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Mike Strausbaugh

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Interested musical styles
Sorry this pro can’t do your job, but we know other pros who can. Check them out
About
So, 'free!' teach-yourself YouTube/TikTok lessons not working? Of COURSE, they didn't work. Why? 1) You can't teach yourself anything, and 2) All it takes to be a 'guitar teacher' is an internet connection and skill with clickbait titles. Of course, I'm on social media, too. In fact, you should definitely watch some of my fun little 1-minute TikTok/Instagram Reels videos I've included in my profile. Want social proof? I've included screenshots, from Reddit, TikTok and Instagram, from people just like you. I'm a true Music Mentor/Guitar Guru. Bold claim, but here are my bullet points: - Master of Music - Classical Guitar - Master of Music - Composition - Master of Music - Jazz Studies - Metro State Denver music faculty (2019-2020) - 20+ years full-time music instruction That's cool for me, sure, but hopefully you realize that's it's also VERY cool for you as a Student. Also, you may have noticed that I have a ridiculous amount of reviews, 96% of which are 5-Star. What Thumbtack doesn't tell you is my retention rate. Many of my students have been with me 3, 4, even 6 years. These are smart, curious, and savvy people who have become invested in the process and continue to trust me to guide them. I mean, Metro State Denver trusted me to teach their undergraduate Music students, so you're in good hands! And while at Metro, I was one of the Cool Professors. Because I was cool. And fun. And relatable and passionate and real and everything that makes students trust me to teach them. So, it doesn't matter if you've never picked up a guitar, or have played for 20 years. It also doesn't matter if you want to learn 'this' style, or 'that' genre,' I can help you!
Overview

Hired 110 times

Background checked

30 years in business

Business hours

Sun12:00 am - 11:59 pmMon10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, and Venmo.

Social media

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

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2021

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2018

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2017

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2016

Services offered
Interested musical styles

Rock

Blues

Classical

Country

Work location

My customers travel to me

I travel to my customers

Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.

Excellent 4.9

96 reviews

5

97%

4

1%

3

0%

2

1%

1

1%

Read reviews that mention:

pro avatar
Clayton N.

Jan 15, 2017

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Hired on Thumbtack

Im really glad I found Mike. When I first signed up for lessons on Thumbtack, I wanted to find the right teacher so I signed up with 3 different people. After trying a few teachers, it was a no brainer to stick with Mike. He definitely has a knack for making tough concepts easy to understand. He doesn't just give you a scale and tell you to play it. He helps you to figure out and build the scale yourself. This is crucial because then you actually learn it rather than just memorize a pattern. With everything you play- he really makes sure you learn the ins and outs of it. As a teacher myself, this is why I value Mike the most. He gives great homework assignments that build on each other. You might not even see how the assignments connect and then suddenly you realize you unlocked a lot of the fretboard. After two weeks of lessons my brain nearly hurt from how much I was learning and the guitar became so much more simple to understand. The people I jam with all noticed that I jumped levels in guitar within just 2 weeks. Mike also does not waste a second of your hour. He fills the whole lesson with good stuff. On top of all that hes just a great dude. Really easy to get along with. He values feedback and makes sure hes meeting your needs. He really is the best guitar teacher I have worked with and highly recommend him. If you are in Denver you will have to drive a bit to see him but if you are dedicated to learning it is so worth it!
Guitar Lessons (for adults)
pro avatar
Will M.

Jul 25, 2016

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Hired on Thumbtack

Recently finished my first month with Mike decided without hesitation to continue lessons with him. He has been very patient with me while pushing me to play better. He is able to take any style of music and break down not only the techniques involved but the music theory behind it, which is very important to me. Lessons are never boring, I look forward to them every week and always leave with new knowledge and something to work towards. If you are looking to learn guitar or just step up your game, look no further!
Guitar Lessons (for adults)
pro avatar
Ashish D.

Mar 9, 2017

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Hired on Thumbtack

I have had a few lessons with Mike now, and its been great all along. Mike really focused on what I wanted to learn, what my shortcomings were, and designed the lessons that way. He's easy going and fun to learn from. Highly recommend him for guitar lessons!
Guitar Lessons (for adults)
pro avatar
Cristian P.

Jan 27, 2021

•

Hired on Thumbtack

If you want a teacher that is honest about what he provides during his lessons rather than a teacher who promises you a lot of things just to get you into their first lesson, then Mike is the way to go. From the first time we gained contact with each other, I knew what I was going to get into during these lessons. He does not try to sugarcoat his expectations in the class and does not shy away from any hard questions. He answers these questions with great professionalism and genuine honesty. So all in all, whatever Mike says to you, I can guarantee it to be true. No scams with him! In terms of the lessons, whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced (I was intermediate), you can always take away something from the lessons not just as a guitarist, but as a growing musician. He follows your lead and teaches the lesson based on what you want from the class. Whether it be a practice structure, or just trying to learn a new song, make sure to know what you want when going in. Wish I could've continued, but it doesn't fit my budget at the mom. If you want an honest teacher and want to actually improve in your guitar skills instead of remaining stagnant, Mike is definitely the teacher that would push you!

Details: 18 - 25 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Yes, can read guitar tabs • What the teacher recommends • Jazz • Classical • Rock • Blues • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)

Mike Strausbaugh's reply
Cristian, Thanks so much for a truthful and honest review! You're right; guitar isn't about 'easy,' it's about dedication, challenging yourself, and working on a craft that never stops rewarding you. Doesn't mean it's 'hard,' just that the effort pays off. I'm glad to have worked with you, and keep it up! Mike
Guitar Lessons
pro avatar
Peter S.

Jan 15, 2017

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Hired on Thumbtack

This guy is THE MAN! Since starting lessons with Mike about 1/2 year ago, I've come to know him as a professional instructor that clearly has a passion for teaching, and knows how to make guitar lessons enjoyable. Giving positive reinforcement when it is due, Mike's lessons are a blast, and they encourage me to practice at home. In addition to playing the acoustic guitar, we talk musical theory and history and how it motivates us to play the music we play. Pick Mike to be your instructor and you will acquire a proper teacher and a good friend. Cheers, Pete
Guitar Lessons (for adults)
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Michael Strausbaugh

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