John Tuohy's Guitar Studio

It's all about getting to know the student's goals, hopes and time-commitments.  I like to find out as much as I can by talking to the student and the student's parents, so I can learn what they are looking to get out of the private instruction. 

From there, I can learn a lot about how best to present the lessons in the learning style and pace that the students work best, and we go from there!  

Here's  an excerpt from my professional biography:

Guitarist John Tuohy, based out of Fairfield County, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Western Connecticut State University with a degree in Jazz Performance. His work as a private guitar instructor and business owner for over 18 years has given him unique insight into overcoming hurdles and challenges that come into play as a serious student of any instrument. 

John has also done session work for various artists and companies as well as had the honor of musical equipment related feature articles done on him by Gearwire.com, as well as judging the “King of the Blues” contest at Guitar Center.

 He has performed with many groups across multiple styles and genres over the past 20 years.  Winner of “Best Band in Connecticut,” at the 2016 New England Music Awards, the progressive rock band, Mile Marker Zero has been his main group for over 10 years.  MMZ was also featured in the video game "NASCAR HEAT 4", as well as releasing 4 albums, The Haunted, Mile Marker Zero, Young Rust and The Fifth Row to critical acclaim. In addition to this, John has performed in other groups including Reptillicus, Blanck Stare, Le Pompe. 

I've always loved playing guitar, and the fact that I could help others achieve what they want musically, is really the perfect combination. Once I discovered that, it seemed obvious to me that one-on-one lessons are the way to go, and promptly started teaching lessons as junior in high school, and haven't looked back since!

I've worked with students as far ranging as total beginners, to seasoned professionals looking to up their game, and sharpen their skills.  Without exaggeration, I've helped teach 6 year olds to 75 year olds the joy and satisfaction of playing guitar!

I've had lots of experience with learning disabled students as well, and I constantly seek improvement in how I can get my students to learn easier, faster, and more comprehensively.

My band, Mile Marker Zero, recently played a large festival in Florida in May of this year.  It was such an exciting experience, and sharing music with people is the most rewarding thing in my life.  I can't wait to go back and play again next year!

Make sure that the teacher has a lot of experience teaching multiple age groups, as well as a long track record of performance.  Unfortunately, many teachers may be great players, but lack the fundamental skills of actually TEACHING their students in a customized, concrete fashion.  

Conversely, there are many teachers who don't have much real-world music experience, and can therefore only take you so far. 

Try to find a teacher that has a healthy balance of both, when you are doing your research!

Ask yourself the following questions: 

"What do I want to get out of this?"

"Am I prepared to set aside some time every day to work on this skill?"

"What's my DREAM song to play?"

"Are lessons purely for fun, or do I also want to accomplish something specific?"