Guitar Lessons By Matteus Cobo

When I start working with a new student, I kick things off with a relaxed first session where we just chat about their interests and goals. I'll ask what kind of music they love, what they hope to achieve on guitar, and what experience they have, if any. After that, I usually put together a customized lesson plan that matches their style and pace. Each lesson is a mix of technique, songs they enjoy, and a bit of music theory sprinkled in. Overall, it's a pretty laid-back but structured approach that evolves as the student grows.

I studied music and guitar performance at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, which gave me a solid academic and practical foundation in both classical and contemporary styles. Beyond that, I've been teaching since I was 16, so I have plenty of hands-on experience helping students of all ages and skill levels. All of that training and real-world teaching experience means I can offer a pretty well-rounded and personalized approach to every lesson.

Yes, I do. I charge a standard rate of $80 for a one-hour lesson. This way, students always know what to expect, and it keeps things simple and straightforward for everyone.

I actually got started teaching pretty organically. When I was 16, a friend from high school asked me to give them some guitar lessons, and it turned out to be a lot of fun. From that first experience, I discovered how much I loved helping people learn music and how rewarding it was to share that passion. It all started from there and just kept growing!

I've had the pleasure of working with a really wide variety of students. I've taught kids as young as six who are just starting out and want to have some fun with music, all the way up to adults in their 60s who are picking up guitar as a new hobby or revisiting it after many years. I’ve also worked with teens who are into everything from rock and metal to pop and acoustic, and even some students who want to dive into songwriting or music production. It's been a really diverse mix, and I love customizing lessons to fit each student’s unique interests and goals.

One recent highlight that I’m really fond of is actually connected to my band, Further Within. We had this incredible show recently where I got to see a bunch of my students and fans come out and really enjoy the music. It was such a cool blend of my teaching world and my performing world coming together, and it reminded me why I love doing both. So yeah, being part of Further Within has been a big, awesome part of my musical journey lately!

My advice would be to look for a teacher who not only has the right skills and experience, but also someone you feel comfortable with and excited to learn from. It's important to find a teacher who listens to what you want to achieve and can tailor lessons to your interests. Don't be afraid to ask potential teachers about their teaching style and how they plan to help you reach your goals. Ultimately, the best teacher for you is someone who inspires you and makes the learning process enjoyable.

Before we dive into lessons, I always encourage students to think about a few key things. First, what are your musical goals? Are you looking to play just for fun, join a band, or master a certain genre? Also, consider what kind of music excites you the most. It's helpful to know if you’re into metal, classic rock, jazz, or anything else so we can tailor lessons to your taste. Finally, think about how you like to learn. Whether you prefer a laid-back approach, a structured plan, or a mix of both. All of these questions help us make your learning experience as awesome and personalized as possible!