and cante). Finally, I want each student to share what he or she has learned with others--pass it on!

I have been fortunate enough to study with many great classical guitarists since I started playing the guitar. My first instructor was a student of Andres Segovia, the father of classical guitar! I also studied with great classical guitarists while earning my degree at USC. I took years of lessons with both Adam del Monte and James Smith, and I am always glad to share everything I learned on to the next classical guitarist!

Come study Guitar with me! You will learn solid technique and fundamentals, sheet music reading, rhythm skills, picking techniques, chords, melodies, and gain a deeper understanding of the hows and whys of playing this amazing instrument.

I've taught 1000's of guitar lessons, and my students always say that studying with me opened up new possibilities for them and helped them get 'over the hump' in their playing. Whether it's advanced fingering strategies, or just starting out, I can help you achieve your dreams.

I have software and hardware tools that will help your home practice, as well as unique methods that will make your practice way more fun!

Touring guitarist, experienced composer for film/media, and professional music instructor for the past 8 years! I graduated Magna Cum Laude from McNally Smith College of Music with two bachelor's degrees; Guitar Performance and Instrumental Composition. I have taught students of literally all ages (4-76) and most specialize in guitar, music theory, and composition. I also teach beginner to intermediate piano lessons! My greatest strong suit as a teacher is my incredible flexibility in adapting to the student's learning style. Originally a self-taught guitarist, I know the struggles of learning or continuing to better oneself on an instrument. I guarantee you that I will work hard and patiently with you to help you reach your musical goals!

Learn to read and and easy positioning to aquire playing the notes.

I like to format my guitar lessons based on what style of music my students would like to play. We could learn how to hold the guitar and use our fingers in the most efficient ways to build and learn chords, we could be tackling tabs and learning about finger picking techniques, or we could focus on songwriting, song structures, chord families, and theory. Whatever fit your style, you'll be able to play your favorite songs after we work hard together!