Every student brings something different to the table, whether it’s a dream of playing classical guitar on stage, strumming Disney songs with family, or finally picking up that dusty guitar after years of “someday.”
This page gives you a sense of how I teach, what I value, and what you can expect from lessons with me. Whether you’re a parent exploring options for your child, or an adult finally ready to give music a real shot, I hope you find something here that speaks to you.
I’ve never played guitar before. Will I be too far behind?
Not at all. Whether you're a total beginner or already know a few chords, I’ll help you build real skills and confidence—step by step. We’ll set goals together and track your progress over time so you can see how far you’ve come.
What if I’m shy or nervous?
That’s completely normal. My lessons are low-pressure, friendly, and one-on-one—so you can ask questions, make mistakes, and learn at your own pace without feeling judged.
What kind of music will I play?
That depends on you. We might learn your favorite rock or pop songs, explore fingerstyle or acoustic covers, or even dive into some classical or metal riffs if that’s your thing. My job is to guide and challenge you while keeping it fun and motivating.
Will it be boring like school?
Nope—but that doesn’t mean it’s all easy. Lessons are creative and hands-on, and we’ll definitely have fun. But if you’re aiming to play like your guitar heroes, there’s real work involved—and I’ll help you get there, one step at a time. Whether you want to play for fun or push yourself to the next level, I’ll support your goals and give you the tools to make progress.
I’ve always wanted to play guitar, but I’m starting late. Is it too late to learn?
Not at all. In fact, adult students often make fantastic progress—they're motivated, thoughtful, and more in tune with what they want to get out of the experience. Whether you're picking up a guitar for the first time or returning after years away, I’ll meet you where you are.
What’s different about lessons for adults?
I take a relaxed, goal-oriented approach tailored to your pace and interests. We’ll focus on what you want to play—whether that’s classic rock, fingerstyle, folk, or classical. Lessons are conversational, encouraging, and flexible to fit your lifestyle.
Do I need to read music?
Not at all—but learning to read a little can really help you understand the guitar more deeply. I introduce music reading gradually and in a way that supports your playing goals. Many students find it easier than they expect—and even enjoy it! That said, if you'd prefer to focus on chords, tabs, or learning by ear, we can do that too.
Many of my adult students say lessons are the highlight of their week.
I approach teaching children with patience, creativity, and a deep respect for where they are developmentally—both musically and emotionally. For younger students, the goal is to build a strong foundation through clear guidance, gentle encouragement, and just the right touch of fun. Whether we’re learning simple melodies, clapping rhythms, or developing focus and coordination, I create a lesson environment where kids feel safe, supported, and proud of their progress.
I also understand that learning music isn’t just about playing notes, it’s about developing confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for art—and that’s part of what makes teaching kids so rewarding." I tweaked your idea. I think this sounds pretty good now
Sometimes. For kids age 12 and under, I generally recommend in-person lessons. The simple truth is that younger students learn best through human connection—something that’s harder to replicate on a screen. While online lessons can teach notes and rhythms, they often miss the deeper social and interactive aspects of music-making that help children thrive.
That said, online lessons can work well under certain circumstances—especially for families in rural areas, or if your child has health concerns or mobility challenges. In these situations, remote lessons may be the most practical and beneficial option.
If you’re considering lessons for your child, feel free to reach out. I’ll be happy to talk through your situation and help determine the best path forward.
Because life is busy—and online lessons make learning guitar a whole lot easier.
If you’ve ever wanted to play, but the thought of fighting traffic or driving across town after a long day stops you cold, you’re not alone. With online lessons, you can learn from the comfort of home, with a flexible setup that fits your schedule. It’s convenient, efficient, and still offers top-quality instruction.
Of course, there are a few tradeoffs. Playing duets together or making micro-adjustments to posture and hand position can be a bit more challenging over video. But for most adult learners, those differences are far outweighed by the convenience and consistency online lessons provide.
I specialize in classical guitar, with a focus on the music of Spain and Latin America, but my teaching spans a broad range of acoustic and electric guitar styles. I regularly work with students on:
Acoustic fingerstyle favorites (The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Kansas, Jack Johnson, etc.)
