Learn Guitar or Mandolin! Classical, jazz, bluegrass, and more!

From 57.03 $ /h

You can learn to play the acoustic guitar, whether you are interested in classical studies, jazz, American country music, folk, or just want to play songs you like! I also offer lessons in mandolin, both with chords and melody, to learn bluegrass or other traditional styles.

We will spend time learning proper technique that sets you up for success by avoiding future physical roadblocks, making learning easy and swift for you. We will also learn chords, and begin learning songs of your choice, including melody and rhythm. We will have you playing your first song by the end of the second lesson!

Extra information

You will need to provide your own instrument, and will need to purchase your own music or books when necessary. For young children (ages 0-7), I teach using the Suzuki method, which requires considerable parental involvement, attending lessons as well as involvement with the student throughout the week between lessons.

Location

Online from United States

About Me

If you are ready to take on music lessons, your life will never be the same. Music enriches our minds and lives in many ways, including expanding our expectations past what we think is possible for ourselves! I've taught hundreds of students over the past 15 years, and have loved helping my students learn to read and play, discover their own love of music, and conquer their fears of performing. I've been described by students as encouraging and fun, and my teaching style is warm, positive, and relaxed. I have worked with many students, including some with learning disabilities, physical limitations, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and just plain old stage fright! I work with you to set your own goals, and I look forward to helping you reach them... It's what I love about what I do.

I began my violin studies at age 9, with my humble public school string program. I continued through high school and into college, playing and singing with auditioned district ensembles, school musicals, and chamber choirs, coming in as runner-up in my high school's concerto competition and performing twice in Carnegie Hall. I studied opera, vocal pedagogy, and passed my piano proficiency exam from the advanced class.

In 2003, I earned my violin performance degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and soon after, joined the Kansas City-based Celtic folk group, Tullamore. I have enjoyed 13 seasons with this lauded regional group, playing countless esteemed Celtic festivals across the country and embarking on five international tours of Ireland and Scotland, as well as a Caribbean cruise hosted for our fans.

In 2014, I relocated to Hampton, Virginia, where I auditioned for the Hampton Roads Philharmonic, and currently play as a first violinist.

In 2015, I began playing with Brackish Water Jamboree, an award-winning Americana band, host of the annual Norfolk Festival in Norfolk, Virginia and featured on NPR's Out of the Box series with Paul Shugrue and the national American country and roots show The Blue Plate Special.

Throughout this time, I have enjoyed teaching a full and enriching music studio of students: hosting recitals, open mics, and ensemble rehearsals, and watching students achieve goals they didn't know were even possible. I continue to teach online via Skype, Facebook video chat, and Google Hangouts, and I look forward to working with you to accomplish your own musical aspirations!

Education

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Bachelor of Music in violin performance, 2003
While working towards my degree at UNL, I was selected regularly to play in extra ensembles and pit orchestras, and also studied vocal technique and pedagogy, as well as piano.

Experience / Qualifications

2002-present: Private teaching studio, First Chair Fiddlers; owner. I have taught hundreds of students--all ages and skill levels--over the past 16 years, including students with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, autism, dyslexia, extreme shyness (selective mutism), Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, and students with special physical needs (stroke or surgery recovery, nerve damage, limited mobility). I teach lessons not only with violin and viola, but also in guitar, piano, and mandolin. Member of the American String Teachers Association, as well as the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

2006-present: Freelance studio musician; vocals and violin: featured violin, string arrangements, and/or vocals on over 12 albums by independent artists.

2015-present: Hampton Roads Philharmonic orchestra; First Violinist

2016-present: Brackish Water Jamboree; fiddler, backup singer, backup guitarist: award-winning original album (2017); two-time VEER award winner for best Americana band (2017, 2018); founding group of the annual NorFOLK Festival held in Norfolk, Virginia, US; multiple tours of eastern United States

2005-2017: Tullamore (American-Celtic folk group); lead singer, fiddler: 5 recorded albums, 3 tours of Ireland, 2 tours of Scotland, 10 major US Celtic festivals

Age

Infants (0-3 years old)

Preschool children (4-6 years old)

Children (7-12 years old)

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Duration

30 minutes

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Skills

Guitar

Classical

Acoustic

Country & bluegrass

Song & varieties

Folk

Jazz

Mandolin

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -04:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Piano and Music Theory--Suzuki method or self-teach with guidance!

