Dennis S. TakeLessons Instructor Classical Guitar, Jazz Guitar, Rock Guitar, Country Guitar, Blues Guitar, Metal Guitar,... Elmpark Lane, Poway, CA

Dennis studied music at Duquesne University where he majored in Guitar Performance.  He has been teaching private guitar and bass lessons for close to 10 years and enjoys teaching students of all ages.  His teaching experience also includes teaching Guitar 101 at Community College of Allegheny County and volunteering as music teacher for grades k-4 at Ascension School in Munhall, PA.  Dennis prides himself on being a dedicated and versatile teacher using both traditional and contemporary styles of teaching.   He offers his expertise in all styles of guitar and bass including rock, classical, jazz, blues, and more. Dennis currently teaches full time, directs music at his church, and works as a freelance guitarist/bassist.

I tailor each lesson to a students specific needs.  I go out of my way outside of the lesson to prepare for each student.  For example, If I have a 7 yr old girl who needs something to spark her interest I'll pick up the sheet music to Hannah Montanna and develop an easy guitar version for her to learn.  If I have a student who wants to learn a challenging shred guitar solo I'll learn enough to be a step ahead of them each lesson so that I can break it down and help them realize their goal.

I have never had a student that I could not help.  From beginners to teens learning the latest metal, rock, and punk, to students preparing for auditions for Music School to adults looking to explore a new hobby I have gained so much experience that you don't always find in a teacher.

I use all forms of media to assist in lessons including, computer software, backing tracks, recording, mp3 players, Cd's, and more.  I offer recitals and other exciting perfomance oppurtunities to all students.  I use proven traditinoal methods as well as exciting and new appoaches including TAB and standard notation.

Most importantly, I am a Teacher First.  I love sharing my knowledge.  I worked long and hard to get where I am in music and I understand just how hard it can be to get your fingers to move the right way, or to make your improvisation sound more interesting, or to understand theory.  I have a gift for breaking things down and making them simple to understand. 

I use a blend of traditional, contemporary, and original methods in teaching, I am well versed in most styles of guitar and bass. I can teach beginning to advanced music theory, I can teach advanced keyboard concepts, and I can teach up to intermediate piano lessons.

northgate highschool - general ed - 1994-1997
Community College of Allegheny County - liberal arts - 1997-2000
Duquesne University School of Music - Music Guitar - 2000-2003

Classical Guitar, Jazz Guitar, Rock Guitar, Country Guitar, Blues Guitar, Metal Guitar, Contemporary Fingerstyle Guitar, Electric Bass Guitar, Slap Bass, Finger Bass, Keyboards, Piano, Songwriting, Music Theory.