Miami Guitar Studio

1) Assess Current Experience

All students bring some experience to the table, even if they've never picked up a guitar before. We want to know where the student is coming from, how they learn, and what unique personal skills they already possess that be leveraged to accelerate their learning.

2) Determine Goals and Dreams

Every student picks up the guitar for a different reason, and we all define "success" in different ways. This part of the process includes working with the student to create short term and long term goals that we can use to track progress over time. This may involve listening to favorite artists and choosing songs to learn or discussing specific techniques to master throughout the subsequent lessons.

3) Create an Action Plan

Achieving rapid and continuous progress comes down to only two steps: knowing what to work on, and choosing to spend adequate time working on those things. Unfortunately, most students get stuck spending lots of time and effort without seeing results. This disheartening problem has one easy fix: A practice routine that defines what to practice, how to practice, and the proper sequence of new skills. You will leave each lesson with a plan that defines each of these elements and sets you on the path to rapid and measurable progress.

I have taught consistently for the past 12 years, helping over 450 students achieve their dreams. Throughout this time, I’ve been able to recognize the patterns and obstacles that hold students back. I’ve also seen students make faster progress than they ever dreamed was possible. I bring all of this experience to the table each and every time I sit down with a new student.

Additionally, I hold a Bachelor’s of Music degree from the University of Miami for Jazz Guitar Performance and continue to enjoy a wide-ranging music career. I’ve toured three continents, worked with world-famous musicians ranging from Jimmy Heath to the Steve Miller Band, performed on GRAMMY-nominated albums, and written music for film, TV, and radio.

We follow a simple pricing system, outlined below:

Lessons in our Teaching Studio

$55 for each (1) hour lesson*

Lessons in Your Home

$65 for each (1) hour lesson*

Lessons via Skype

$55 for each (1) hour lesson*

*Discounts provided for monthly packages.

I began teaching just months after beginning to play the guitar, at only 14 years old. I’ve always been a strong believer in sharing what I know with the world around me, and I couldn't keep the joy of playing the guitar to myself.

My first few students were between 2 and 3 times my age. Needless to say, some of them expressed concern when they arrived and realized their teacher wasn't even old enough to legally drive a car. But after the first lesson, each and every one of them came back for another lesson. And then another. And then yet another.

Over the years, I've improved as both a guitarist and a teacher, but I've never forgotten those first few lessons. It was during this time that I realized there is something utterly intoxicating about witnessing a student accomplish what they never thought was possible.

450+ students later, the satisfaction that I get from watching students surpass their own expectations has only increased.

My students have ranged from complete novices to world-renowned guitarists. They've come from all corners of the world, all cultural backgrounds, and all ages. (Oldest student to date: 81 years old. Youngest student to date: 4 years old.)

I’ve taught hobbyists and professionals focused on Jazz, Blues, Rock, Funk, Classical, Fingerstyle, Folk, and more.

Here's one example from a 22-year-old student of mine. He began playing guitar two years ago and is mainly interested in funk and jam band music.

A few months ago, I began working with this student on some techniques that he found particularly challenging. Like many of us can be, he was discouraged by what he saw as slow progress. I knew that these techniques would open doors for him in the future, so I asked him to stick with them while we added some more exciting exercises and songs for him to practice in the meantime.

Much to his surprise, as I began showing him how to play the first song on his list, many of the techniques we had been working on started to appear as essential components of the song. His eyes lit up. For the first time, I could see him understanding the connection between the techniques that he had been practicing and the music he had always wanted to play.

Every musician has this realization at some point in time, and they never look back. From this point on, practicing becomes fun because it becomes relevant.

Here are 6 important points to keep in mind when selecting a teacher:

1) There is no replacement for a good teacher.

While self-taught musicians are often praised from afar, their journeys are frequently winding and take far longer than necessary. A good teacher will help you avoid frustration and set you on a clear path towards your goals, dramatically accelerating the learning process. Find the best teacher you can, given your restrictions on time, budget, and location.

2) There is no replacement for experience.

Ambitious and young teachers with no experience may be cheaper, but they may not possess the necessary skills to lead you along your journey. There are valuable insights gained from teaching students of different backgrounds and learning styles. Try to determine your teacher's level of experience and comfort with students similar to you in learning style, age, genre, and any other factors that you feel are relevant.

3) Commit to a 5-lesson trial

Just like you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you shouldn't judge your decision on a private teacher by the first lesson.  Often, it takes a few lessons for a teacher and student to find their sense of flow, and it takes to time understand your level of experience, learning style, motivations, and interests. Be careful: What may seem like the wrong fit at first may just be a teacher giving you exactly what you need to work on, even if it's not what you were expecting. Give it a few lessons. If you made the right choice, the results should speak for themselves.

4) No teacher can replace your practice routine.

Those who are successful in any field are those that take action. Having a proper practice routine and a teacher to guide you can greatly reduce the bumps in the road... But if you don’t sit down to practice, it doesn’t matter how great your plan is. There is no replacement for time spent with the instrument, especially time spent in deep, focused practice.

In other words: your teacher can tell you what to do, but it's up to you to do it!

5) Trust your instincts.

Humans often rationalize themselves out of trusting their instincts or “gut”. But we’re rarely wrong about what we truly feel. If you connect with your teacher as a person, you will feel a greater sense of commitment to your lessons and look upon each one with a sense of joy. This will keep you motivated to practice for much longer.

6) Find a teacher who believes in you.

Do we all remember the scene in School of Rock when Jack Black says “Those who can’t do, teach”? Unfortunately, this is sometimes true. Too often I come across teachers who are teaching as a last resort or "back up plan" after failing in another arena. These teachers often carry a negative or jaded perspective--not what you should be hearing from your teacher. In fact, this will undoubtedly set you up for failure. The subtle emotional signals you receive from your teacher can be very influential on your progress and level of motivation.

Try to study with someone who is either active in the music scene, has a gold-star reputation as a teacher, or simply has a kind and encouraging attitude. Better yet, shoot for someone who is all three!

Before our first lesson together, I often reach out to students and ask them to spend some time thinking about the following prompts.

Note: If you are a complete beginner, these can still apply to you. For example, you may not have strengths as a guitarist yet, but what are your strengths as a person? Which elements of skills have you excelled at in past learning experiences?

1) List three or more strengths you possess as a guitarist.

2) List three or more areas of your playing that you desire to improve.

3) List three or more artists or musicians who have inspired you recently. Who is that you can't stop listening to?

4) Take a moment to think about your schedule and your workload. How many days per week can you commit to lessons? How many days per week can you commit to practicing?

5) What equipment do you have to help you on your musical journey? Some examples would include a guitar, picks, a capo, a tuner, extra strings, an amplifier, a music stand... etc. Your teacher can help you determine which equipment is necessary and which pieces of equipment can be purchased at a later date.

6) What is your inspiration for beginning lessons? Is it to make more rapid progress, or because you don't know where to begin? Is it because you want to impress your friends, or because you want to pursue a career as a musician? Is it a personal tool for relaxation, or is it something you want to improve at the most rapid possible pace?

Always remember to begin with the end in mind. You want well-defined goals, often with short timelines and measurable barometers for success.