Other Great Guitar Teachers in Seattle
Right now I have a waiting list around five years long. I’m sorry–I wish I could take everybody right away.
Perhaps you’d like to study with another teacher, at least until I can teach you. Here are some of my favorite guitar teachers in Seattle.
Quinn Fitzpatrick
Quinn is a thorough, encouraging and patient instructor who teaches all styles, ages and levels. His intent for every student is to have a solid foundation, be inspired and play the music they love. Quinn is committed to every student’s creative potential and his instruction/lessons encourage every player to go to the next level.
Styles: All levels-beginners to advanced. Blues, Jazz, R&B, Folk, Rock, Country, Celtic and Latin styles. Fingerstyle and flatpicking. Music theory as it applies to guitar. Fretboard navigation and mastery.
Ages: Adults and kids 8+.
Location: Whidbey Island, Everett, Edmonds and North Seattle. Will travel to students’ homes.
Availability: Flexible. Group classes and private lessons.
Matt Lefler
If you’re looking for a guitar teacher for your child, Matt is a good bet. Matt is new in town, but gets rave reviews from parents of former students. He shares my philosophy for teaching–get students playing music they love ASAP–and clearly loves teaching as much as he loves music.
Styles: Introductory through intermediate guitar techniques in a variety of styles.
Ages: Kids and adults, ages 4 and up.
Location: Redmond. Will travel to students’ homes.
Availability: flexible
425-213-0383
Website
Julie Sakahara and Joe Vinikow
Joe and Julie are fun, friendly, and patient–wonderful teachers and wonderful people. They only teach adult group lessons. Here’s some information from their website:
Rusty picker? First time player? Have fun, meet other players in Seattle’s most successful small group guitar classes for adults.
Styles: Folk Country and Contemporary; Roots, Rock and R&B; Swing to Jazz.
Ages: Adults only.
Location: Roosevelt High School near Green Lake.
Availability: Tuesday evenings.
206-322-5692
Seattle Guitar Classes
Linda Waterfall
Linda is a well-loved and critically-acclaimed artist who currently teaches songwriting at Cornish College of the Arts. I met her a few years ago at the Puget Sound Guitar Workshop, and took an excellent songwriting class from her recently. She is a great source of inspiration and wisdom, and her music is absolutely gorgeous. I give her my highest recommendation.
Styles: Songwriting, basic guitar skills (both fingerstyle & flatpick), guitar-based music theory, advanced fingerstyle.
Ages: Mostly high school and up, but also younger students, if they’re motivated
Location: Wallingford
Availability: Flexible
Orville Johnson
Orville is not only a world-class musician–he’s played on hundreds of albums, and appeared on Prarie Home Companion–he’s also a generous and dedicated teacher. He even performed at a recent Coffee Shop Jam. What a treat!
I took lessons from Orville in 2006 to get some help with my country and blues technique, and I enjoyed his patient teaching style and wealth of knowledge. And you must see him perform with Mark Graham in the hilarious Kings of Mongrel Folk. I love their song “Neighbor of the Beast,” about the disgruntled next-door neighbor of the Devil.
Styles: Dobro, Bottleneck Slide, Fingerstyle both blues and other, Flatpicking both bluegrass and other, Improvising and soloing, Music Theory applied to guitar, General guitar applicable to many styles.
Ages: Older teens and adults
Location: Dusty Strings
Availability: Tuesdays and occasional weekend appointments
206-932-4971
Orville’s Website
Val D’Alessio
I found out about Val through the parent of one of her students, who gave her high praise. Val is both a professional musician and teaches music in the schools.
Styles: Rock, folk, blues, and country, beginners to intermediate.
Ages: Adults and kids 8 and up.
Location: Wedgewood/Ravenna area of Seattle.
John Calvin
John teaches through Dusty Strings, the acoustic instrument paradise in downtown Fremont, so I know him from accompanying my students when they go guitar shopping. He’s also taught several of my students and they have lots of good things to say.
Styles: Folk, Blues, Acoustic Rock, Celtic, Jazz, Classical, Fingerpicking and Flatpicking.
Ages: Kids 7 and up are welcome, as are adults at all skill levels. Adult beginners are especially encouraged.
Location: His home in Ballard, or at Dusty Strings.
Availability: Daytime and evening appointments.
John’s Website
or call Dusty Strings: (206) 634-1662
Will Vukin
Will teaches a friend of mine, who likes his friendly, encouraging approach. He also teaches bass and banjo.
Styles: Fingerpicking; Flatpicking and Combination Styles; Rhythm and Lead Guitar; American Roots Music; Blues; Classic Folk and Folk Rock; Modern Rock and Pop; Country; Classical Guitar; World Music Styles; Instrumental Melody Picking; Songwriting and Arranging; Alternate Tunings; Improvising; Music Theory; How to visualize and navigate the guitar fingerboard and much more.
Ages: Adults and kids 6 and up.
Location: Ballard
Availability: Monday-Thursday afternoons and evenings, Saturday mornings.
Phone: 206-784-9670
Email Will
Heartwood Guitar