Private Lessons
Study music with Wyatt
Personalized one-on-one lessons with an experienced professional
Offering both guitar and general music lessons
Quality music lessons for everyone
Anyone can learn to play music — regardless of age, background, or “natural talent.” The only requirements are interest and a little bit of time. Whether you are pursuing music as a hobby or have professional aspirations, I can help you take the necessary steps towards realizing your goals.
Every student has a unique relationship to music and learning. Although I use many time-tested materials and pedagogical approaches, I adjust my curriculum to fit each student’s unique goals and learning style. Together, we create a curriculum and practice routine that will be effective, enjoyable, and sustainable.
I choose to work with students of all skill levels both because I enjoy it and because I believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality lessons.
I offer both remote and in-person lessons. In-person lessons are located in a safe, public setting at the Hartwick College Music Department. Unfortunately, I do not offer in-home lessons at this time.
Guitar and General Music
I teach lessons on guitar and/or on general music topics depending on a student’s interests and aspirations.
For guitar students, we can focus on a wide variety of topics ranging from the basics of playing the instrument to mastering the fretboard and learning specific styles.
General music lessons are available to any instrumentalist or vocalist interested in deepening their musical abilities. Topics for general music lessons include music theory, ear training, composition, improvisation, and more.
View key information and explore lesson plans below
Key Information
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Lessons are priced by time rather than content. Discounts are offered for students paying for multiple lessons.
Rates for single lessons are:
$35 / 30 min
$45 / 45 min
$60 / 60 min
$70 / 75 min
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Lesson length and frequency depend on each student’s experience, goals, availability, and budget. I typically make a recommendation either before or during our first meeting.
Weekly lessons are always the best way to maintain consistency and cover more material. However, self-directed students may prefer bi-weekly or even a once-a-month lessons.
To get an idea of possible recommendations, explore the lesson plans below.
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I offer both in-person and remote lessons.
In-person lessons are held at my office at Hartwick College. Unfortunately, I do not offer in-home lessons.
Remote lessons are held via Zoom, Facetime, or Google Meet.
In-person lessons are always my preference — however, I also have extensive experience teaching remotely and am very comfortable with this modality.
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Besides isolated classes, performances, and meetings, I offer lessons Monday through Friday during the day and in the evening until 7:30pm.
To reserve a regular weekly time, lessons must be paid for at least two weeks in advance.
Rescheduling: If you are unable to make it to a lesson, I am more than happy to try and reschedule your lesson time. I cannot guarantee I will be able to do so.
Cancellation Policy: Any lesson cancelled (not rescheduled) less than 24 hours in advance must be paid for in full. I make exceptions for extenuating circumstances such as severe illness, injury, and family emergencies.
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I accept cash, check, Venmo, Paypal, and Zelle. My preference is cash, check, or Venmo.
Receipts for payments are available upon request.
Lessons must be paid for before the lesson occurs.
Any lesson cancelled less than 24 hours in advance must be paid for in full. I make exceptions for extenuating circumstances such as severe illness, injury, and family emergencies.
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Books: I draw from a variety of teaching materials that are either publicly available or from my own library.
Gear: For in-person students, I have a guitar amp, cables, and a tuner — all you need is a guitar!
I don’t own a guitar yet: If you do not own a guitar but wish to take a lesson to see if you may be interested, I can lend you an instrument for one lesson only. I don’t recommend taking guitar lessons if you do not have consistent access to an instrument.
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Getting started: For beginners, four 30 min. lessons for $90 ($25 savings)
Siblings & Family Deal: $5 off each individual lesson when two or more members of a household take weekly lessons
The Regular: $10 off every 5th weekly lesson
The Gift of Lessons: Discounted lessons for birthdays and other holiday gifts
Four 30 minute lessons for $90 ($25 savings),
Three 60 minute lessons for $150 ($25 savings).
Guitar lesson PLANS:
Beginner
Total beginners & returning students
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Beginner lessons are for students playing the guitar for the first time, returning to the instrument, or those still learning the basics.
For beginners, I either pursue a traditional instrument method or learning simple songs. Both approaches cover the basics of the instrument (such as technique, chords, and scales), as well as learning to play simple repertoire.
Learning an instrument for the first time can be a slow process. I set small, attainable goals in order to build confidence and keep the process fun.
We learn songs, discuss basic techniques, and examine the work of essential guitarists.
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Weekly 30 min lessons recommended. 45 min available on request.
Pricing is as follows:
$35 per single 30 min lesson
$60 per two 30 min lessons
$45 for 45 min lesson (scheduling may vary)
Intermediate
Comprehensive study for dedicated hobbyists
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More rigorous study for dedicated, yet casual hobbyists who want to deepen their understanding of both the guitar and music in general.
Topics can vary greatly depending on the student. However, all students will work on strengthening general musicianship skills and understanding the fretboard.
