**We now have the ability to do real-time lessons online! We can jam together just like we were in person so long as you have a high speed internet connection.**
Hello! My name is Donnie and I am passionate about developing future musicians.
My approach is simple yet unique: teach the students to teach themselves. By educating my students in how to learn my goal is to give you a skill set that will continually pay dividends beyond the duration of our lessons together.
As a teacher I've seen in the past how easy it is to make your students depend on you for their learning. For some, it is their business model.
That method creates long-term students who never become masters.
Instead of that, I am focused on attracting a small group of highly focused and motivated students who will take a little bit of my knowledge and turn it into much more. Through this method I can ensure the highest quality of service for my students.
I build a bespoke curriculum specifically for everyone with whom I work.
Your curriculum may include:
- Required reading (books that relate to the process of learning)
- Music Theory
- Beginner/intermediate guitar essentials
- Advanced learning strategies to break through barriers
- Technical advice to make sure you get the best sound out of your guitar and gear possible
Here is what you get when you start a lesson plan with me:
- Regular practice reminders, follow-up, and feedback.
- An instructor who is going to teach you how to succeed on your own, not one who is going to string you along.
- Honest feedback. If I believe that we are not a good fit, I'll tell you so.
I welcome students of all skill levels.
If you are prepared to commit to the life of a musician, send me a request for a consultation and I will follow up with you.
Thank you! Have a wonderful day.
Overview
Hired 97 times
Background checked
1 employee
11 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Credit card.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2022
2021
2019
Services offered
Interested musical styles
Rock
Blues
Country
Folk
Guitar type
Acoustic
Electric
Work location
My customers travel to me
I work remotely (phone or internet)
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
60 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Brandon B.
Jun 24, 2021
•
Hired on Thumbtack
LOVE working with Donnie. He called me to make sure he understood what I was looking for in lessons. Then when we got to the lesson, he presented a well-structured means of achieving my goals and got me started on it. Finally feel like I have someone to help me with a clear roadmap for my guitar goals! Thanks, Donnie! Can't wait for the next lesson!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • No, cannot read music • Electric • Folk • Rock • Blues • Country • Jazz • What the teacher recommends • Classical • Yes, the student has an instrument • 30 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Jaedon A.
Jan 7, 2020
•
Hired on Thumbtack
From just my first lesson, I can tell I will continue receiving guitarlessons from Donnie! It’s obvious he knows what he’s doing and is very professional and reasonable. I can tell he really wants to see me accomplish my goals and can’t wait for more lessons!
Details: 18 - 25 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • No, cannot read music • Electric • Rock • Blues • Country • Yes, the student has an instrument • 30 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Raymond F.
Apr 27, 2022
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I have taken 4 online lessons from Donnie in the past month. I’ve played some guitar in the past by myself and didn’t know how I should improve and I liked the materials Donnie prepared for me. I enjoyed the classes. They all seemed too short, but I learned quite a bit!
Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, can read guitar tabs • What the teacher recommends • Rock • Jazz • Blues • Yes, the student has an instrument • 45 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Lottie J.
Mar 23, 2020
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I taught myself guitar as a teenager and have been playing casually for 9 years but recently decided to really dive in and learn the fundamentals and techniques, so I booked some classes with Donnie. He teaches through video sessions and assigns weekly homework in a workbook, which works great for me as I feel most comfortable practicing from within my own home. I'm so excited by how much I've learned by working with him! He lets me go at my own pace so that I don't feel like I'm in over my head, but also encourages me to try faster speeds/tricky chords that I would otherwise give up on. He's really accommodating when I have to reschedule. Plus, he's extremely friendly, not to mention very experienced, and I always look forward to our cheerful lessons. I sincerely can't recommend Donnie enough as a guitar teacher!
Details: 18 - 25 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Acoustic • Rock • Folk • Yes, the student has an instrument • 45 minutes • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
David B.
Dec 8, 2022
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Donnie spent time evaluating where my knowledge was and began stepping me through a very methodical process of checking off necessary base skills then identified where we needed to start. I really appreciated his process and his openness about my current skills and what I needed to progress. Well worth the time and more than worth the cost of the lessons.
Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Electric • Rock • Blues • Country • Yes, the student has an instrument • 45 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)
How to Learn Guitar: Guided Lessons with Donnie's reply
Thanks David! Looking forward to our next lesson!
Guitar Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Donald Emmack
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I charge $40 for a 45 minute lesson, and $50 for 60 minutes, this applies to both online and in-person meetings. A new book costs $10-$20.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
During our first lesson I evaluate the new student to see what they really know so I can decide what curriculum they are ready to use. Then, we begin working towards their goals at their pace.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have spent the last 12 years learning guitar by playing in various bands. Everything from jazz and blues, to rock and country! I've spent years learning from professional musicians who are both educators and performers. Now, I am prepared to pass along this knowledge to you!
