Offers online services
About
I have sixteen years of teaching experience along side a performance career that's lasted just as long. You'll be learning from someone who has real world experience and who understands that being a good teacher is an additional skill beyond being able to play my instruments. I was raised by incredible teachers who understood that difference and I believe it's one of my greatest strengths in this field.
Specialties
Instrument(s)
Piano, Violin, Guitar, Drum, Cello, Other, Student does not play an instrument
Experience level
No experience, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Students age
10 - 13 years old, 14 - 17 years old, 18 - 25 years old, 26 - 44 years old, 45 - 64 years old, 65 or older
Interest(s)
Fundamentals (pitch, rhythm, chords, etc.), Harmonization, Music subjects (notation, analysis, ear training), Other
Lesson length
30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes
Photos and videos
Reviews
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JR
jeff R.
Marshall is a great teacher. She is knowledgeable , patient, and cares about improving my skills. I’d recommend her for anyone wanting to improve their guitar ability.
August 24, 2024
GO
grace O.
She does a great job explaining new topics to tackle and breaks things down easily for me to understand. She never makes me feel dumb for asking questions (lol) and is great at providing encouragement and enthusiasm!
August 07, 2024
EI
eric I.
I had developed a degree of skill after years of hacking away on the guitar but lacked some fundamentals, understanding of theory, technique, and was in a playing rut. So, I did as others in that position do…… I bought another new guitar as inspiration! With this purchase however I entertained the thought of again taking a try at some lessons. I’ve tried taking lessons a few times before but was left unfulfilled by the experience. Nothing like taking a lesson to then watch the teacher put on an hour long concert in front of you, or finding someone too regimented in their approach and set on a on a single course of boredom for learning. You can save the Mel Bay book.
The alternative route is YouTube or online courses. This too has its faults. There is a lot of content to sift through and it’s tough to effectively find what you are looking for. Plus the personal connection and critical feedback component is lost. It’s disappointing to spend time on an online program when valuable time is waisted searching to find relevant material.
What I was hoping to find was a good learning partner. Someone receptive to tailoring the learning to blend with what the student wants, but equally as important, what the student needs to become better. That combo was important to me. It was important to break bad habits and be held accountable to improve fundamentally but also do so collaboratively.
In search of such a unicorn I scrolled the local social media pages. After some research I contacted Marshall Biever. Marshall responded quickly and we engaged in a constructive dialogue to detail what I was looking for. Immediately I was set at ease with Marshall, aligning on goals, the direction to take and where best to begin.
Marshall is a highly skilled professional musician but refreshingly one that is humble and reserved throughout the session. The coaching and direction is measured. Marshall’s talent and technical skill flashes timely throughout the session as only a compliment the lesson.
From the onset Marshall was receptive to my suggestions. Although we follow a logical path to learning, it’s not discouraged to situationally pivot down some fun side roads. Our lessons pique curiosity to questions I may have. These can take us into discussions around recording techniques, effect setups, song writing, gear or various other topics.
The experience has felt perfectly tailored. An approach that is guided but not restrictive. Perfect for any player at any level. For example, I’m challenged to add extra focus to areas I need help to break bad habits, but in other areas, where my skills are more mature, the approach shifts and is highly engaging. Subsequently the positive reinforcement coupled with the high expectations keeps me motivated.
In conclusion, dedicating time to the sessions with Marshall has been one of the best things I’ve done. From this experience I’ve become more knowledgeable of the fundamentals and techniques as intended plus have stepped into topics and lessons I never thought of. There is rekindled inspiration and I find myself exploring new ideas and doing so more quickly, intentionally and with a higher degree of musical competence. Still a lot to learn and I’m excited that I found Marshall as a learning partner to help continue this journey.
March 28, 2024
EI
eric I.
I had developed a degree of skill after years of hacking away on the guitar but lacked some fundamentals, understanding of theory, technique, and was in a playing rut. So, I did as others in that position do…… I bought another new guitar as inspiration! With this purchase however I entertained the thought of again taking a try at some lessons. I’ve tried taking lessons a few times before but was left unfulfilled by the experience. Nothing like taking a lesson to then watch the teacher put on an hour long concert in front of you, or finding someone too regimented in their approach and set on a on a single course of boredom for learning. You can save the Mel Bay book.
