Private Guitar Lessons
For Ages 9 through Adult

What will I be learning?

Through carefully sequenced lessons, allowing you to progress at your own pace, you learn the foundations for playing the guitar in any style - classical, rock, or jazz, for example. These foundations include learning how to:

• Hold the instrument while playing efficiently and with relaxation

• Position the right and left hands to optimize music making

• Use a guitar pick

• Play finger style

• Read music and play by ear

• Play guitar solos, duets, and improvisations

• Accompany singing

How much do lessons cost?

• Lessons are $16 per half-hour lesson, payable one month in advance and due on the first lesson day of each month.

• Longer lesson times may be arranged; fees will be adjusted accordingly.

What kind of instrument do I need?

I recommend that you obtain an acoustic guitar, preferably a classical guitar with nylon strings, for beginning, intermediate and advanced study. Beginning students with electric guitars or electric basses are welcome, too, since lessons that explore the foundations of guitar playing are essentially the same, regardless of type of instrument and desired style of playing.

What should I bring to lessons?

Along with your guitar and case, bring any music that you are working on. I suggest that you bring a folder or three-ring binder; here you can file notes on lessons and practice and any sheet music that I give you to work on. I provide an amplifier and cable for electric guitar and bass lessons.

How much time do I need for practice?

A beginning guitarist needs a minimum of 15-20 minutes practice time a day, at least 5 days a week, to progress. You will learn ways to set up practice time to make it beneficial and enjoyable. Support from parents, family and friends is encouraged!

What is available for purchase through the studio?

Beginner classical guitars, preferred method books, strings, picks, metronomes, and electronic tuners (to keep the guitar strings in tune) are available. I charge a $5 fee for replacing strings on a guitar. Advice on purchasing a guitar is freely given.

Any other policies I should know about?

• Arrive a few minutes before the start of the lesson so your lesson begins right on time.

• Please leave food and chewing gum behind.

• Keep fingernails cut short and filed, especially nails on the left or fretting hand. Please trim them before your lesson so that we do not have to spend part of your lesson time doing this.

• You may end your study of guitar with me at any time. I appreciate knowing your intention to stop taking lessons as far in advance as possible.

• I value open communication with students and parents. I make every effort to address problems that may arise, such as repeated failure to attend lessons, repeated failure to practice for lessons, nonpayment of fees, or rude behavior.