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
Instrument
Students who have an instrument, Students who are planning to purchase an instrument
Able to read music
Student can read guitar tabs, Student cannot read music
Musical styles
Blues, Rock, Folk, Country
Lesson length
45 minutes, 60 minutes
Students age
14 - 17 years old, 18 - 25 years old, 26 - 44 years old, 45 - 64 years old, 65 or older
Years experience
No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 - 2 years of formal training, 2 - 4 years of formal training, 4+ years of formal training
Photos and videos
Reviews
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EJ
eric J.
From the very first lesson Marks communication and desire to see me succeed has been exceptional. He has allowed me to explore many different styles and helped me express exactly what I am wanting from my playing. I would recommend Mark for any beginner to seasoned player looking to explore different styles and just get better.
Eric
June 04, 2024
LG
lori G.
Mark was great to work with. The scheduling worked out perfectly. He is very helpful and my my son said he felt like he would learn alot from him. Looking forward to more lessons!
May 10, 2024
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
GL
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
BM
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
MS
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
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.
$40 per 3/4 hour
$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