Introduction: In addition to playing guitar for over 20 years, I have over 13 years of professional music playing and guitar teaching experience. From having taught so many students, I've definitely honed my skills as a teacher and I've figured out what works the best when teaching budding guitarists as well as advanced players. Most importantly, from the very first lesson, I aim to find out what the student is interested in playing and what their guitar playing goals are. Then I'll tailor the lessons based on their needs and I'll find them the fastest way to reach their goals.
I also bring a unique perspective to learning guitar because I am also a singer/songwriter and play the piano, harmonica, and the tenor banjo. I often work with guitar students on music theory as it relates songwriting and creative ways of playing the guitar to jump-start the inventive spark necessary to write their own songs. Also, I work with singers on how to play guitar while singing.
I hold a bachelors degree with a minor in Music Industry from James Madison University.
I am also proud to have had 4 years of studying classical guitar with Keith Stevens of JMU. You can hear some of my music and read more about me on my website.
The most enjoyment I get out of teaching guitar is when the student feels that they have learned something new, and that they are working towards their goals as a musician and guitar player. Playing music and learning guitar is a long journey and I'm happy to be taking part in that with them and helping them along the way. I hope that after each lesson the student takes away something new and gains new insight into the process of learning an instrument.