Guitar Lessons with Creative Teaching Styles | Full Sail University

Hello, I’m Chris, a cello and guitar teacher in Nashville, TN. I’ve taught for over 10 years, including seminars and classes at colleges in NY, Illinois, and Iowa. I have 20 years of experience in the music industry, performing over 1,100 shows, playing on over 30 studio albums, and composing for films, Youtube series, and podcasts. I even did a tour on a canoe on the Erie Canal from Buffalo to NYC. I hold degrees from Full Sail University, with additional undergrad and graduate classes from SUNY Fredonia, Suzuki training, inclusivity, and safety training through Music ConstructED. I am a mandatory child safety reporter for Tennessee and can provide a recent background check. Teaching is my passion. I strive to assist my students in exploring their own individual passions, encourage them to engage in critical thinking, help them to persevere through challenges, and empower them to cultivate their own voice and creative process through play. If you have any questions, reach out to me anytime. And if you’re ready for lessons, sign up below. I’ll see you in class!

An old teacher used to say to me all the time, "I'm not teaching you how to play cello; I'm teaching you how to teach yourself to play cello." I will do the same for you on whatever instrument. Learning an instrument is only part of the journey, though. My goal is to also teach students about themselves, their learning styles, how to self-evaluate, motivate, and show themselves compassion on the harder days. Curriculum While every student is different, and my job is to help you reach your goals, these are some common paths for each subject. Cello I typically start with the Suzuki books; around Book 3, we'll incorporate Lee's 40 Easy Etudes, Sevick Op. 3, and other material to fit the student's goals. I've also helped students - Play in church - Compose - High school, and college auditions - Utilize different electronics, pedals, looping, and all other manners of making a cello sound not like a cello. Guitar Guitar is a bit more diverse in student goals, and that's what I love about it. I encourage the learning of music theory, how to read staff notation, and in learning different styles(fingerpicking, chord melodies, rhythm, lead guitar). I have helped students pass their Rockschool RSL exams in grades 1-5. I do tend to use the books: Guitar Aerobics, Pumping Nylon, Hal Leonard, and more. I've helped students - Write songs - Record - Sing and play at the same time