Lessons

In California, I teach in Marin and Sonoma Counties. I also offer lessons and workshops when I’m out on tour. Recently, I’ve taken the 21st century step of offering lessons via Skype as well, allowing me to work with players anywhere with a reasonable internet connection.

I’ve been teaching guitar for over 20 years, both privately and in workshops, and can help you expand your playing in a fun and creative joint venture. All styles, skill levels, and ages are welcome.

If you play guitar and find that you’ve hit a plateau, consistently playing only what’s familiar – I can help you get new wheels under you, introducing accessible ways to step out of old patterns, new techniques for right and left hand, simple approaches to the fretboard and improvisation, & new styles and songs. With a bit of assistance, you can learn to play on levels people often don’t realize are within reach.

If you’re new to the guitar – I have plenty of experience with beginners and thoroughly enjoy seeing people get inside of the music. Your aha! moments and progress are my pleasure. So don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’re just getting started.

If you’re a pro and want to enhance the scope of your playing – I come at the instrument from a unique angle and often get dubbed an “innovator”, “knows no boundaries”, etc. Whatever the hyperbole, if you’re interested in fresh approaches to fingerpicking, multi-layered cross-rhythms, harplike runs, open tunings, playing music from far-off instruments and cultures on the guitar – I enjoy sharing what I have to offer with other serious players, so there are copious worlds to explore.

Most importantly, we’ll work with music you are excited about learning. You choose your favorite songs – I create guitar arrangements to bring out the specific skills and mojo we’re looking for. Basically, you gain skills and foundations through enjoying the music you love.

I teach and perform a wide range of musical styles, but specialties are fingerpicking, open tunings (and of course standard tuning), roots, and world music, especially from West Africa. With a lifetime of composing, songwriting, & teaching both, I also love to work with students on their own compositions.