FAQs
- Beginner to advanced guitar (acoustic, electric, and nylon)
- Beginner to advanced ukulele
- Beginner to intermediate bass
- Beginner to advanced writing & arranging
- Beginner keys
- Beginner drum set
Lessons primarily online
In-person/hybrid lessons may be available in the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia)
Lessons scheduled 7 days a week, with periodic breaks for school schedules, family events, and/or national holidays.
Casual but focused.
Lessons are tailored to the individual student, with focus placed on enjoyment while learning. Sessions approached with your goals in mind.
All students will apply fundamentals and exercises to songs chosen to fit goals and interests. I can adapt most songs to fit the appropriate skill level.
I encourage all students who wish to grow to “practice, practice, practice.”
While exploring songs, we may learn:
- how to care for your instrument
- how to read and write tablature (TAB)
- strumming patterns
- finger picking styles and patterns
- alternate, economy, sweep, and hybrid picking
- scales and modes
- harmonizing the scale / chord construction
- open chards, barre chords, double stops, and chord inversions
- arpeggios
- intervals and ear training
- natural and artificial harmonics
- string bending and vibrato
- hammer-ons, pull-offs, trills
- tapping
- slide guitar
- lead and rhythm roles
- improvisation
- Nashville numbering system
- 12-bar, ii-V-I (2-5-1), and other chord progressions
- alternate tunings
- using a capo
- using a tremolo bar
- composition / songwriting
- tone and use of dynamics
- how to read and write sheet music
- exercises to challenge brain and fingers
- equipment / gear
- music history and appreciation
and much, much more!
I don’t usually begin teaching beginners how to read sheet music unless that is a specific goal of the student.
We focus on the level-appropriate fundamentals, reading and writing TAB, and music theory.
I provide handouts that include TAB, charts, patterns, and exercises.
Custom lessons average $75/hr, considerations include:
- Weekday, daytime online lessons offered at a discount
- In-person rates consider location & timing
- Discounts offered for back-to-back lessons at the same location
- Pay as you go or select package discounts
Most students prefer 60 minute lessons.
I also offer 30-minute lessons (mainly online), 45-minute lessons, and even 90-minute or longer lessons for those who wish to dive in a little deeper.
I have taught songs and made charts for guitar, ukulele, and bass covering nearly 1,000 different artists/bands, learning and charting new songs for students and myself regularly.
Genres include: Rock, Blues, Pop, Soul/R&B, Funk, Country, Jazz, Metal, Folk, Punk, Reggae, etc.