Learn songs, develop improvisational and compositional skills, sharpen your technique, apply theoretical concepts to the fretboard, and have FUN! I’ve given thousands of private guitar lessons spanning 30 years in a wide range of styles including folk, blues, jazz, rock, fingerstyle, classical, funk, country, and reggae. Instruction is open to all ages and levels, absolute beginner to advanced – on acoustic or electric guitar. My goal as an instructor is to give you the tools, motivation, and inspiration to pursue a lifetime of learning ..
Additionally, I have written a comprehensive beginning method (Guitar Class with Greg Matses) that covers the fundamentals of pick and fingerstyle technique, chords, strumming, sight-reading, music theory, and much more. It is geared towards the beginner but has proven to be useful to intermediate players who may have skipped the fundamentals. The method book consists of 14 progressive Lessons available as free pdfs for those taking lessons. Accompanying the pdfs are over 30 hours of video content that align with each section of the book. The method was developed from over 20+ years of teaching class and applied guitar for the Vermont State Colleges. Check out the pdf and video from Lesson 9 below:
Guitar Class with Greg Matses (Lesson 9).pdf
I am available for in-person guitar lessons or beginning bass lessons at Guitar Center in Williston, Vermont.
Contact me directly for online guitar lessons via Zoom. Rates are $50/hour; $25/half hour.
Zoom lessons are convenient, time-saving, and very effective when done well. I use a three-camera setup that allows for multiple viewing angles and the ability to share and send handouts and videos is seamless. You can even record each lesson for reference/practice purposes.
Online Lesson Policies:
– Acceptable payment methods include Venmo, PayPal, and personal check.
– Payment is due prior to the start of each lesson.
– A desktop computer or laptop (with microphone and camera), and a robust internet connection is required. Use of cell phones or smaller tablets will lessen the learning experience considerably.
– A functional learning environment will include ample front lighting, a flat, stable device surface, and armless seating.
– Headphone/earbud use is encouraged.
– Use of a guitar strap or other support is encouraged.
– Cancellations: If possible, please give 24 hours’ notice when canceling a lesson – I will do the same.
– Lesson frequency is based on student need.
I offer (in-person or remote) Applied Guitar Lessons at Vermont State University Johnson. Credit and non-credit options are available. Lessons are open to all students and meet weekly during the spring & fall, 12 times per semester. You can register here for credited options. Lessons start on the second week of classes and you will need your own guitar. Contact me for available times. Fees apply.
In addition, I offer in-person guitar and bass lessons to students at Harwood Union High & Middle Schools in Moretown, VT on Wednesdays during the school year. Rates are $30 for a 35-minute lesson. Contact Molly Clark at mclark@huusd.org if interested.
I continue to write most of my own teaching materials. Below are examples of typical lesson topics / handouts:
Root Position Rock Chords (beginner)
Root Position Chord Progressions (beginner)
Inside the Box (intermediate)
Funk If I Know (intermediate)
Walkin’ Jazz-Blues (advanced)
Testimonials:
“I’m a much better and much more confident guitarist and I’ve got Greg (and practice!) to thank for it. Greg’s vast knowledge of music and adaptability to my music needs/tastes has had an amplified effect on me as a guitar player. He has helped me to achieve my short term goals across my guitar-verse: refining my guitar technique (picking specifically), establishing a more solidified understanding of theory, and covering music theory across several genres. Honestly, Greg really helped me to just all around gracefully land back into the arms of music after a long hiatus away. As a result of Greg’s training and patience I’ve found I can create my own music – solos, chord progressions and improvisations with more intention as a result of our sessions. He can cover any topic that you bring to a class OR provide a great lesson plan. Greg, assuredly, will be able meet any student where they are at in their music journey and provide lessons, guidance, and materials that cater to one’s musical desires. I highly recommend him, he absolutely rocks.”
Corey A., Underhill VT
“I think it’s fair to say that I’m older than the average beginner guitar student, so when it came to finding a teacher, I didn’t want to mess around. I wanted someone who knows what they’re doing, and I’m so grateful I found Greg. He’s not only a musician, he’s a teacher – with experience, a methodology, and a road map (his own book on the subject!). He intuitively knows how much to support and when and how much to push. And he always has a bit of feedback, tactfully given, to help you improve from where you are. I couldn’t recommend him highly enough.”
Beth R., Essex VT
“Greg is an amazing instructor. I’ve spent way too much time with other instructors and YouTube videos, now under Greg I’ve finally gone from someone who practices guitar to someone who can really play guitar. My family has even commented on how much better I have gotten since I’ve been studying under Greg. His musical knowledge and ability to play is only matched by his patience. I learn something new in every lesson and Greg is always able to match new information to my ability and musical taste. I highly recommend him to anyone who is serious about getting better at guitar.”
Jim S., Randolph VT
“Greg’s teaching propelled me into proficiency as a collegiate and career guitar player. I studied with Greg for two years at the end of high school and during this time he helped me hone my technical skills and musicality to win auditions for Vermont All State, as well as collegiate jazz programs. Since studying with Greg, I have gone on to play in many groups in styles ranging from jazz to rock and roll, and played venues ranging from clubs, to theaters, to Lincoln Center.”
Dan G., Waterbury VT
