Instructor in the Northern Virginia Area?

justonemore · #1 02-18-2017, 01:15 PM

Hi all, over the past few months, I've had an impossible time finding a guitar instructor to help jump-start my learning curve.

I've reached out to five, yes five different instructors, and have yet to be able to get a lesson. Two have never returned my calls, two others take about two weeks returning a call or email (and don't seem the least bit interested in my business), and one is just not feasible, location-wise.

I've literally never had such a hard time spending my money! I am really motivated, but can't seem to find someone to reciprocate.

Please let me know if you can recommend anyone good who actually WANTS to teach.

thanks all,
Chris

dinogi · #2 02-19-2017, 04:02 AM

So what part of NOVA do you live in?
Every Guitar Center and Music & Arts store as well as independent companies like Foxes Music and Alexandria Music offer lessons. This shouldn't be difficult.

Kerbie · #3 02-20-2017, 02:58 AM

Chris,

Welcome to the AGF. I hope somebody here can give you a good suggestion on a teacher.

sayheyjeff · #4 02-20-2017, 01:20 PM

Chris

Welcome to the forum. Been taking lessons from Tom Espinola for most of the last 7 years and have been extremely happy. He is around the beltway in Md. If Bethesda or Tacoma Park locations aren't too far for you, feel free to send me a note and we can talk about what you are looking for in a teacher and if Tom might be a good fit.

Jeff

justonemore · #5 02-22-2017, 10:08 AM

Thanks Jeff, appreciate the reply. Unfortunately that's kind of a hike for me, given I live in Alexandria (and work in DC). Happy to discuss further, this seems to be a much more arduous process than I ever thought it would be! But in the end, if I find the right instructor and develop a good working relationship, I believe it will be worth it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sayheyjeff2

Chris, Welcome to the forum. Been taking lessons from Tom Espinola for most of the last 7 years and have been extremely happy. He is around the beltway in Md. If Bethesda or Tacoma Park locations aren't too far for you, feel free to send me a note and we can talk about what you are looking for in a teacher and if Tom might be a good fit. Jeff

sayheyjeff · #6 02-22-2017, 09:17 PM

You are right that it is a hike from Alexandria or from downtown after work. I'll ask Tom if he has any recommendations. I do believe in the value of lessons.. besides all of the learning one would expect in terms of skills, technique, music theory, etc., the possibility of teachers having students with similar skill levels and interests who can be introduced and encouraged to play together can be a special opportunity. I play with 4-5 of Tom's students every week. This has been going on for a few years now. A couple of us play guitar and the rest play mando, mandola and octave mando. What could be better. Tom even comes to our jams occasionally and 'sits in' occasionally. What sort of lessons and music are you thinking about?

Jeff

NavyChap · #7 02-22-2017, 09:41 PM

Jusstonemore -- I also live in Alexandria, and my teacher is in Fairfax -- don't know if that's too far of a hike -- His name is Bill -- and his phone is 703-856-0391
Jim

justonemore · #8 02-22-2017, 09:55 PM

Thanks Jim, appreciate the response. I've actually spoken to Bill. Unfortunately it is clear that he doesn't have time for another student (or at the very least, a student who only has night and weekend availability). No worries, i'll get there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NavyChap

Jusstonemore -- I also live in Alexandria, and my teacher is in Fairfax -- don't know if that's too far of a hike -- His name is Bill -- and his phone is 703-856-0391. Jim

justonemore · #9 02-22-2017, 09:59 PM

Thanks Jeff, appreciate any references Tom may have. I'm not sure how to answer about what type of lessons i'm interested in...I'm so bad, that I just want to get better!

Generally speaking, I love all acoustic rock, singer/songwriter stuff, etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sayheyjeff2

I'll ask Tom if he has any recommendations. I do believe in the value of lessons.. What sort of lessons and music are you thinking about? Jeff

PiousDevil · #10 02-22-2017, 10:03 PM

Have you checked with Alexandria Music Company? The owner there suggested a multi-instrumental teacher when I purchased a banjo there (who I never contacted).

NavyChap · #11 02-22-2017, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justonemore

Thanks Jim, appreciate the response. I've actually spoken to Bill. Unfortunately it is clear that he doesn't have time for another student (or at the very least, a student who only has night and weekend availability). No worries, i'll get there.

Understood -- he does keep nights and weekends open for his professional entertainer side! Gotta keep a roof over your head and food on the table somehow!!!

Have you looked into the Guitar Center that just opened on Duke Street in Alexandria. I believe they have lessons available as well. I've also contacted Bill and asked if he knew of anyone else. Will keep you posted.

djg · #12 02-23-2017, 06:58 AM

My daughter's teacher comes to our home in Arlington. I'm not sure if he goes to Alexandria or not, but I can ask him if he does (and if he's taking new students). I'm going out of town in a day and might not learn anything until I get back next week, but feel free to send me a PM for follow-up.

BTW -- that Foxes Music suggestion might be worth a follow-up too. It's a family music store ranging across a broad spectrum of music (heavy duty school orchestra supplier) and a bit of a zoo on weekends, but they have experienced and trained musicians around and connections to all sorts of people. I don't know who might be offering guitar lessons at the moment, but it might be worth showing up and chatting with one or two of the guitar guys to see who they suggest.

And maybe DC Bluegrass Union?

justonemore · #13 02-23-2017, 11:35 AM

Thanks for the suggestions, feel free to PM me on what your daughter's instructor says.

Quote:

Originally Posted by djg

...but I can ask him if he does (and if he's taking new students). I'm going out of town in a day and might not learn anything until I get back next week, but feel free to send me a PM for follow-up.
...BTW -- that Foxes Music suggestion might be worth a follow-up too.
...And maybe DC Bluegrass Union?

That's actually where I took my very first set of lessons. It was ok at the time, particularly for total beginner lessons, but I haven't checked there recently.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PiousDevil

Have you checked with Alexandria Music Company?

I have stopped in there (twice, actually) but wasn't particularly impressed either time. Thanks for checking back in with Bill, hopefully you'll get a response from him a lot more quickly than I did! Not digging on him, he was super nice, but come on...10 digits ain't that time-consuming to dial.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NavyChap

Have you looked into the Guitar Center that just opened on Duke Street in Alexandria....I've also contacted Bill and asked if he knew of anyone else. Will keep you posted.

NavyChap · #14 02-23-2017, 02:54 PM

Have you looked on Craigslist???

justonemore · #15 02-23-2017, 03:45 PM

LOL, sure did...that's where I started. I also used ThumbTack, from which I got a few pings.

I have a meet-and-greet with a potential instructor who is in Alexandria this Sunday evening. We'll see how that goes!

Quote:

Originally Posted by NavyChap

Have you looked on Craigslist???