About
My teaching approach: I believe one-to-one teaching provides the essential personal attention necessary for both beginner and intermediate students to learn guitar and become proficient. I am patient and experienced with a wide array of learning styles and students of all backgrounds. I have been playing guitar for over 30 years and also dabble in other stringed instruments (mandolin, banjo-ukulele, cello, and tres cubano). In recent years, I have performed with community jazz bands at local events. I teach basic chords, scales, arpeggios and more advanced techniques used to "decorate" standard chord structures and single-note solos. Lessons include hands-on excercises and real world applications on acoustic and electric guitar. My guitar lessons take place in my home-based practice room located in Lyons, Colorado. Guitar Techniques: Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar, Fingerstyle, Jamming Skills, Scales and Exercises, Song Writing
I enjoy learning about the practice of teaching from the actual process of teaching to others who approach learning from different ways. I'm a highly visual learner, and I think all students have an innate sense of visualization. This ability to see patterns and structure in nature translates to music and, in particular, the guitar as a musical instrument. I enjoy helping students unravel and demystify the art of playing music. It’s a thrill to witness those eureka moments when something finally ‘clicks’ and that next step is achieved in the learning process. I still have those moments in my daily practice as a student of music, and I’m passionate about helping others to discover them as well.
Highlights
Photos and videos
Reviews
Greg L.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first lesson is usually geared toward understanding what the student wants to acheive and getting aquanted with the format of lessons and home practice, then we're off and running. One of the most basic questions I first ask every student is what music they're in to and what song they'd like to learn. Even if it's only a small part of the tune, learning a few notes is a fun way to make progress.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've been playing since I was a kid. As a young adult, I studied at University of Northern Colorado and fell in with students of the music school who introduced me to a wider array of styles. After graduation I spent two years in West Africa learing from local musicians who influenced me even further. Every encounter in my life has brought me closer to a full understanding of music as an art form and means of communication. I'm on a constant learning curve musically and have explored a variety of music from around the world and throughout history. I greatly enjoy being on my own musical journey, and I enjoy opening a door to that world through teaching.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $25 for half-hour lessons and $40 for a full hour. My rates are relatively affordable compared to others offering lessons in the area because I realize that students are already making an investment of resources by travelling to my home and committing to a routine of practice. People's time is valuable. The price we pay to learn includes more than just the money spent.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching friends during jam sessions as a kid. Later in life, people started coming to me during and after performaces to ask if I taught. I finally decided to make it a full-time hobby and create a space in my home where I could teach on a regular basis.
What types of students have you worked with?
Mostly younger students and people of all backgrounds spanning the ages of 8 - 23. Some adults over 30 who are taking it up for the first time.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Sitting on the grass at the Alamo with my family at the Crockett Fiddler's Festival a couple years ago in San Antonio.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Ask the teacher how they teach and what they feel is the most important part of the lesson.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
You can ask me anything. As a teacher, I ask this question of students: What inspires you to learn? Thinking back on the things that you've learned in life (riding a bike, driving a car, learning a craft or hobby), what have you found that really works to help you learn best?