57.03 $ /h

I teach many options for music lessons, including piano, music theory, guitar, violin, viola, and mandolin.

In our piano lessons, you will learn proper technique from the beginning, to set you up for success, avoiding future pitfalls and making your learning easy and swift! You will learn how to identify the keys on the keyboard, how to use your fingers and begin to master the fine motor control necessary for piano playing. You will also begin to learn chords, how to coordinate both hands, and begin learning songs right away!

Private Violin or Fiddle Lessons (Including American country and fiddle music!)

57.03 $ /h

Hi, there! With over 15 years' experience in teaching hundreds of children and adults, and over 25 years' experience performing all over the US and in Europe, I am confident in my ability to work with you to achieve your goals! I specialize in viola and violin lessons, in many styles, as well as music theory.

As a musician, I have toured and performed internationally, playing and singing with an American-Celtic folk group (Tullamore). I currently sing and play guitar and fiddle, performing and touring with an award-winning Americana group called Brackish Water Jamboree. Additionally, I play first violin with the Hampton Roads Philharmonic orchestra here in the US. I can work with you in many styles, including not only classical, but also Celtic, American folk or "old-timey", American country, blues, jazz, and rock styles.

Students describe my style as encouraging, humorous, and relaxed, and after working with hundreds of children and adults over the last 15 years, I am confident in my ability to work with any student, at any skill level, including those with special learning needs or requests. We would have individual, live video-chat music lessons in English, and we can choose a learning method together that best suits you and/or your family's needs.

Lou-Indigo

4.87

(84)

The course that I propose is BILINGUAL FRENCH / ENGLISH, as well as 2 BOOKS.

Age and musical taste are not restrictive when in the program, you can with qualitative daily work (not quantitative) quickly observe your progress.

Here the pleasure of playing music is put forward.

The kind of music you love most will be the focus of the course, their codes and secrets will be the focus of our study, that's what I want to share with you.

We can do technical lessons and simply learn together how to play one or more songs of your choice or mine, enrich your game with this approach and your repertoire!

(For example, We can re-arrange the pieces and make them more original by approaching the system (CAGED), and enriching their chords, resulting in new positions, new techniques and new sounds, using arpeggio techniques rather than strumming for 4-chord pieces, voicing and fingerstyle techniques, in short, expanding the instrument's playing fields and playing skills to keep progressing in your game and improve your rehearsals ...)

If you make a request, this program is obviously accompanied by the pleasure of learning more in theory and being able to directly apply new knowledge on its instrument and identify its common or rare use in the pieces discussed in class.

In this case, the theory is translated to be accessible to anyone, both for those who are connoisseurs and for those who discover everything from absolute zero.
The exercises, songs, and theoretical explanations offered throughout the program are organized in an order of progressive difficulty.

I wrote and produced 2 books of my method to learn the guitar and the music, that I sell to accompany my course and your apprenticeship in the best conditions and so that you can continue the course even at home and to review etc ... .
There is ONE BOOK OF COURSES containing all the theoretical and practical program of the year, as well as a BOOK OF EXERCISE on the ranges and the modes that you can obtain directly.

You can find here an indicative list of objectives that I propose in my theoretical program, which can of course adapt to your request.

The general theoretical objectives of the course:

--- Tuning / tuning and knowing his guitar:
* Standard Tuning
* Drop Tuning
* Open Tuning
* Adjust the optimal tension of the strings
* Adjust the shaft axis
* Adjust the action of the strings
* Choose the strings adapted to the style of play / tuning
* Change his strings

-Know his chords:
* Triads: Fundamental State & Inversions
* Tetrads: Fundamental State & Inversions
* The chord progressions of the Range
* Arpeggio techniques (tapping, sweep, 1/2/4 fing.shape, etc ...)

--- Know his scales and his modes

* The Mode of the Major scale
* 3 Modes of the Minor scale: Natural / Melodic / Harmonic
* Modes of the Pentatonic range: 5 positions
* Modes of the Blues range: 5 positions
Etc ...

