How long are lessons?
Students have the option of scheduling 30, 45, or 60 min lessons.
Is half an hour really long enough to make progress?
I take a highly organized approach to each student's instruction, and in the course of teaching for 10 years I have developed the half-hour lesson format into a surprisingly effective vehicle for guitar instruction. Because of my ability to quickly identify each student's particular needs, a half-hour lesson covers plenty of material to practice during the time between lessons. Some concepts — and students — are better taught in one-hour lessons. It's up to students to decide the duration of their lesson. I may recommend a certain length of lesson, depending on the material and the student.
How can I learn guitar as fast/soon as possible?
You may want to schedule full hour lessons on a regular basis. Many students find this accelerates learning and ensures they become balanced, well-rounded players.
How many lessons do I have to commit to up-front?
Only the lessons that you choose to schedule. There is no minimum number of lessons for which you must sign up.
Do I have to commit to the same day and time every week?
No, but I recommend it. Most of my student have their lesson the same day and time each week.
How long will I have to take lessons before I become a good guitar player?
It depends on the individual. For example, mastering rhythm and timing is essential to progress. In order to play a note or chord at the right time, you must anticipate the exact moment that the pick will strike the strings. To some people, it's instinctive. For others, it's a tough skill to master. Eventually with time and practice, rhythm, harmony, scales, and improvising will become second nature. I have a reputation for helping students see steady and continual progress on their journey.
Do I get any written materials during the lesson, or do you just "wing it"?
All teaching is accompanied by written materials, which include rhythmic notation with tablature, the key of the song or exercise, and proper fingering.
Why should I pay for private lessons when I can pull free lessons off the Internet?
Good question. Most tablature and guitar lessons offered on the Internet do not include rhythmic notation, which is essential for proper learning. A lot of tablature online is incorrect. Anybody can post tablature online regardless of skill level. Unfortunately, most of it is wrong. In addition, a free lesson or two (or even ten) do not make a comprehensive approach to learning the guitar. Free lessons also do not take into account your current level of playing, nor do they come with any way to ensure you are learning the material correctly. You will make more progress and enjoy your playing sooner by studying one-on-one with a good teacher than you ever would by learning some other way.