518 Guitar
Best of 2020
7 hires on Lessons.com
2 employees
6 years in business
About this pro
I am an award-winning acoustic and electric blues guitarist with a passion for teaching. I am formally trained, play classical method, country, blues, rock, metal and even jazz. I have two certificates from the world-reknowned Berklee College of Music - Boston, and I continue to enroll in world-class guitar lessons so I bring the best to my students. I gig regionally and nationally (Memphis, Boston, NYC) and teach. I do NOT use a cookie-cutter approach; I assist each student based on their own desires and goals.
Seeing the light go on for my students. After figuring out what path for learning is the best - and HOW the student learns best (pictures? charts? sheet music? tabs? video? etc.) - I love the moment when they complete a song, chord progression, scale, solo, or other assignment that they would not even have considered trying in the past. I'm only happy/satisfied when the student is
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Credentials
Albany, NY 12205
Email verified
Phone verified
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I couldn't recommend Andrew any higher. He was extremely accommodating and prompt with setting up appointments. His teaching style was patient and professional so that I could learn at my level. He went above and beyond to make sure I had the appropriate tools to practice outside of our sessions and follows up on any challenges and/or help I may need. His level of commitment to me as a student is rare in my experience and I would highly recommend him to anyone.
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Andrew is very flexible; he fit lessons into my schedule. He is also super encouraging. My 12-yr old daughter is on her second year of guitar lessons, and when her original instructor became unavailable, we found Andrew. We are so glad we did; she feels great about her progress and practices on her own (before this, she stressed about lessons and hardly ever practiced.) Overall, Andrew is an outstanding instructor and we are blessed to have found him.
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Andrew is a kind, patient, flexible, passionate, and extremely talented guitar teacher. He really worked to understand my goals and learning style. I look forward to every single lesson. You can't go wrong with Andrew!
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I cannot say enough good things about Andrew as a teacher. I just started playing quitar. After just a few lessons, I have learned so much from him. You can tell he is passionate about teaching and music. He is extremely attentive with his students, and goes the extra mile to give each one a personalized experience.
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FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
For the 2019 holiday season, when you buy your first lesson with me, you get a second free (this is replacing my usual 1/2 price first lesson).
What to expect in your first lesson? Here is my new blog post on it: https://518guitar.com/Blog.aspx?Page=0
I like to establish who you are, what your main goals are, what your musical passions are, and move on from there knowing that what I'm offering you is in line with what you want to learn. We then build goals, a game plan, and I hold the student accountable through weekly or bi-weekly lessons.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Two certificates from Berklee College of Music. Enrollment in third certificate. Several undergraduate music courses from the College of Saint Rose. Local awards and touring nationally. Over a dozen five-star google reviews. I have been teaching for 15 years and have references. I've taught dozens of students of all ages.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes. The pricing is $25/half hour lesson in my home studio OR online face to face; $45/hour.
How did you get started teaching?
Just listening to the student and find out where they are based on a skills matrix that assesses ear training/ability to listen, and play. Regarding playing- left and right hand ability, chord knowledge, note and scale knowledge, and assessment of left and right hand technique.
What types of students have you worked with?
Ages 7-80, so far! Beginners through intermediate and some advanced players.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Having attended Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood live at Madison Square Garden. Having attended Derek Trucks at SPAC. Ottmar Liebert at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Try a couple teachers. But first...make sure you have a list of goals. If you are a parent looking for lessons for your children - talk with the teacher and give them an idea of your overall goals for your child/learner - is it singing? overall musicality? plays/theater? singing and playing at home gatherings? Etc.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How much time will they have to invest in practice? This will assist in making realistic goals.