Guitar Lessons with Musicality and Technique | State University of New York Tutor

Hello! My name is Francis Ferri, and I’m a guitarist and dedicated music educator with a passion for helping students grow through personalized, engaging instruction. I have extensive experience teaching classical guitar, as well as electric and acoustic styles including fingerstyle, rock, blues, and pop. My teaching journey began during my university studies, where I earned a degree in music and studied under renowned classical guitarist Dr. Stanley Yates. Over the years, I’ve worked with students of all ages—from complete beginners to advanced players—and I tailor each lesson to fit the individual’s needs, goals, and learning style. I emphasize strong fundamentals such as technique, reading, and tone production, while also encouraging creativity through improvisation, composition, and repertoire choices that reflect each student’s interests. Whether you're preparing for auditions, learning to accompany songs, or just picking up the guitar for fun, I strive to create a supportive, inspiring, and structured environment. I believe music education should be motivating and enjoyable, and I'm committed to helping every student build confidence and skill on their musical journey. I look forward to helping you reach your goals and discover what you’re truly capable of on the guitar!

My teaching methodology is rooted in building a strong technical foundation while fostering musical expression from the very beginning. I tailor lessons to each student’s goals, whether they're interested in classical, acoustic, or electric guitar. I emphasize good posture, hand positioning, tone production, and rhythmic precision early on. Sight-reading, ear training, and music theory are integrated into lessons to create well-rounded musicianship. I also believe in using repertoire that motivates students—balancing essential studies with music they enjoy. I adjust my approach based on each student’s age, learning style, and experience, ensuring lessons remain engaging and goal-oriented. My aim is to cultivate independent, confident players who understand how to practice effectively and grow on their own between lessons.