--- Technique to the Pick / Plectrum / Tab / Pick (Electric Guitar):
* Alternate Picking
* Fast Picking / Tremolo Picking
* Hybrid Picking
* Palm Mute
* Natural Harmonics
* Pinch Harmonics
* Artificial Harmonics
* Shredding
* Tapping
* Sweep Picking
* Legato Picking

--- Strumming / Hand Picking (Acoustic Guitar)
* "SnareDrum" percussion on the guitar
* Arpeggios pinched with 4 fingers + thumb
* Rasgueado (Flamenco Technique)
* Generic Strumming
* Fingerstyle Picking
* Two-finger picking + Legato for fast melodies (eg a solo)

-Play the metronome
* exercises on click
* practice on song riffs

-Learn his favorite songs
* without thinking about the difficulty, nothing is impossible with the right methodology

-Improvise
* choose ranges and positions
* to place oneself rhythmically, to finish on the judicious notes

-Theory of Harmony
* Understand harmonization and its practice

-Theory on the Melody

-Theory of Rhythm

Gwinny

4.87

(84)

I'm a qualified music teacher, and you can learn music theory, music theory, and rhythmic guitar accompaniment with me. Want to accompany yourself on guitar but don't know how? Stuck on some chords? Feel free to let me know what's bothering you, and we'll get started right away! Musical greetings!

Mainly focus on:
- chord theory
- basic music theory on guitar

Ryo

4.87

(84)

Hello,

Electric & Acoustic Guitar tuition from complete beginners to advanced.
(Also Ukulele lessons would be available if fancy)

If anyone considers taking up the guitar exams and becoming a qualified guitarist, I can back you up.

Any styles,
pop/rock/blues/jazz/funk/classical guitar, etc.
Whatever songs/riffs/comps/(16th note) strumming patterns (lead guitar/rhythm guitar) harmony and music theory, solfeggio(aural), and so on.

Lessons will be tailored to you.
it's not brain surgery. it's going to be a lot of fun!

I can travel to your house or you come to my place.
Also, Skype lessons would be available.

Lessons are always for students.
So enjoy playing the guitar and lessons to move up to the next level.

Any further questions, please feel free to ask.
Thanks for reading and look forward to working with you.
You can't afford to miss it!!

Cheers,
Ryo

Camille

4.87

(84)

Folk or classical acoustic guitar.

The teaching philosophy is adapted to the level of each individual, according to the pace of work and motivation.

For example, for beginners: Technique of the plectrum or fingers, coordination and correction of the right and left hand. Learning basic chords, simple themes, simple rhythms, reading tablatures (...).

For intermediaries: development of rhythm, construction of chords, writing of tablatures, basic notions of harmony (...).

Depending on your goals, you can learn, if you wish, to play 60 to 80% of current music from the first lessons, which often use the same chords and the same techniques. The objectives take into consideration the following points:

-Study of various playing techniques, chords, harmony, music of your choice, rhythm, with reading of tablature, teaching structured around the repertoire you like, technique of developing the musical ear
- Discovery of the neck, notes and basic positions of open chords
- Left / right hand coordination and rhythm exercises for the right hand
- Learning of different pieces of your choice
- Left hand control exercises, speed and precision
- Learning arpeggios
- Work around muscle memory
- Learning improvisation, musical play with others
- Ear training: use your ears to find chords, melodies, sounds and techniques used
-Spend a pleasant moment of exchange, without unnecessary institutional pressure, while obtaining concrete results
-Understand and discover the many facets of an exciting and user-friendly instrument
- Benefit from personalized advice on your posture and certain pitfalls to avoid when starting alone
-Adjust and clarify your self-taught knowledge
- Learn tablatures / tabs & in English.

Note :
- Possibility to use the guitar available on site, during the test phase.
- As our teacher is also a singing teacher, it is possible to combine the two disciplines: guitar + vocal instrument, and to work on synchronization, style and accuracy.
- Possibility of offering this course (birthday, party, Christmas, event ...) to the person of your choice.

THE TEACHER :
Trained in Grande Ecole post-preparatory classes & Ivy League university in the United States, our teacher has specialized and has worked for more than 15 years, in Europe and North America, in the field, in renowned international public and private establishments, with careful pedagogy and methodology as the watchwords.

