Columbia Guitar Studio provides private guitar lessons for beginners through advanced students. Our lessons are customized and offer instruction in many genres and instruments including: classical guitar, acoustic guitar, blues guitar, rock guitar, jazz guitar, bass guitar, banjo, mandolin, and ukulele. Each month teens and adults embark on the journey of learning guitar at CGS because learning begins at any age -just because its fun. Come down and meet David for a free consultation. Many guitarists get to a point where they feel they just aren't getting better.
Services
When I began Columbia Guitar Studio in 1986 I based my teaching on the notion of providing patient, high-quality teaching at a price just al little bit lower than the local music store. Thirty years later, I am happy to report the studio has helped hundreds of would-be players realize their playing potential.
All young beginners have a lot of questions, concerns, and many times fears about getting started. That's why we start with a free consultation, letting each of our students get comfortable, get answers, and most of all learn to have fun learning to play guitar. We feel the best way to show off our studio and what we accomplish here is for you to listen for yourself. Below is a video of one of our young guitarists who is following the same principals and philosohy your son or daughter will soon be applying.
If it has steel strings, you can learn to pick, pluck, slap, tap and fretspank it. FIngerstyle blues, bluegrass flat-picking, percussive techniques, and chord accompaniment styles are all at your fingertips. Just because you want to play the steel string guitar is no reason you can't enjoy the same skill building techniques and strategies put to use by the classic guitarists.
It's all about the bass. In your band the electric bass stands at the crossroads between the percussion section and the electric guitar. Bass players need rock solid rhythm but also need to understand how to create their own bass lines. Careful attention is given to provide players with the skills they need to function successfully in a band.
Reviews (10)
Andrew Binder
Nov 07, 2020
David Nelson
Jan 31, 2019
I started lessons 8 years ago with David and it has been a wonderful experience. Finding an instructor that has the ability to assess and understand every student's unique challenges and design a plan and help each individual meet their goals is difficult. David senses when one approach is not working, and is able to adapt his approach until the lesson is connecting. Columbia Guitar Studio is highly recommended for students of any level.
Rory M.
Jan 03, 2019
If you live in the Columbia area and are spending your hard earned money with any other instructor, you are simply doing yourself an injustice. David is a brilliant musician that also has the unique a ability to share his knowledge in a structured and patient manner. Learning guitar with David has been a true pleasure. Don't even look anywhere else.
Robert Baruch
Dec 03, 2018
Best teacher in the Americas! I've been taking lessons with David for ten years and I can't speak highly enough about the quality of the teaching experience. He is consistently passionate about teaching and developing his students' musicianship. My capabilities continue to develop though his mentorship. I couldn't imagine a more effective teaching environment.
J. W.
Oct 05, 2018
If I could give more than five stars then I would. We spent two years at a local studio before we found David, had four teachers in that time due to staff turnover, and found most were not able to adapt their teaching to what my daughter wanted to learn. David is an incredible teacher and Columbia Guitar Studio is where I'd recommend everyone start and continue their guitar experience (or banjo, or mandolin, or ukulele).
He teaches a wide variety of styles, but bases them all on careful technique. His students range from beginners to professionals, and I've heard folks play in his recitals that I felt I should be paying to hear. My kids play multiple instruments and we've worked with multiple teachers in the area, and David's polices are consistent and fair. He permits more missed lessons than most as long as there is prior notice.
He teaches a wide variety of styles, but bases them all on careful technique. His students range from beginners to professionals, and I've heard folks play in his recitals that I felt I should be paying to hear. My kids play multiple instruments and we've worked with multiple teachers in the area, and David's polices are consistent and fair. He permits more missed lessons than most as long as there is prior notice.
Michael Schreiber
Jul 09, 2018
David is a classically trained and very experienced teacher, pulling upon his years of experience to truly tailor to each student's needs. He provides a wide variety of techniques to help individuals elevate their playing and somehow manages to fit it into the standard 30-minute lesson! I definitely recommend David to help you become a better guitarist!
David Conway
Jun 15, 2018
I came to Columbia Guitar Studio as an adult absolute beginner 10 years ago. I was unsure if I could learn to play but I knew that I wanted to relate to the music I loved in a way that I couldn't if I didn't try to learn. I play guitar now. As others have noted, David tailors his teaching to each student. That being said, all students will learn to read music (not likely with most other guitar teachers) and they will have a toolkit of tried-and-true techniques to bring to their practice that he uses in his own.
A teacher of David's caliber, with his training, could focus on students with professional futures. He does have those students. I came with modest expectations but when I got better and better, I was the only one who was surprised. That's because David knows how to teach and respects the potential of each and every student. Five Stars for ten straight years.
A teacher of David's caliber, with his training, could focus on students with professional futures. He does have those students. I came with modest expectations but when I got better and better, I was the only one who was surprised. That's because David knows how to teach and respects the potential of each and every student. Five Stars for ten straight years.
Douglas Smith
Jun 14, 2018
I have been taking lessons here for over 3 years. The quality of the instruction is exceptional. New skills are introduced in a way that keeps things interesting and challenging without being frustrating or overwhelming. Lesson material is expertly paired to my musical tastes and preferences. I look forward to my weekly lesson and I am very pleased with the progress I have made. Working with David is time well spent and his rates are very reasonable.
Tom Belliveau
Feb 02, 2017
David is a great teacher - week to week it's hard to see your progress, but over several months you start to realize how much you are really learning. He doesn't just teach you how to play this chord and that chord, but he teaches techniques that will help you learn throughout your whole guitar career. He's very patient and explains concepts well. You'll have to put in the work, but you will learn a lot.
Jason Robbins
Jul 04, 2012
David is an excellent guitar teacher. He's really down to earth, and very easy to get along with. The lessons go in the direction you want them to go, but still remain structured in regard to learning. If you're a blues guitarist and that's what you want to learn, he'll work with you. The same goes for classical guitar, metal, and so on. If you want to learn that and the best techniques related to it, he's got you covered. He caters to the individual students' mindset, and it makes for a pretty enjoyable experience. Highly recommended.