Students may cover specific musical styles, reading music, learning songs by ear and/or notation, improvisation, and more.
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30, 45, or 60 min lessons. Weekly 60 min recommended.
Pricing is as follows:
$35 per single 30 min lesson
$60 per two 30 min lessons
$45 for 45 min lesson (scheduling may vary)
advanced
In-depth study for serious students
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In-depth study for serious students with professional or semi-professional aspirations.
These lessons offer a comprehensive and rigorous approach to mastering the essentials skills needed to play guitar on a professional level in any style.
Perfect for students auditioning for college, preparing a NYSSMA solo, or hoping to play in professional or semi-professional settings.
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60 min lessons required:
$60 per single one hour lesson
$110 for two one hour lessons
General Music Lessons:
MUSIC THEORY & EAR TRAINING
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A one-on-one class in music theory and/or ear training.
These lessons can be loose tutoring sessions to answer questions, or can comprehensively cover a specific area over several weeks.
Perfect for students who may not have access to classes in these topics, are preparing to take a course, or who prefer a one-on-one learning environment.
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Introductory topics:
Basics of reading notation including key/time signatures, note recognition, and rhythmic notation
Diatonic chords and chord progressions
Scale construction including major, minor, and their modes
Basic analysis of melody and chord progressions
Ear training skills such as interval recognition, dictation, chord recognition, and solfege
Advanced topics:
Jazz harmony and analysis as used in popular music styles
Symmetrical scales, melodic/harmonic minor modes
secondary dominants, modulation, transposition
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Regular weekly or bi-weekly lessons recommended in either 30, 45, 60 minute time blocks
Composition & Songwriting
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Coaching on the creative practice of composing music from both an instrumental and vocal perspective.
For students who have never composed music, we will examine basic techniques and practices used by composers and songwriters to find and develop ideas.
For those who are already writing their own material, I offer guidance, advice, and practices that will enrich your established practice.
Depending on the student, we may reference music theory ideas regularly or very little. It is recommended that you have some basic knowledge of your chosen instrument, however.
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Form - how a piece of music is structured
Arranging for different instruments
Writing music for other people to perform
Finding inspiration & staying inspired
Analyzing music from great songwriters and composers
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Regular lessons not required. 60 min recommended.
Jazz & Improvization
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Lessons on the essentials of jazz performance and/or improvised music. These lessons include a deeper look at jazz harmony, specifically in how it relates to performing improvisational music.
For students with some experience studying music.
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Chord Scale relationships
Analyzing chord progressions
Learning standard jazz repertoire
Developing vocabulary and ideas through composition and transcription
Discussion of rhythm, feel, and phrasing
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60 min lessons recommended. Weekly or bi-weekly lessons are ideal but not required.
DEEP DIVE
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One-off lessons for in-depth Q&A on any topic. These are intended for advanced students who have specific questions about their playing or music in general.
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Feedback on demos or performance footage
Recommendations for further study
Jam and discuss — play some music and talk about it
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60 or 75 min lessons required.
Testimonials
“Wyatt is not only a (technically *and* creatively) talented musician, he is also a talented teacher. He is well-versed in a wide variety of music, respectful, and great with meeting students (of any background) where they're at. He has a good attitude and is genuinely passionate about music and education, and it comes across!”
-Meer (guitar, general music)
“…it is always a pleasure to take guitar lessons from you. Your knowledge of the instrument, different approaches towards goals, and kind patience relaying and listening to attempts to both understand do what you’ve said, all with a gentle sense of humor, are gifts to me. You are the best and my favorite guitar teacher in my guitar experience. Thank you.”
- Anonymous
“Wyatt has taught both my son and me, and I can't recommend him highly enough. My son started with Wyatt in high school, and with Wyatt's guidance he was accepted to both Berklee and USC's Popular Music program. Wyatt knows how to prepare and coach students at the highest level of performance.
For me, I came back to guitar after 21 years, with ragged self-taught habits. Wyatt has patiently worked with me from the basics—scales, metronome work, proper technique—helping me develop real proficiencies even after all these years. He meets each student exactly where they are. Excellent teacher for any age or level!”
- Jason (Oneonta NY)
“You are a great teacher, patient, with great energy. Thank you for all you did for me.”
-Mary (remote student, Dallas TX)
“Wyatt is a young man but wise beyond his years. He has an old soul.His teaching style is not rigid but tailored to my needs and requests. He knows the fretboard and music theory inside and out, but I’d expect that of any teacher. He listens carefully, making suggestions based on where he understands I want to go, not where he thinks I should go. And he sets the bar at just the right height. He challenges me but only just a bit outside my comfort zone. And he is just plain fun to be with.”
-Chris (remote student, Troy NY)
“If you are looking to get serious about your music--while keeping it fun!--don't miss Wyatt Ambrose's workshops and lessons. … I know Wyatt's workshop and lessons have transformed my guitar-playing son!”
-Parent