Guitar Lessons

Inquiry Form

I am lucky to have a busy schedule of long-term students and wish I could take on everyone who is interested. To help keep track of inquiries, I have created a google form. Please click below and fill it out if you are interested in guitar lessons:

Duluth Guitar Academy Lesson Inquiry Form

Also Please Note:

Lessons are given at my home studio in the Hunter's Park neighborhood of Duluth.
I typically start new students in the Fall, but will add students year-round if I have space. Even if I don't have room in my schedule, I may be able to connect you with someone, depending on the style of guitar lessons you are looking for.
For tuition rates, attendance policy etc. you can go to the studio policies page.
You can use the drop downs below to read more about lesson styles.

"Suzuki" Guitar Lessons (Beginners Age 3-9)

The Suzuki Method (or "Talent Education", as it's founder called it), has several characteristics that may set it apart from more traditional teaching studios. These are not necessarily unique to Suzuki teachers, but they are more integrated than many other programs. Here are a few key points:

Students can start very young (as young as 3 or 4, though more often 5 or older).
Students follow a carefully sequenced set of pieces and maintain them through daily review (these aren't the only pieces they learn, but they are the core of the method).
Students get together often to play and perform together in groups (students must attend a regular group class, or at more advanced stages, participate in a guitar ensemble).
Daily music listening is expected (both the student's repertoire and high quality performances of other pieces.)
Strong Parent involvement (a parent must learn at least the fundamentals on the instrument before the student begins, and be present at all lessons, taking notes).
Note reading is usually delayed until a solid foundation on the instrument is established (varies with student age and readiness).

Additionally, by participating in a program with a registered Suzuki teacher, you are connected to a greater community through The Suzuki Association of the Americas and other regional Suzuki organizations who offer workshops and summer institutes where students can get special instruction and meet people from other programs who share a common musical repertoire!

"Traditional" Classical Guitar Lessons (Ages 10+)

I also offer private classical guitar lessons for older students of any level. I often still use the Suzuki Guitar books for material but can draw upon many other resources as a well. Please inquire about availability.

Rock, Jazz, Blues and Pop Style Guitar Lessons (Adults and Teens)

My primary area of expertise is in Classical Guitar - that is the area I am most accomplished in and feel I am most effective as a teacher. That being said I do play electric and steel string "acoustic" guitar as well and have plenty of experience playing in Rock and Jazz bands, in addition to musical theater productions which often demand a pretty large variety of playing styles. I will occasionally take students in these areas if I have space in my schedule. I can confidently teach just about any style at least to an "upper-intermediate" level, at which point I may refer a student to another teacher who specializes in a particular genre.

My primary method for "Popular Style" guitar playing is the "Rockschool" Series - you can learn more about it here: https://cloud.rslawards.com/shop/grade-books/guitar

I can also help students improve their general music theory, fretboard knowledge, reading skills, and more. Please inquire if you are looking for a teacher - even if I am not the right fit or don't have availability, I can often refer you to someone.