NoVa Guitar Lessons

NoVa Guitar Lessons

5.0(1 review)
Top Pro
Top Pro

About

My teaching approach: I specialize in total beginners and "frustrated intermediates" on acoustic guitar. I have developed very sturctured, proven method that teaches the student to establish basics skills, and then build upon them, at their pace.

See more at my website: http://novaguitarlessons.com

My guitar lessons take place in: in the teacher's studio or student's home

Guitar Lessons with me take place in the following areas: Loudoun County Fairfax County Reston VA Herndon VA Sterling VA Leesburg VA Ashburn VA

Guitar Techniques: Rhythm guitar, Fingerstyle, Vocal Accompaniment, Reading Music, Music Theory, Song Writing

I really like to see skills progress in my students. Breaking things down into elemental "chunks" of skills that can be easily learned so students can "get there" is my specialty.

I have been teaching for over ten years. My own skills as a teacher have developed steadily during that time. I am now very confident in my teaching skills and approach, with a roster of about 25 students, many who have been with me for a few years now.

Being a great guitar *player* is not the same as being a great guitar *teacher*. I am a teacher. It's not about me and my skills. For me, it is all about the student.


Highlights

Current Top Pro
Hired 2 times
1 employee
18 years in business
Serves Sterling , VA

Social media


Reviews

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KC

Krysti C.

I have been going to guitar lessons with Dirk for over a year now. I tried guitar lessons once before -- and the instructor and I just didnt click. I am a 38-year old woman, who loves to sing and have always wanted a way to accompany myself -- I love cheesy music (read: boring ballads) and have zero aspirations of being a rock star (although I have played at one open mic).
Dirk has been the perfect instructor for me -- he is the right balance of helping you find inspiration in songs that you actually enjoy and also providing structure and exercises to increase your playing ability. He is fun, and patient, and supportive! He always has suggestions for songs that I may like -- and hes usually spot on! Ill also surprise him with songs that I want to try in lessons -- and hell sit there and work them out with me on the spot.
Hes also been super patient with me -- as an adult learner, guitar obviously isnt my primary focus. Life gets in the way sometimes -- and Dirk has never once pushed. He has gently reminded me of my guitar goals in a way that is exactly what I need to get me on track when I have been distracted (sometimes missing 1-2 months of lessons).
I drive 45 minutes from Arlington, VA to guitar lessons -- and I ALWAYS look forward to it (even when Im embarrassed if I havent practiced as much as I should have)!
His joy for the instrument and music in general is infectious. If you want to pick up the guitar, definitely give Dirk a shot -- hes absolutely wonderful!
... Show more
February 03, 2017

Frequently asked questions

For total beginners, I start out by having them learn very simple but fun songs, usually a simple blues pieces and familiar melodies, and bass not accompaniment of familiar songs. Something we can use to learn to "play along" with others. I focus on solid fundamentals and metronome skills.   

I havebeen teaching guitar for over ten years. I am not a formally trained musician. Instead, I use my own years of being a frustrated guitar player to help others "short circuit" their own path to proficiency. 

My rates for in home lessons are based on time of day and day of week, with weekday (business hour) lessons being most affordable. I do travle, but at a premium to cover time and travel costs. See more at http://novaguitarlessons.com/#rates

Stated teaching youth for a non-profit organization, Music for Life. 

youth to retured, male female, vocalists, pickers and all in between. 

When students connect and playing guitar changes their life for the better, it matters. I did not realize the impact of that when I first started teaching. It is profound. 

There is often a huge difference between great guitar players and great guitar teachers. Being a good teacher means putting in extra effort *between* lessons, prepping material and customizing a lesson plan to the student. A good teacher is also patient and breask down the material into bite sized chunks. 

What to do you want to accomplish with your guitar? Define it and then find a teacher who will customize a path for you to get there.


Services offered

Guitar