Yes, in-home lessons are available and can be a great way to learn in a comfortable, familiar environment. I’m happy to travel to your home, provided it's within a reasonable distance. If you have any specific scheduling or setup questions, feel free to reach out!
Yes, in-person lessons are available at my home studio. It’s a comfortable and focused environment equipped with everything we need for productive sessions. Let me know what days and times work best for you, and we can schedule accordingly.
At this time, I only offer in-person lessons. My approach to teaching is highly interactive and tailored to each student’s playing style, which I’ve found is most effective in a face-to-face setting. If you're local and interested in in-person lessons, I’d be happy to connect!
The best time to start is as soon as you’re interested. You don’t need to be “ready” in any specific way as lessons are designed to meet you where you are. Whether you're brand new to the guitar or already playing and looking to grow, starting lessons early helps build a strong foundation and sets you on a clear path toward your musical goals.
I specialize in jazz guitar, with additional experience in blues, R&B, rock, funk, and neo-soul. Unfortunately, I don’t offer lessons in classical or heavy metal, so if those are your primary interests, I recommend working with a teacher who focuses in those areas..
I offer weekly one-hour lessons as a standard format. This consistent schedule provides the best foundation for progress and retention. If you’re looking for more frequent sessions or have specific goals in mind, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to discuss options based on your needs and availability.
Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged in full. This policy helps ensure fairness and consistency for all students, as time is reserved specifically for you. If you know in advance that you’ll need to reschedule, please reach out as early as possible, and I’ll do my best to accommodate.
There isn’t really a right or wrong answer to this question. However, I recommend choosing a guitar that can handle a variety of musical styles, especially if you're not yet sure which genre you'll focus on.
If you're specifically interested in learning jazz, a hollowbody guitar can be a great choice, but it's not a requirement. You can still achieve a good jazz tone with a solid-body guitar, depending on the model and how it's set up.
No two guitars are exactly alike, and the most important factor is how the instrument feels in your hands. Comfort and playability should be top priorities when choosing your first guitar.
If possible, visit your local music store and try out several guitars. Getting a feel for different models can help you make a more confident choice. I'm always happy to assist in this process as I want all of my students to have a quality instrument that supports their learning and enjoyment.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly first guitar, there are several great options across different body styles. Your choice may depend on the kind of music you want to play and whether you prefer electric, acoustic, or semi-acoustic tones. Here are my recommendations based on body style:
Solid Body Electric GuitarsYes! Buying a used guitar can be a great option, especially if you're looking to get more value for your money. That said, there are a few key things to check before making a purchase:
Some issues, like poor setup or minor fret buzzing, can usually be addressed with a professional setup, which typically costs between $60 and $100. However, more serious issues like worn frets can be expensive to fix. A full fret replacement may cost anywhere from $400 to $600, so it's best to avoid guitars with this kind of wear unless you're getting a deep discount.
If possible, bring along someone experienced with guitars when shopping used. While some shop employees can be helpful, remember that their job is to sell you something, so it’s good to have a second unbiased opinion.
One of the biggest advantages of buying online is the ability to search for the exact model you want, often at a lower price. A great place to start is Reverb, which offers a huge selection of new and used gear from trusted sellers.
That said, the main downside is that you don’t get to play the guitar before buying it. To protect yourself:
Taking these steps can help ensure you’re not stuck with a guitar that isn’t what you expected.
Yes, if you plan to play an electric guitar, you will need an amplifier for practice. There are many affordable options available that are perfect for beginners. Unless you're performing live or playing with a band, you don’t need a high-powered amp for practice at home.
You can often find great deals on used equipment as well. Here are a few solid options to consider:
These amps vary in size and features, but all are reliable choices depending on your budget and space.
I recommend checking out Reverb for a wide selection of new and used gear as it's a great resource for finding deals. Locally, American Music and Dusty Strings are excellent shops with knowledgeable staff and quality instruments. Both offer a curated selection that's great for guitarists looking for quality instruments with the right tone and feel.
This is a very common question, and the simplest answer is: learn how to read sheet music. It’s by far the most effective way to memorize the notes on the neck.
When you learn to read even basic sheet music, you're naturally forced to associate specific notes with specific fretboard positions. Over time, this builds a strong mental map of the fretboard. The key is to practice consistently as a little each day will make a big difference.
Recommended books:
Before you can effectively practice soloing, you need to know your scale fingerings. This step is essential and cannot be skipped. If you don’t fully learn them, you’re only wasting your time.
Along with building a chord vocabulary, learning your scale fingerings will be one of the primary focuses of our early lessons. These fingerings are a fundamental part of music, whether you aim to be a lead guitarist or a rhythm player.
If you're a beginner, the first step is to learn open-position chords and once you're comfortable with those, move on to barre chords, which will allow you to play in any key and expand your versatility.
For intermediate players who already know open and barre chords, the next step is to start learning seventh chords and other chord variations. This will deepen your musical understanding and give your playing more color and expression.
No matter your level, building your chord vocabulary is absolutely essential for your growth as a musician and you can never learn enough.
Listening to jazz and transcribing solos directly from recordings is one of the most effective ways to develop as a jazz guitarist. However, there are also several excellent books and apps that can support your learning at every stage:
Apps