Daniel Olszewski

contact for price

Select a service

Zip code

Interested musical styles

Lesson length

Student experience

Sorry this pro can’t do your job, but we know other pros who can.

Check them out

Review Summary

Exceptional 5.0

(45 reviews)

This pro is a patient and effective music instructor with a strong ability to cater lessons to individual students' needs and skill levels. Students report significant progress in a short time, praising the pro's intuition, empathy, and positive attitude. Virtual lessons are also available and have proven successful.

AI-generated summary of customer reviews

Did you find this helpful?

Introduction

Teaching is my passion, and I use that passion to ignite the love of music and learning in my students. The essence of learning is the discovery of new pastures and the overcoming of obstacles on the path to free and joyful expression. Regardless of your age or experience level, you can count on me to meet you where you are and communicate with the latent potential within you to grow and develop. Each of my students has a unique path, and I remind myself that every student learns and thinks differently. I teach in a way that brings together the mind, body, and spirit so that my students, beginner to advanced, may have a holistic and rich experience of music. My formal education in Classical Guitar equips me to aid students seeking a musical foundation on the guitar and also those aspiring to enter college programs. I am fully set up for the 21st century, using Zoom with visual assistance and classroom-style technology for the teaching of Music Theory as well as for visual learners. Monthly Studio Meetup over Zoom offers added value in the form of performance opportunities, community, and discussion. Covid-19 disclaimer: I disinfect the surfaces in my studio and can wear masks and gloves during lessons based on the requests of clients. Open communication is key.

Overview

Hired 59 times

Background checked

1 employee

13 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.

Top Pro status

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

2023

2022

2021

Featured Projects

27 photos

Winter Recital
Guitar Lessons

Specialties

Interested musical styles

, , , , ,

Reviews

Exceptional 5.0

45 reviews

100%

Read reviews that mention:

Todd D.

Jun 6, 2024

Hired on Thumbtack

Dan is an incredible guitar teacher. His education and experience enable him to move seamlessly from theory, to technique, to practical advice. He is able to explain the same topic in multiple ways to ensure it clicks at the individual level. Finally, he is a genuinely good and encouraging person which makes it much easier to overcome the fear of making mistakes. I can't recommend him highly enough.

Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, can read guitar tabs • What the teacher recommends • Rock • Country • Folk • Classical • Blues • Jazz • Yes, the student has an instrument • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location • Remotely (phone or internet)

Guitar Lessons

Matt F.

Mar 14, 2024

Hired on Thumbtack

I wanted to get my 9 yr old daughter involved with guitar lessons but knew I had to find the right teacher. Within a few minutes of her first lesson I knew Dan was the right teacher for her. He’s professional and clearly talented but more importantly he’s patient, kind, and knows when to challenge her. He presents a fun and safe environment to learn. She’s had weekly lessons for over 3 months now and it’s something we both look forward to every week. Whether you’re considering lessons for yourself or your child I highly recommend reaching out to Dan.

Details: 6 - 9 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • What the teacher recommends • What the teacher recommends • No, but the student is planning to purchase an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Guitar Lessons

James G.

Jan 17, 2024

Hired on Thumbtack

I am a 65-year-old student who had some experience playing guitar decades ago—enough to learn some bad habits and shortcuts that did not serve my progress at the time, so I plateaued as a player and lost interest. Last year, as I approached retirement, I wanted to pick up the guitar again and finally learn to read music and play the instrument with proper technique. I read Dan’s reviews and thought he’d be the perfect fit and I can now report that assumption led me to a very fortunate choice. Dan is a patient but exacting teacher who takes his role seriously, though always with good humor. Important for me as an older student and, I dare say, particularly important for younger ones, too, Dan has a great capacity for perception of and empathy for the individual limitations and special needs of his students--and he is remarkably intuitive in responding to them effectively. I have progressed, slowly but surely, under his instruction—indeed, I have traveled a much greater distance than I expected in less than a year. I approach my lessons with positive anticipation and practice for them with pleasure. I still have a long way to go but I’m glad I am taking the journey with Dan’s guidance. In conclusion, I would say Dan has helped me fall in love with playing guitar again! From my perspective, I can think of no higher praise than that for a teacher, whatever the subject. I urge anyone of any age who wants to begin his or her guitar journey to consider enlisting him as a guide.

Details: 65 years or older • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Acoustic • Folk • Classical • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)

Guitar Lessons

Kris R.

Aug 22, 2023

Hired on Thumbtack

I have been sending both of my kids - aged 9 and 11 - to Daniel. They adore the classes and the energy he brings to them. Daniel is professional, patient, and his passion for music shines through in every lesson. He tailors his teaching to each child's pace and strengths, fostering a love for learning. Daniel's positivity and encouragement create a supportive environment where my kids feel motivated to excel. We're grateful for his guidance on this musical journey. I wholeheartedly recommend Daniel to everyone who wants to bring some music into their life.

Details: 10 - 13 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • Acoustic • What the teacher recommends • No, but the student is planning to purchase an instrument • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Guitar Lessons

Spencer A.

Jun 20, 2023

Hired on Thumbtack

Daniel was able to quickly assess my skill level and what new topics would be most productive for me to work on. He is patient, understanding, and supportive. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my lessons with him and definitely recommend him to anyone of any amount of experience with guitar.

Details: 26 - 44 years old • 4+ yrs of formal training • Yes, can read music staff • What the teacher recommends • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • 30 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)

Guitar Lessons

Credentials

Background Check

Daniel Olszewski

FAQs

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We'll connect for a first lesson. This will be an opportunity for you to share with me your musical goals, and for me to build a plan for you to reach them. Playing, instruction, and direction will occur so you leave the first lesson excited for your journey.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Master's in Music Performance from the University of South Carolina, and a Performance Certificate from the University of Denver. I also have a Bachelor's in Music Technology which opens up options for lessons and practice performance. I am also an AmSAT certified teacher of the Alexander Technique, and this deeply informs how I approach teaching and the body/mind connection.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
A guitar was first put in my hands in middle school by a mentor and friend. He taught me that first day to play the opening of Voodoo Child (Slight Return) by Jimi Hendrix and had me practicing the minor pentatonic scale all up and down the fretboard.

Daniel Olszewski

FAQs

Related cost information

Popular in Laurel

You might also like

In other nearby areas