Andrew Wheeler Guitar Lessons

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Introduction

Hello Guitarist (or future guitarist!) I am a guitar teacher in Albany, NY and I offer online lessons, and in-person lessons if you live near me. Your needs come first! I don't feel successful unless you do. I'm a Berklee College of Music certified instructor who avoids the cookie-cutter approach. Also, If you need help picking out your first (or next) guitar, let me know. I'm glad to share my insight and help you shop. Many students come to me who have had bad/discouraging lessons with other teachers before. I want to assist you in reaching success through identifying (and then breaking through) the barriers and obstacles that cause most learners to stop. I work with all ages and skill levels. Vision + Goals = Success. I am patient, professional and consistent and want you to feel welcome in the learning environment. Helping you unlock the key to YOUR inner voice. I enjoy seeing when the students connect the music they love to play or want to learn with the guitar, and you almost literally see the guitar fretboard light up in the minds. It's amazing. That "Aha!" moment for the student is the reason I work in this field. It's important to enjoy those moments so that when the practice might seem too challenging from time to time, you remember those breakthroughs and they inspire and motivate to keep going.

Overview

Hired 23 times

Background checked

1 employee

12 years in business

Business hours

Sun9:00 am - 12:00 amMon9:00 am - 12:00 am

Payment methods

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

Social media

Facebook

Projects and media

26 photos

Projects and media

26 photos

Specialties

Interested musical styles

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Reviews

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

Exceptional 5.0

26 reviews

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Read reviews that mention:

Michael D.

Aug 14, 2019

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Hired on Thumbtack

Great teacher. Patience is essential to providing clear instruction and Andrew does a great job. Be prepared to have a lot of "Wow, I can actually play the guitar moments!"

Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Acoustic • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • 30 minutes • At the pro’s location

Andrew Wheeler Guitar Lessons's reply

Thanks so much, Michael. It's great to be working with you.

Guitar Lessons

Leslie b.

Jan 8, 2023

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Hired on Thumbtack

Andrew has a Flexibility in approach to the individual student. He is able to teach to the student’s skill level and goals. He doesn’t have a set “formula” of teaching which the student must fit into. His is a more individualized approach. Also Andrew is a fine musician himself who enjoys playing (and teaching) He is able to show me different and creative musical ways of approaching a piece, breaking it down into doable modules. And when I get home I can’t wait to practice!

Details: 65 years or older • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Yes, can read music staff • Acoustic • Blues • Jazz • Yes, the student has an instrument • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Guitar Lessons

Ellerina l.

Jan 24, 2022

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Hired on Thumbtack

Always professional, my daughter is very comfortable and happy with each lesson both in person and through Zoom.

Details: 14 - 17 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • Electric • Rock • No, but the student is planning to purchase an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location

Guitar Lessons

Past Customer

Nov 19, 2018

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From Google

When I began searching for a guitar teacher for my 9 year old son, I knew I was going to have an uphill battle - my son has the attention span of a typical 4th grader, and we have been having difficulty identifying activities/hobbies that he likes and that will engage him enough to stick with. After speaking with several guitar teachers all around the Albany/Saratoga areas, I found Andrew, and I must say it was a breath of fresh air. I spoke with Andrew over the phone and described my son, and what I wanted to get out of introducing him to the guitar - and he got it. He explained the methods he uses to engage such a young student, and how his teaching will grow to encompass music theory and more formal instruction as my son becomes comfortable and competent with basic skills - all while making sure it stays fun for him (understanding that if it looks/feels like homework or a chore, my son likely will shy away from it). Our first lesson with Andrew was at his home in Albany, and suffice it to say it was a huge success with my son. Having never picked up a guitar before (except mine from when I took lessons as a kid), within minutes my son was learning how to play simple notes and bridge them together. As he began to play the notes on his own, I could see an immediate shift in my son, from someone that was "trying guitar lessons for Dad" to someone that actually liked it for himself - and this can be attributed directly to Andrew's ability to tap into him and read him. Andrew has a great way to balance easing students into the lessons with jokes and funny ways to remember hand positions, notes, etc with making sure they understand the concepts and actually LEARN the lesson before they move on. By the end of the 30 minute intro lesson, my son was playing Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit, which to a Dad who grew up on that music, was a big moment. When we finished the lesson and left, my son asked to hear Nirvana's version on the way home, and was talking me through how he thinks his and Andrew's version were more simple, but "way better" (he was using 2 strings I'll add...). So clearly he caught the guitar bug - so much so we stopped at Guitar Center on the way home and he plugged right in and played in front of everyone. This practice continued all weekend - much to our happiness. We've been back to Andrew since, and each time they reviewed the week's previous lessons, and added new "practice lessons" for my son to work on at home. I know this is a long-winded post, but I wanted to give an honest review on our experience with Andrew so far. I can honestly say that we have seen a different side to our son, who has struggled with finding things to hold his interest/be passionate about (and not video games)- and for us, these lessons have been just what we were looking for. I would recommend Andrew as a guitar instructor to anyone looking for a easy going, non-judgmental and highly skilled professional - for any age group and with any learning obstacle. My son and I have enjoyed going so much, I'm considering picking up lessons again for myself so we can one day play together...and start a band...(still on my bucket list...).

Andrew Wheeler Guitar Lessons's reply

Jasmine F.

Sep 9, 2017

·

Hired on Thumbtack

I cannot begin to express my happiness that I chose Andrew to do our wedding ceremony. He made everything so smooth and was so understanding that I was getting pulled away and never got to officially meet him. He showed up 3 hours early because of rain, he didn't want to be late. He learned my song less than a week before the wedding to play while I walked down the aisle. I have never heard of someone going so above and beyond. He is the definition of professional, punctual and nice. He made my wedding day that much better and he is even adding an extra touch by recording the songs we had and send them to me. If you are looking for live music...choose Andrew. Let him make your day better. Jasmine

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Credentials

Background Check

Andrew Wheeler

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I offer a free phone consult followed by a buy one half hour, get one half hour free first lesson(s). My pricing for lessons is $30/half hour or $60/hour for one time lessons. Enrolled students with a weekly slot get a significant discount as follows: price reduced to $25/half and $50/hour when paid monthly. Several times a year I will run some group lessons, as well, which are quite affordable and convenient for learners in the same skill group.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I always want to know more about the potential client's goals to ensure we are a good fit. What does success look like to you? So, typically, we will talk on the phone or email about your goals and make a time to meet at the studio or over SKYPE for a free first lesson/assessment and talk about a game plan.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Certified Professional Guitarist - Berklee College of Music. Certified Specialist in Guitar - Berklee College of Music. Additional Undergraduate Music credits (Bachelor-level) earned at the College of Saint Rose. Voted 2015-16 best solo performer and 2016-17 best band performance in the blues competition run by the Capital Region Blues Network (International Blues Challenge Qualifying Round).

Andrew Wheeler Guitar Lessons

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