Broadway and Disney melodies arranged for solo guitar
Pop, folk, country, and blues
Rock and metal fundamentals (rhythm, technique, soloing, and theory)
I’m especially good at helping students who feel like they’re missing a solid musical foundation—whether that’s rhythm, technique, or a working understanding of theory. In fact, I’ve even taught one of the longest-running college courses on heavy metal music at Xavier University in Cincinnati.
If you’re not sure exactly what you want to play, that’s okay too. Many students discover their tastes as they learn. I’ll help you explore different styles and find your voice on the instrument.
Note: I don’t currently offer specialized instruction in jazz, funk, or reggae—but if those genres are part of your curiosity, we can absolutely touch on their basics and integrate elements into your lessons as your skills grow.
It’s a fair question. Yes, there’s a ton of guitar instruction online—and some of it is very good. But much of it is confusing, contradictory, or just plain wrong. For beginners and intermediate players, it’s hard to know what to trust. Even when you find high-quality resources, piecing everything together into a cohesive learning path is time-consuming and often frustrating.
Your time is valuable. Whether you’re a busy professional, a dedicated parent, or a student with a full schedule, you don’t want to waste energy chasing scattered tips from random YouTubers. My job is to save you time and guide you with a structured approach that helps you progress efficiently—with clarity, support, and real results.
Yes, self-teaching is possible, but it can be a painfully slow and lonely road. When you work with a knowledgeable, experienced instructor, you gain direction, motivation, and feedback. You’ll avoid common mistakes, stay inspired, and most importantly, start playing real music sooner.
Register now for a Free Trial Lesson.
Summer Guitar Flex Pack:
(Bundle Pricing for 8 Lessons)
$280 for 30-minute lessons (save $120)
$500 for 60-minute lessons (save $300)
*See Below for Details
Private lesson rates (monthly billing):
$165/month – 30-minute weekly lessons
$330/month – 60-minute weekly lessons
Lessons Purchased Individually:
$50 – 30-minute private lesson
$100– 60 minute private lesson
Lessons are billed monthly rather than per lesson. Most months include four weekly sessions, occasionally five. In rare cases—such as major holidays or planned breaks—some months may include only three lessons, but never fewer if the month is fully paid.
**Now Offering: Summer Guitar Flex Pack** Perfect for vacationing families, busy adults, and anyone who wants to stay musically engaged over the summer — without the pressure of weekly commitments .
8 total lessons (7 paid + 1 free)
Use anytime between June 1 – August 31
Choose lesson times that fit your school, work, or family routine
Students may combine in-person and online lessons
Easy rescheduling with 24+ hours’ notice
Bundle Pricing:
$280 for 30-minute lessons (save $120)
$500 for 60-minute lessons (save $300)
Prefer to pay as you go?
$50 per 30-minute lesson
$100 per 60-minute lesson
Scheduling is managed through my mobile-friendly booking system on Fons
I’ve spent over 25 years performing and teaching guitar, both in private studios and at the college level. My formal training includes:
Bachelor of Arts in Music, Hamline University
Master of Music in Classical Guitar Performance, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
Doctor of Philosophy (ABD) in Higher Education Leadership, University of Dayton (expected Spring 2026)
Beyond the degrees, my real strength is helping students of all backgrounds feel empowered and excited to learn music—whether it’s their first lesson or their fiftieth.
Learning guitar should be a joyful and meaningful experience—whether you're 8 or 80. My teaching is centered on your goals, not some cookie-cutter curriculum. I draw on decades of experience in higher education to create lessons that are clear, achievable, and personally meaningful.
While I’ve worked with many children and teens over the years, I’ve spent much of my career helping adults overcome the fear and frustration that often come with learning an instrument later in life. Many adults dream of playing guitar but hesitate, worried they’ll feel embarrassed or out of their depth. I get it—and I strive to create a supportive, encouraging environment where you can grow at your own pace and truly enjoy the process.
Despite what flashy online ads may promise, there are no real shortcuts to learning music, but there are proven paths that lead to success. Too many students waste years trying to teach themselves with little to show for it. I can help you avoid those dead ends. With a clear plan and professional guidance, you’ll progress faster and more confidently than you thought possible.
Ready to begin? Let’s meet. I offer a free Trial Lesson to get to know each other and discuss how I can help.