About
Very Exceptional! The biggest reason is, I care about my students. Lessons are very structured, high energy, challenging at times, however, always A lot of Fun! I always try to keep it that way because I realize they have to be fun for the student in order to keep at it, and ultimately, keep coming back each week.
Most importantly, I care a lot about my students. If anyone is having any difficulty, I always do my very best to make sure I can help them through any challenging road block they are having either at home, or as well as in the lessons.
I have studied this amazing instrument now for 35 years of my life, and have been teaching it to others for a little over 20 years.
I myself practice sometimes a few hours a day, and it still Intriques and Challenges me! Music is really something that becomes part of you, and with me, the Guitar is something that completely defined me as a person and still does!
I love my students, and teaching every one of them! Kids as well as adults. Once we work together for a while, we always end becoming very good friends. And that's really what it's all about.
Teaching is very Rewarding to me!🎸😀
Highlights
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
Michele N.
Michele N.
Michele N.
Laura S.
Jeremy M.
Marty M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Everybody is different. Everyone has their own Different Goals, and their own unique, Different Learning Paths, etc. One person might do really well at starting out with chords, scales. While another person might do better, and enjoy it more, starting out with just learning theory; ie., how to Read Music using a Method Book /Note for Note. Although, I do however, Strongly Encourage Learning Theory and learning how to Read Music; As an Instructor of a little over 20 years, I have found out, that Reading Music is not for everybody. Some people, especially my Adults, spent so much of their lives wanting to learn, and never following through with it because of our Busy Lives, Jobs, Kids, etc; They usually just want to learn how to play the songs they've enjoyed listening to their whole lives, which is why I have learned over the years, Reading Music is not for everybody, although, I do Strongly Encourage it.
This is why I always use a Different approach for everyone, once I myself, Learn and find out what their Goals/Learning Paths are. And that just comes with us being together each week.
It works very well for both Parties, Teacher/Student.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied Music Education, as well as Performance, at IUP College, as well as Penn State.
I was also lucky enough to have Studied under some very Prominient Instructors in the State College area as a child to young adult.
Currently, I am still Studying Online Classes, with some of the most Prominent Instructors/Players of the world. Including Robben Ford, Alex Hutchings, etc. Just to name a few.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My Rates are Competitive with other Instructors. However, I would sooner speak verbally about pricing.
How did you get started teaching?
I was fortunate enough as a teenager, that my Instructor/Mentor, had seen a prominent student/player in me, that he wanted me to start teaching a little bit here and there.
Diligent work must have paid off for me.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with Children as young as 5 years old, to Adults as old as 80! I have also worked with, and still do, kids and adults with SPECIAL NEEDS, (Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Visually Impaired, ADHD, ADD), just to name a few. Since I keep my Lessons specific to their Goals/Abilities, There is really no age limit, and anyone can learn, Learning Disability or not! Music is one of our True Gifts from GOD. Anyone can do it if they are willing to Learn and PRACTICE!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was lucky enough to take my sons, and a Student of mine, to see one of my favorite Guitarists of all time which truly Inspired me as a player, Eric Johnson.
I also enjoy taking my students with me to see other Great Players as well.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
You need an Instructor which puts forth their Effort as well! You need someone who you think really cares about your learning as a player/student. You will not want to Practice at home, unless the Instructor does His/Her part as well; Meaning, joins in with you and your playing in the sessions.
You need an Instructor who is full of Energy and Motivation.
How can anyone Learn, if the Instructor doesn't want to Teach!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. What are your Goals? (usually this is something I, the Instructor; and You, the Student; can figure out together 🎸😀
2. How much do you need to Practice at home?
3. Do you have any Special Needs that might Hinder you from Learning? As I said before, Anyone can and will learn as long as they will put forth the Effort and PRACTICE! However, this should be communicated Up Front so I know exactly what route to go with Lessons.