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.
Reviews
Krysti C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
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.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
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.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
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
How did you get started teaching?
Stated teaching youth for a non-profit organization, Music for Life.
What types of students have you worked with?
youth to retured, male female, vocalists, pickers and all in between.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
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.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
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 questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
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.