About
My most important goal is to help you reach yours: to play the way you want to be able to play. I also believe that practical knowledge of music and the guitar help you do that.
So my approach is simple: guide you to where you want to be by showing you what you need to know to get there.
I teach students of all ability levels, but really excel at three things:
- working gently with beginners
- turning long-term beginners into experienced players
- turning experienced players into artists.
I also specialize in working with songwriters and performing artists. As a performer and writer myself, I understand the skills and knowledge creative people need to master their craft and art.
Here's what some other folks had to say:
"Dave Isaacs is the best guitar teacher in Nashville."
Doak Turner, founder of MusicStartsHere.com
"Other guitar teachers I've had teach you to play songs. Dave teaches you to play guitar".
Allie Beers, pre-med student, Vanderbilt University
"You're like a combination of music instructor, life coach, and historian. No one else does what you do."
Susan Tucker, Artist Development Manager, Kim Copeland Productions
"I am amazed at your musicianship, and your ability to transform my ideas into creations by being able to hear where a song is meant to go."
Linne Black, chapter coordinator, Nashville Songwriters Association International
I've been teaching for nearly thirty years, which says a lot about how much I thrive on it. I'm passionate about music and have found my calling sharing that passion with people that really want to learn.
Photos and videos
Reviews
Steve V.
Merry A.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first session is almost always an evaluation. It's an opportunity for me to get to know the student and learn about their goals, interests, and the things they feel are holding them back. A student leaves the first session with a game plan for progress and short- and long-term assignments to get things moving.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold a Masters degree in guitar performance from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, where I had the opportunity to train under some truly great educators. I have thirty years' experience as a working musician and teacher, and have been an active coach and workshop leader for songwriters and performing artists since moving to Nashville in 2005. I have also taught college music courses in theory, aural skills, music appreciation, and recording and production.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My standard rate is $75 an hour.
How did you get started teaching?
In the beginning, teaching guitar lessons was simply a way to make some money with a guitar in my hand. But I quickly found that I love to share my favorite subject with anyone that's willing to listen, and teaching has been my vocation and calling for almost thirty years now.
What types of students have you worked with?
Absolute beginners from small children to retirees.
Pro players on tour with major artists.
Songwriters with hits in rotation on the radio.
Up-and-coming performers with tours and radio play in their future.
International students from Europe, South America, South Asia, and Australia.
Anyone with a love of music and a willingness to learn!