Paoli Guitar Studio

I am an adult student and have been taking guitar lessons from John for about 5 years. Coming from a musical background of studying piano in my youth, I thought I could self-teach myself guitar. I learned quickly that this was a futile effort as guitar and piano are two different instruments and hence, two different learning approaches. I realized that formal instruction was what I needed if I wanted to properly learn guitar.

I didn't know what to expect with regards to learning guitar and where I wanted to go with it, however once I started taking lessons from John, that mindset quickly changed. He excels in knowing what you need based on where you are in your skill level and he has a gift in coupling your learning goals with your musical interests and guitar style. John is always challenging me in skills and techniques in a way that keeps me engaged and motivated. Additionally, he has a strong command of music theory and is a skilled player.

John is a gifted, thoughtful and attentive teacher and has gone above and beyond my expectations of teaching. I highly recommend John for guitar instruction no matter what your skill level. He will challenge you and push you to grow and improve and you will find the results both tangible and rewarding.

Guitar Teacher Par Excellence!
I started taking lessons with John after having played guitar on and off for over 30 years, and having reached (and remained at) a frustrating plateau in my playing. John patiently listened as I described my frustrations and spotty knowledge of guitar techniques and music theory, and then prescribed a very well thought-out plan of attack to get me over my current hurdles and take me to the next level(s). His customized prescription was so perfect for me, in fact, that I’ve taken to calling John my “guitar doctor,” not just for his perceptiveness and astute interventions as a guitar teacher, but for his ability to guide me in every aspect of playing, from specific techniques, guitar setup and repair, music theory (both basic and advanced), and even ensemble playing.

At this point I’ve been working with John — or rather, he’s been working with ME — for a couple of years, and my playing technique and knowledge of the guitar, as well as of music theory, have all taken major leaps forward, to the point where I’ve gotten confident enough again, after 25+ years of not having performed in public, to start playing at jam sessions and open mic nights. And from what I’ve seen and learned about John's background in music I suspect he may be able to take me several levels HIGHER if I continue taking lessons with him (which I definitely plan on doing). In short, I can’t recommend John highly enough as a guitar teacher and musician.

I believe I have a unique scenario in that my 9 year old daughter and myself both take lessons from John, and we both think he's great. My opinion is that being able to cater a lesson program to a 4th grader and a 40 year old are two very different challenges, and John is able to manage both very well. I'm especially impressed about John's consistent positive attitude, and encouraging way he teaches. John has a way of always putting on a positive spin, even when you know you haven't played something perfectly. He also challenges you and keeps you moving along. I'm amazed at how much my daughter and I have both learned in just a year, and we'll both continue coming to John for a long time.

If you are looking for a great teacher, somebody that loves the act of teaching and clearly has a passion for music, I would highly recommend going to John.

My wife gave me a guitar and lessons for Christmas last year. Outside of our two kids, its the best gift she's ever given me. A year later, I can't believe how much I've progressed. I'm no Hendrix but I really enjoy playing and learning. I have John to thank for my growth and my new hobby. John has patience, insight, and truly understands how to teach. John's lessons allow me to turn off the part of my brain concerned with stress (work stuff) and turn on a new part - they are cathartic. I'm in my late thirties but I see John working with children and seniors alike. He's a true talent and I'm glad my wife found him for me.

Once in a great while -- if we are lucky -- our children find a mentor whose enthusiasm, mastery, and humanity combine magically to create a lifelong impression upon them. We've seen indications over the last four months or so -- since our 16 year old started taking lessons with him -- that John may be one of those very few for whom the title "teacher" is both a description of his essential character and the highest form of compliment. He has ignited Isaac's passion for learning, playing and rehearsing the guitar in a way his previous teachers never did. This passion manifests itself in Isaac's hours of playing and tinkering almost every day; his embrace of the giants from Wes Montgomery to the Jimmys (Hendrix and Page) and beyond; his own first steps toward song-writing; and the kind of growing confidence that can only come from real competence borne of hard work. It is a recipe for success we believe he will carry into other areas of his life as well. While no teacher is right for every student, in our case we are delighted to write that John is one of the best teachers of ANY kind Isaac has ever had. Highly recommended!