I have never played. Can I start from zero? +
Yes. Zero to Riffs is built for complete beginners. You play a real riff in your very first lesson.
Can I learn the songs or techniques I want? +
Of course. The whole point is to help you get wherever you want to go: a song you love, a technique, a band's sound, whatever you have in mind. Get in touch and we'll figure it out.
Do I need to read music? +
No. We use your ears and your hands, and tabs when they help. It's much more natural to first learn to speak and have fun with words and sentences, and learn to read later. Guitar works the same way.
Do I learn theory and scales? +
Yes, a step at a time. Theory and scales come in when they explain what you are playing or help you write your own parts, and a lot of it is turned into games and challenges so it sticks.
What styles do you teach? +
Rock, punk and metal on electric guitar are the core: hard rock, punk, grunge, alternative and heavier. We can also go into blues, arpeggios and lead playing. Lessons are shaped around your taste.
Is it all just songs, or are there exercises too? +
Both. Most of the time goes into songs and riffs, picked by you or suggested by me, mixed with short, focused exercises that build finger strength, speed and timing.
How do the courses work? +
A course is 4 lessons for the price of 3, booked and paid together. It also gives you more structure: every lesson builds on the last, following a plan made for you, so you keep moving forward instead of starting fresh each time. Zero to Riffs is for beginners and Level Up for players who have the basics and want real chops. A Single Lesson can be booked any time.
Should I start on acoustic or electric? +
Start on whatever makes you want to pick it up every day. For rock, punk and metal that is usually an electric, and lighter strings are kinder to new fingers, but an acoustic can sound just as punk. Already have one? We'll use it.
Do I need my own guitar? +
Not to start. If you don't have one yet, I'll bring one for the lesson. A guitar of your own helps you practise between lessons and have fun on your own, and I'm happy to help you pick a good first one before you buy.
Where are lessons? +
At your home, anywhere in Midtown and Downtown Toronto. I come to you, so you learn in your own space. Somewhere further out? Get in touch and we'll work it out.
Who are lessons for? +
Everyone. Students of any age and any background are welcome, from complete beginners to players who want to polish their chops, learning in person with a teacher who genuinely cares about your journey as a guitarist. Lessons are a relaxed, judgement-free and LGBTQ+ friendly space.
Do you teach online? +
There are millions of online courses and videos out there, and they can teach you a lot. What they can't give you is someone sitting across from you who knows your playing, notices the little things, and genuinely cares how you grow. That's what these lessons are for, so they happen in person. If you're not close by, reach out anyway. We might be able to figure something out.
How do I book and pay? +
Hit Book on a lesson or course and fill in a short request: where you are, your level and the times that suit you. I'll email you back to confirm the details, the time and how to pay.
Have a question that isn't here? +
Ask away. Send me your question and I'll get back to you by email.