PLACES :
- Locations: Geneva-Lausanne-Friborg-Neuchâtel-Montreux-Bâle-Sion-Sierre-Morges-Bienne. But currently, only by videoconference in accordance with national recommendations on Covid. These sessions also seem to be perfectly unanimous since they have the advantages of direct (example: quality of the interaction), without its disadvantages (ex: loss of travel time), with additional advantages (ex: of notes on the chat, which can be reread afterwards). In this context, these videoconference sessions for which you have requested me, seem to arouse a certain enthusiasm (and a certain enthusiasm). At your request, I therefore continue to offer them.

Ashlin

4.87

(84)

Guitar, Violin, Ukulele, Piano is a world of fun. Join with me to play, experience And explore your Favourite Songs. I have More than 14 years of experience in Guitar,Violin, piano and in Ukulele. And Im having 5years+ experience in teaching Online. I can make your Instrumental learning in an easier way. The method I follow is easier to understand.
Let's see in class.

Leandro

4.87

(84)

I would like to invite you to be part of my courses and private lessons to enjoy this wonderful way of learning to play the guitar.

I have more than fifteen years of experience as a teacher with children, adolescents and adults, and I have developed an effective METHOD that has been tested by more than a hundred students WITH TOTALLY SATISFACTORY RESULTS, you decide how far you want to go.

With my method you will learn to:

✅ Play the songs that you like.

✅ Develop the rhythm of the right hand.

✅ Perfect your technique in a conscious, healthy and effective way.

✅ Understand what you play and arrange your music with knowledge of Harmony.

✅ Play different styles to find your sound.

🔴 Start playing the guitar and enjoy with projection of being a good guitarist.

FLAMENCO GUITAR
- Flamenco technique
- Palos (styles)
- Accompaniment
- Clapping and rhythm

CLASSIC GUITAR
- Technique
- Reading, Solfeggio and interpretation
- Musical works
- Work with progressive learning books
- Preparation for admission to conservatories

MODERN GUITAR
- Improvisation
- Harmony
- Theory and music theory
- Several styles

Mayssa

4.87

(84)

I offer comprehensive guitar lessons for beginners, designed for those with no prior musical background who want to build a solid foundation in playing and reading music. The lessons follow a clear, progressive curriculum, combining practical application with theoretical understanding in a simple and enjoyable way.

Lesson content:

🎸 Guitar playing

Getting to know the parts of the guitar and the correct way to sit

Basics of using a quill and fingers

Exercises to strengthen the hands and improve coordination

Solo performance and vocal accompaniment

Developing a sense of rhythm and speed

🎼 Reading musical notation (from scratch)

Getting acquainted with the musical staff and basic notes

Reading sheet music on the guitar step by step

Practical exercises for linking musical notation and playing the instrument

Improving accuracy and avoiding common errors

🎶 Playing songs and musical pieces

Applying the lessons to well-known songs suitable for beginners

Playing simple musical pieces, then gradually increasing in complexity

Practicing musical technique and expression

Developing confidence in performance

📚 Music Theories

Basic musical scales

Rhythms and musical scale

Simple principles of harmony

Understanding the musical structure of songs

Teaching methodology:

Gradual and structured education

A simplified explanation with practical examples

Exercises tailored to the student's level

Continuous monitoring and evaluation of progress

An encouraging and stimulating learning environment

Who is this lesson for?

For complete beginners

For students wishing to learn guitar academically

For amateurs and music lovers

For children and adults alike

Olivier

4.87

(84)

Half-hour lesson for advanced guitarists.
Fill in the gaps, answer questions, give tips etc...
Find the right chords to simplify the task and make the song sound.
Scales and tonality in order to improvise more easily.

4.87

(84)

I would like to help you grow as a musician in a way that matches your interests and goals. We will explore your favorite music while building technique, musical understanding, and confidence.

Whether you want to learn your favorite songs, improve your technique, develop improvisation skills, or build a solid foundation in music theory, I would be happy to help.

Lessons combine structure and flexibility, allowing you to progress at your own pace.

