Southwest Guitar Instruction

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Introduction: This has been my full time occupation for over thirty years. I have spent countless hours formulating handouts and customizing lesson plans to fit an array of individual needs. In addition I have researched and collected an extensive library of musical compositions from many genres of music and organized them in order of difficulty and technical situations. In this way I can lead a student in graded levels using actual songs and pieces making the learning experience not only technical but very practical as well.

Overview

Hired 14 times

1 employee

44 years in business

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Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness.

Excellent 4.9

14 reviews

93%

Ginger M.

Sep 2, 2012

I am a huge fan of George Schmidt AND his style of teaching. I have tried to learn to play guitar over the years but was always intimidated by having to learn how to read music. I had only one lesson with George and by the end of it I was able to play a complete song. His approach to reading music is painless and and amazingly effective. George is a wonderful person, with great humor and an easy manner. How many times have we given up on something because a teacher has been more tyrant than human? Having George as a teacher is a cakewalk! I have been studying classical & acoustic guitar simultaneously, with very little effort and great success. Being able to learn via SKYPE is an added bonus, since I live a few states away from George. Oh and did I mention that he is a BRILLIANT musician? Truly an inspiration to the novitiate and veteran. Ginger M. Las Vegas, NV

Ally O.

Sep 3, 2012

I have been taking guitar lessons from George for over 8 years. My experience with him as a teacher and as a mentor has been a major part of my life. I started taking lessons from George at the age of 10 as a student who had been taught out of a lesson book for a year. His method was very different; there was no learning song after song in a beginners book. He instructs his students how to read music and then allows them to choose their musical path. Hes helped me with composing my own music, readying me for auditions and concerts. He offers his students a variety of genres that allows for individualization and creativity. If you dont live in the area, he also teaches through Skype. Over the years, George has become a close friend as well as a music teacher. If you want to choose what you play, have creative leeway, and look forward to your lessons, all while learning to become a skilled musician, get in touch with George!

Seth E.

Sep 5, 2012

Ive been taking lessons from George Schmidt for almost ten years. George is always interested in teaching me songs I want to learn. In our first lessons he got to know the kind of music I like and the level of instruction I was ready for. George provided challenging but doable songs that I enjoyed learning to play. As I progressed, George offered me new songs when he thought I was ready for a bigger challenge. Sometimes I have been overzealous and excited to play something thats way over my head; George doesnt disregard this interest, nor does he let me go off on a frustrating tangent. Instead, George offers me a path to get to that song: what songs can I learn now that will move me toward my goal. He has a huge sheet music library and has an incredible ability to pick a new tune that is right up my alley. During the years Ive developed an interest in music theory: how all these chords are built and why seemed like black magic to me. George is always ready to explain theory and suggest exercises to improve my knowledge. Our discussions of music theory have enhanced my appreciation of music in a whole new way. Hes very patient and is willing to explain things over and over, or help me remember some chord voicing again and again. What I havent mentioned yet is that George is an awesome guitarist. I mostly play acoustic steel string and George blows my mind when he demonstrates my songs on his Martin. George is amazing on electric guitar, classical guitar, and flamenco guitar as well. Hes also a super nice guy. I feel incredibly fortunate to have stumbled onto George as my guitar teacher so many years ago. I think the fact that I continue to look forward to every lesson is testimony itself.

Stuart K.

Nov 15, 2012

Taking instruction from George Schmidt is a wonderful experience. His instruction method is very effective and most important, it is fun. He had me playing real songs in no time at all. Not the standard beginner songs that most instruction has you learning. These are songs that sound great and really help you build the basics very quickly. This aids in your progression to more complex selections in a very short time. The option to take lessons over internet/Skype sessions is a huge bonus. So you can be miles away and still get one on one quality instruction in the comfort of your own home. I found this to be one of the best parts of taking from Southwest Guitar Instruction. I never had to leave my house for high quality instruction. You will find that George Schmidt is not only a skilled and professional guitar instructor, but that he genuinely cares about your progress and is very patient with your skill level. You will be hard pressed to find an individual more dedicated to his craft. If you are interested in learning to play guitar or already do and would like to expand your musical horizons then Southwest Guitar Instruction is the way to go.

Maya D.

Sep 3, 2012

George is great! A better guitar teacher would be impossible to find. He works very hard to individualize lessons, and does a great job of making them fun and interesting. It's every student's dream to be able to learn something and have it be fun along the way, and still come out feeling like they've gained all of the skills they wanted to at the end. George does a great job making that possible.

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I have different plans to help fit individual schedules and budgets. They are as such: The monthly tuition rate, consisting of four lessons per month, for weekly half hour sessions, is $90.00, for bi-weekly (consisting of two one hour lessons per month) is also $90.00. The rate for weekly 45 minute lessons (four lessons per month) is $140.00 per month. The rate for weekly one-hour lessons (also four lessons per month) is $160.00 per month, or if you prefer just one hour lessons whenever you feel like it, the rate is $45.00 per one-hour session.
What types of customers have you worked with?
The styles of music I have taught extensively are Rock, Blues, Folk, Classical and Flamenco. Along with learning fundamental theory, students are also provided a guided step-by-step approach to learning how to play full song arrangements presented in a graded and structural approach. Specific pieces are broken down and presented in order of technical situations and difficulty. This allows the student to develop technical skills and at the same time learn authentic pieces composed by the masters. Also, with these being private lessons, each program is designed to fit the unique needs of each individual student.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Inquire about their practical background experience and training and what methods they apply in there teaching format.