The alternative route is YouTube or online courses. This too has its faults. There is a lot of content to sift through and it’s tough to effectively find what you are looking for. Plus the personal connection and critical feedback component is lost. It’s disappointing to spend time on an online program when valuable time is waisted searching to find relevant material.
What I was hoping to find was a good learning partner. Someone receptive to tailoring the learning to blend with what the student wants, but equally as important, what the student needs to become better. That combo was important to me. It was important to break bad habits and be held accountable to improve fundamentally but also do so collaboratively.
In search of such a unicorn I scrolled the local social media pages. After some research I contacted Marshall Biever. Marshall responded quickly and we engaged in a constructive dialogue to detail what I was looking for. Immediately I was set at ease with Marshall, aligning on goals, the direction to take and where best to begin.
Marshall is a highly skilled professional musician but refreshingly one that is humble and reserved throughout the session. The coaching and direction is measured. Marshall’s talent and technical skill flashes timely throughout the session as only a compliment the lesson.
From the onset Marshall was receptive to my suggestions. Although we follow a logical path to learning, it’s not discouraged to situationally pivot down some fun side roads. Our lessons pique curiosity to questions I may have. These can take us into discussions around recording techniques, effect setups, song writing, gear or various other topics.
The experience has felt perfectly tailored. An approach that is guided but not restrictive. Perfect for any player at any level. For example, I’m challenged to add extra focus to areas I need help to break bad habits, but in other areas, where my skills are more mature, the approach shifts and is highly engaging. Subsequently the positive reinforcement coupled with the high expectations keeps me motivated.
In conclusion, dedicating time to the sessions with Marshall has been one of the best things I’ve done. From this experience I’ve become more knowledgeable of the fundamentals and techniques as intended plus have stepped into topics and lessons I never thought of. There is rekindled inspiration and I find myself exploring new ideas and doing so more quickly, intentionally and with a higher degree of musical competence. Still a lot to learn and I’m excited that I found Marshall as a learning partner to help continue this journey.
March 28, 2024
MC
Mark C.
Marshalls an awesome teacher for multiple reasons. First, hes extremely talented and can play practically anything by ear. So when I tell him a song I want to learn, if he doesnt already know it, he can give it a quick listen and start breaking it down for me really quickly. This has been awesome for me because I used to waste a lot of time looking up different versions of tabs or watching a bunch of videos. Second, he is really good at breaking down new songs in a way that helps me learn them efficiently. Im learning songs now that I would have given up on in 5 minutes if I tried to tackle them myself, but having Marhsall break them down into manageable parts has made it much easier and I can learn way quicker. Also, Marshall includes small lessons on relevant music theory while learning a song, which is very interesting when you can see how what he explains relates directly to what youre playing. Lastly, Marshall is just a very patient, kind, and fun person which makes our lessons even that much more enjoyable. I would very highly recommend Marshall if you have any interest in taking lessons.
March 29, 2021
•Hired on Lessons
MC
Matt C.
Marshall is an an excellent guitar teacher. He plays everything by ear which is impressive. He has extensive knowledge of music theory, which is challenging for me but Im working on it and he is really patient with my slow learning process.
March 03, 2021
•Hired on Lessons
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to teach through the music they already like. If they've never played at all before, we'll work on basic open chords they can use to play along with songs they like, or simplified versions of chords that are being played in the song till they can work up to the real voicings. I prefer to teach technique and rhythm first, then move onto music theory. I always teach music theory that will be useful to my students based on where they are in their development, as opposed to teaching theory for the sake of it.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I received six years of private guitar instruction, four years of private theory, songwriting, and arranging instruction, and I spent two years at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA studying guitar, performance, and songwriting. I was also trained in theory and ear training at Berklee.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My rates are sliding scale $45 to $75 per hour.
How did you get started teaching?
I started when I was fourteen years old, teaching my friends the classic rock songs I had learned to play so far.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students ages 6 to 65, all with varying interest in regards to genre and goals.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Playing the Ryman Auditorium for the first time at the end of October 2023
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure you know what you want to be able to do. Even if all that means is that you have a few artists who's music you'd like to learn. Teachers can only help you so much if you don't know what you want to accomplish.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How much you're realistically willing and able to practice, what kinds of music you want to focus on, and what your musical goals are (do you want to play lead guitar? Accompany yourself while you sing? Play in a band? Back other people up?)
Services offered
Guitar
Music Theory