About
Ellen has been in the Expertise "Top 14" list of Triangle area Guitar Teachers for several consecutive years.
A teacher's experience and love of teaching are important. And finding a teacher who teaches because she loves to teach will contribute significantly to your level of enjoyment as you learn. It will also increase the rate at which you progress.
Ellen has developed both her guitar program and her ukulele program through many years of experience doing exactly what she loves to do - teaching.
Her method is progressive and well-organized, with enough flexibility that the individual strengths and challenges, tastes and specific goals of each student can be taken into account as they learn the technique required to become a well-rounded independent musician.
Ellen makes the process of learning to read music feel completely natural and enjoyable.
Ellen offers individual guitar lessons and ukulele lessons in Durham, North Carolina. Location is convenient also to Chapel Hill and Carrboro. She incorporates instruction in music theroy to the extent the student is interested.
All ages and all levels welcome.
Styles include classical, fingerstyle, blues, pop, ragtime, celtic and other folk traditions.
Highlights
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
Anurag K.
John P.
Peter R.
Bob M.
Lindsay L.
Ilze O.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
New students recieve an introductory lesson at no cost. This way we can assess whether we are a good fit. Students with any level of experience, or no experience at all, are welcome. During our first lesson, I like to learn what, if any, previously acquired skills the student has. I want to learn the student's goals and tastes. And I want for the student to learn something about my teaching style and philosophy.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Ellen’s Education and Experience:
B.A. degree in Music from Mills College
M.A. degree in Music Theory from UCSB
Teaching individual lessons in guitar and music theory since 1981
Teaching all ages (4 through 94)
Teaching all levels (beginner through advanced)
Taught undergraduate classes in music fundamentals, advanced music theory and composition for three years
Taught in-school guitar classes (3rd grade through 12th grade) for seven years
Conducted children's choir
Conducted adult guitar ensemble