PROFESSIONAL GUITAR LESSONS - Madison, WI
Beginners, Advanced, Intermediate Players
GUITAR INSTRUCTION
Taught the Way You Learn
I gave my first guitar lessons in 1998 as a way to supplement my income as a music student in college. Almost 30 years later, it is with equal measures pride, satisfaction and gratitude I can say that teaching has become an integral part of my professional and personal journey. Starting with an emphasis on fundamentals, I can help guide you towards different techniques, styles, genres and whatever other musical goals you have.
Make Progress On Your Terms
What I Teach
- Beginning guitar fundamentals theory and application
- Rock, Blues, Metal, Jazz, Country, Folk, Fingerstyle and More
- Advanced Techniques: Sweep arpeggios, tapping, harmonics, hybrid picking, economy picking, legato
- Note finding, fretboard navigation, and music theory
- Reading Guitar Music & Tableture
- Ear Training & Improvisation
- Analysis and understanding of rhythm and groove through strumming and picking technique
Lesson Formats
- Weekly lessons
- 30-minute intervals
- In-person Lessons
- Online lessons
- Beginner to intermediate
- Intensive study on the collegiate level
- Guided instruction on specific methods
- Genre specific lessons
Sample Tracks
Listen to examples of lead, classical, and genre based guitar samples you can build up to in your own studies.
Guitar World Lesson Series
Get an idea of what to expect when you’re taking lessons with me. This is “Music of the Arcane”, a series of lessons featured in Guitar World helping players advance through advanced techniques and progressions.
4:47
7:12
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3:22
GUITAR LESSON FAQ
I'm a complete beginner, where do we start?
Playing single notes is the most effective starting point for any beginning student. This also includes posture and hand placement for fretting and holding the pick.
Do you work with younger students?
Yes, although 6 years old is usually the youngest I will take on a new student.
I'm preparing for college music can you help me prepare?
We will work through a fundamental level of chords, scales, techniques, and theory. We will also choose an audition piece to prepare.
Do I have to learn how to read music?
While reading standard notation is highly recommended, it is not a requirement. Most of the lesson material will be presented in tablature with an emphasis on converting the tab to notes.
Do you assign homework or practice exercises?
Yes, practice exercises and song excerpts will be assigned during each lesson.
What types of education materials do you recommend?
I usually furnish the student with written notes, PDFs or Guitar Pro files. Since there is such a vast amount of educational materials out there, we can also analyze and discuss other topics and approaches that you may come across.
Do you use method books for instruction?
I encourage any beginning student to work through a method book. I usually use the Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book 1 for a variety of melody and chord work as well as establishing a base for note reading.
Are there any guitar models you recommend for a complete beginner?
An acoustic guitar is cheaper and can be played by itself but is physically harder to play (thicker strings, higher action) An electric guitar is easier to play at first, but requires more accessories and cost upfront. Any instrument in the range of $100-$300 should work to get started.
Can you teach me how to shred?
Yes, I can show you what to play and how to do it. However, shredding, or any technical style of playing, involves a commitment of time, practice, patience and discipline. I can show you how to shred, but I cannot practice for you.
What should I bring to the first lesson?
Make sure you have a guitar, an amp if we are working virtually, and a spiral notebook for extra notes.
“There’s no reason for a guitarist to have a big ego. You should love the instrument more than wanting to be a rock star””