Guitar Lessons

Why take guitar lessons?

Because music is fun and guitars are cool! Unlike pre-recorded lessons, taking live lessons with an experienced player gives you access to realtime feedback on your technique and instant answers to your questions. This helps you learn and develop more quickly than taking pre-recorded lessons online.

What ages and levels do you teach?

My teaching focus is on intermediate and advanced students who are already familiar with basic chord shapes and simple scales. I follow each student's musical tastes and use songs they enjoy to guide technique development, ear training, and the application of theory concepts.

​The following lists should give you a sense for the things I might teach to students at different levels of playing ability.

Intermediate​

• Expand fretboard knowledge and play in all positions/keys

• If desired, develop hybrid picking and fingerstyle techniques

• Develop ear training skills and understanding of music theory

• Learn 7th chords and chord inversions

• Learn major scale modes and their usage

• Learn favorite songs/solos​

Advanced

• Continue mastery of technique and fretboard knowledge

• Continue development of ear training ability and theory knowledge

• Learn chord substitution and voice leading approaches

• Expand improvising skills by applying altered and substitute scales

• Expand repertoire by developing solo arrangements and transcription skills

Do I need to learn to read music?

You don't need to learn musical notation to be a great guitarist. You can develop excellent skills using chord diagrams, tablature, and playing by ear. That said, learning how to read music will make you a more well-rounded musician. If a student is interested in learning musical notation I'm happy to teach it but it's not required.

Do you teach electric and acoustic guitar?

Yes. Some techniques are more applicable to one or the other type of guitar, but the basic mechanics of the instrument are the same whether you're playing electric or acoustic.

Where do you teach?

I'm based in Devon, PA, which is located in Chester County northwest of Philadelphia. I teach through George's Music in Berwyn.  To schedule a lesson or learn more, call the store at 610-993-3110.

How long are lessons and how much do they cost?

I recommend 60 minute lesson once a week for intermediate to advanced students. That said, I'm flexible and am always open to discussing individual student needs and preferences.

For details about scheduling and pricing, call George's Music at 610-993-3110.

Sounds great! How do I schedule a lesson?

Call George's Music at 610-993-3110 or email me at benjamin.schmaus@gmail.com.