Mehrad

4.87

(84)

Start your guitar journey on the right note! Our beginner lessons focus on the basics, from how to hold a guitar to playing your first chords and melodies. We'll take it step by step, making sure you understand each concept before moving on. By the end of our sessions, you'll be strumming and picking with confidence, ready to tackle your favorite songs and explore your musical creativity.

Juliet

4.87

(84)

We offer guitar, ukulele, electric bass and music theory classes online from anywhere in the world where you are. We have a dynamic, fun format, with free support material.
It is a method where you can learn your favorite songs and in addition to that you learn music theory, music reading, rhythms and very important genres.

For all ages

Gabriele

4.87

(84)

If you already know how to read music and play guitar, these lessons will help you 🎯 improve your technique, posture, and interpretation with pieces chosen specifically for you.

📚 What you’ll learn:
• 🎯 Improve precision and speed
• 🎹 Develop dynamics and different tones
• 👀 Enhance sight-reading skills
• 🎼 Learn intermediate-level repertoire tailored to your taste

🎯 Method:
I adapt the program to your current abilities, focusing on areas you want to improve most. You’ll work on technical exercises, stylistic awareness, and expressive playing, supported by modern teaching tools and clear practice plans.

Michaël

4.87

(84)

I offer personalized guitar lessons for beginners (electric and folk).

Together we will work on technique, rhythm, chords, solos as well as learning your favorite songs, according to your goals.

My approach is practical and focused on real music: learning by playing, progressing quickly, and having fun at every stage.

Styles covered: rock, blues and acoustic accompaniment.

Courses are available in French or English.

Mayyassa

4.87

(84)

If you dream of entering the world of music but don't know where to start, or think learning takes years, this program is designed specifically for you. This course offers a comprehensive learning experience that starts from the very beginning and guides you step-by-step to an advanced level in a short period, through a simplified, practical, and results-oriented approach.
This program requires no prior experience, as all the fundamentals are explained in a simple and clear way, from understanding musical notation and rhythm to practical application in playing or singing. Theoretical concepts are simplified and directly integrated with practical exercises, helping you learn quickly without feeling overwhelmed or bored.
During these lessons, you will learn how to: become familiar with the basics of music in a simple and easy way
Understand rhythm and melody and apply them practically
You start playing or singing from the very first lessons.
Develop your skills gradually until you reach an advanced level.
Gain confidence in your performance in front of others
This program is flexible and tailored to each student's level and goals, whether you want to learn to play a musical instrument like the piano, oud, or guitar, develop your singing voice, or simply gain a general understanding of music. The exercises and songs are selected to suit your taste, making learning enjoyable and motivating.
The emphasis is primarily on the practical aspect, allowing you to see real progress through your ability to perform musical pieces in a short time, rather than just relying on theoretical knowledge. The goal is for you to feel a sense of accomplishment from the start and see tangible results that encourage you to continue and develop.
This course is suitable for all ages and uses a modern teaching method that combines simplicity and effectiveness, giving you a comfortable and fast learning experience. In a short time, you will be able to build a strong foundation in music and confidently progress to higher levels, moving closer to professionalism with steady and well-planned steps.

André

4.87

(84)

My name is Andre. I'm a professional musician with more than 10 years in the field. Despite Jazz being the main focus of my study and practice I've learned to love all genres and absorb each unique values and strengths. Having them integrated in the musical projects I've created or participated on. Projects which revolve around Jazz, Pop, Rock, Psychedelic, Electronic and Reggae.
Throughout my professional career I've worked with music schools and private students (+200). During this years I've encountered a plethora of different kinds of students, all levels ranging from kids to seniors and even a good quantity of autistic or down syndrome students, which always made me more and more interested in the art of teaching and helping people grow, by balancing challenge and empathy.

My lessons are characterized by a practical approach combined with a theoretical component, that always caters to the student's interests, stimulating their musical taste and creativity. For this, I like to go across the board with disciplines such as:
Musical Theory
Technique
Ear training
Performance
Composition
Improvisation
Band/project guidance
Study methodoly
Reportoire

My main objectives as a mentor are:

- To captivate students with music and their learning process

- To stimulate healthy learning methods based on their own goals

- To develop the spirit and discipline of self-learning.

Frequency, duration, and format depend on each student's goals.