Discover Guitar Lessons at The Music Shed in Burlington, Ontario
Teaching Philosophy
There’s a distinct difference between teaching and instruction. Anyone with a reasonable amount of experience can lay out rules and guidelines for a learner to follow — that’s instruction. A lot of guitar instruction amounts to “this is how I do it — do it the same way.” Teaching fosters deeper understanding, critical thinking, engagement, and long-term retention. It sets the student up as the learning center, with material built up around them in a way that connects.
In guitar we need both. A teacher needs to assess the student and present material in a way they can connect to — from multiple angles, for various ages, skill sets, and learning styles. Then when procedure is required, provide the guidelines that individual should follow.
Most guitar teachers are winging it week to week, or handing you a method book and working through it page by page whether it’s working for you or not. That’s not how lessons work here.
Every student gets a lesson plan built specifically for them — prepared in advance, not improvised on the spot. What you want to play drives everything. The theory and technique you need get woven in along the way, in context, attached to music you actually care about. That’s how it sticks. The goal is students who can figure things out on their own, not ones who need me forever.
I’ve been teaching guitar, bass, and ukulele for over 20 years. In that time I’ve worked with students from age 6 to their late 70s — kids who want to play video game themes, adults who’ve been meaning to start for years, seniors picking up the guitar for the first time at 70. The approach adapts. The commitment to being prepared doesn’t.
What Lessons Look Like
Private lessons are 30 minutes, scheduled weekly. I teach guitar, bass, and ukulele — in-studio in Burlington or online via Whereby.
Every lesson is planned ahead of time to ensure continuity and progress. Custom materials are made for each student and delivered via Dropbox: Guitar Pro tabs, chord diagrams, backing tracks, stem-separated audio so you can hear exactly what you’re supposed to be playing. You won’t show up and wonder what we’re doing today.
Between lessons, you can text me. Questions, quick videos, something you heard and want to learn — all fair game.
I’m an official Guitar Pro Education Partner, which means students get access to discounted Guitar Pro software. If you choose to use it, work can be provided in this format so you can use it at home. The studio is equipped with a variety of industry level gear (various amps, effects, and guitars) — plenty to work with whether you’re into clean fingerpicking or full-on shred.
Students bring their own instrument. I don’t provide instruments or lend gear for home use.
Pricing
Private Lessons — $170/month
Four 30-minute sessions, scheduled weekly.
Online lessons are available at the same rate. All you need is Whereby — no software download required, it runs in your browser.
Lessons are booked on a monthly basis. Payment is due within the first week of each month. No refunds or credits for missed lessons.
Online Lessons
Online lessons run through Whereby — a straightforward video platform that works in your browser, no app or download needed. I use a two-camera setup so you can see both the full guitar and the fretboard clearly.
It’s been part of how I teach for over 15 years. Snow days, travel, illness, or just living outside Burlington — online lessons work well when you’re set up for it.
Policies
Every lesson is prepared in advance, which means my time is committed whether you show up or not. I don’t offer makeup lessons for cancellations or missed sessions. If you can’t make it, I’ll send your lesson materials along with a short video explanation so you’re not left empty-handed.
Payment is due within the first week of each month. No refunds or credits are issued for missed lessons.
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