Offers online services
About
My method for teaching guitar is holistic which includes understanding each student as an individual on a different journey. We can learn to play songs you like, learn playing with other musicians, be in a band or just play for fun and friends.
I focus on your goals, not just walk through a published lesson book.
Contact me [email protected] or 615-497-8397
I am an encourager and teacher by nature and love playing and talking about guitars and music! With many years of gigging, touring and recording experience, I have learned all the unwritten lessons about being a guitarist in a band, duo or trio and can share this with you.
Several of my students have gone on to play on stage with bands and perform live regularly.
References supplied if requested
Specialties
Musical styles
Rock, Country, Blues, Folk, Recommendations available
Guitar style
Acoustic guitar, Electric guitar, Ukulele, Recommendations available
Has instrument
Student who have a guitar, Student who don't have a guitar, but are planning to purchase one
Years experience
No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 – 2 years experience, 2 – 4 years experience, 4+ years of experience
Able to read music
Students who can read guitar tabs, Students who cannot read music
Lesson length
30 minutes, 60 minutes
Student's age
11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old
Photos and videos
Reviews
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JK
joseph K.
Great guitar teacher, friendly atmosphere and lessons that are personalized to each students interest and ability. All at a cost that is more than reasonable.
What more could you ask?
June 05, 2023
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george L.
Mark has been amazing teaching my son. He was very patient with him when he was much younger and has evolved his teaching style along with my sons progress. He has always focused lessons around the music in which my son is most interested and introduced him to other music along the way. Over the years Mark has taught him rock, jazz, and classical techniques and music from many eras. I really cant imagine a better teacher for my son. Thank you, Mark. You are awesome.
June 04, 2023
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Bill M.
Mark is great to work with, and hes always positive, relaxed, and supportive. He helped me with playing technique, performance tips, gear tips (and a few freebies), and finding a lot of interesting local guitar resources. His lessons are very individualized, creative, and fun. I definitely recommend him to others!
June 04, 2023
•Hired on Lessons
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Mike S.
I have been taking lessons from Mark for almost 3 years now. I started as a complete beginner and the lessons with Mark really made me stick with it. Ive grown to love playing and I really cant thank him enough for that!
He brings so much knowledge and experience to each lesson, no matter what genre or style you are interested in. He will not only teach you how to play a song, but also teach you the theory behind it and how apply that in a practical way.
Marks passion for not only playing, but teaching really sets him apart. I would highly recommend Mark to anyone wanting to take lessons!
June 03, 2023
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Emmett H.
Mark is patient, skilled, and organized. His lessons are broken into manageable pieces, he employs multiple methods of explaining the concepts and he has worked well with my sons million & one questions. And he handled things in a way which fed my childs interest in learning to play the guitar. We are very happy with the decision to get lessons from Mark.
August 09, 2021
•Hired on Lessons
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Understand what the students past experience is with the instrument or any instrument. Find out the type of music they like and what inspired them to want to play an instrument. Discuss the gear they own and assess if they need help getting it adjusted to play easier, new strings, an amplifier etc. I offer free small adjustments and free string changing, strings included! Talk about where they would like to be in a year on the instrument and help them see an achievable path to their goal. If they don't have a specific goal, I can help set them up.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've played acoustic and electric guitar since I was a teenager, coming up in a musical world where there was no YouTube or tablature to help a student learn, so I learned the hard way, by listening to records and copying my favorite guitar riffs and songs by ear. This education has paid off ten fold. I have written over 70 songs that are on iTunes and Spotify, have recored in the studio many times, done some regional touring and my songs have appeared on Movie soundtracks, PBS documentaries and MTV during the XGames. I can play and teach most styles proficiently except classical and hard core jazz.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$30 per 1/2 hr
$50 per hour
Pay as you go, no contract
cancelations need 24 hr notice
How did you get started teaching?
helping friends and getting feedback that I made it easy to understand for them and I had patience
What types of students have you worked with?
all types 8-65 years old teaching rock, blues, country, singer songwriter, americana, worship, acoustic and electric lead and rhythm
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I always enjoy going to hear music at the Ryman Auditorium and often walk downtown thru the Honky Tonks listening to bands and guitarists to absorb and see how they present and play.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
In person sessions are much more effective in my opinion, although I also teach Zoom lessons. Read up on your teacher, listen to music they have recorded, find out if they are a gigging teacher or have performance experience. Talk to them on the phone and look for someone you vibe with.
Take your time evaluating people and prices, a lesson can be $30-$75, which is a big span. Find one in your budget.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Ask the teacher:
What styles to you play/teach? What is your favorite?
How many students do you currently have? What are their ages?
How long have you been teaching?
How much will I need to practice?
Where have you performed?
How do you stay up on guitar teaching methods?
Do you teach out of one book lesson by lesson or are you more holistic and flexible?
Services offered
Guitar
Bass Guitar