Hey! My name is Colin M. I am a guitarist, pianist, songwriter, and recording artist. I have degrees in Music and Cognitive Science from the University of Virginia. My lessons are student-driven: You learn what you want to learn! My goal is to spread my love for music, so I keep lessons fun and engaging as much as possible! Growing up, I had many teachers. I learned violin, double bass, trombone, guitar, and piano. The lessons that have stuck with me the most are the ones which tapped into my own internal desires and goals for learning music. I try to bring this experience to bear on every lesson I teach now, guiding my teaching with the question, "Why are you showing up to lessons today?" Songwriting: I love to mentor students who want to become effective, dynamic songwriters. I work with students to unlock their own innate creativity, find their voice, and express themselves! Guitar and Piano: I teach guitar and piano students of all different ages and experience levels. I have played music for close to 25 years and taught for the last 5. I can teach students to read sheet music (classical notation), to learn how to play music using chord sheets (jazz/pop notation), or both depending on the student's goals! I look forward to meeting you and hearing why YOU want to learn!
Teaches all skill levels
Teaching since 2017
Cognitive Science
Teaches ages 5+
Has background check
Hey! My name is Colin M. I am a guitarist, pianist, songwriter, and recording artist. I have degrees in Music and Cognitive Science from the University of Virginia. My lessons are student-driven: You learn what you want to learn! My goal is to spread my love for music, so I keep lessons fun and engaging as much as possible! Growing up, I had many teachers. I learned violin, double bass, trombone, guitar, and piano. The lessons that have stuck with me the most are the ones which tapped into my own internal desires and goals for learning music. I try to bring this experience to bear on every lesson I teach now, guiding my teaching with the question, "Why are you showing up to lessons today?" Songwriting: I love to mentor students who want to become effective, dynamic songwriters. I work with students to unlock their own innate creativity, find their voice, and express themselves! Guitar and Piano: I teach guitar and piano students of all different ages and experience levels. I have played music for close to 25 years and taught for the last 5. I can teach students to read sheet music (classical notation), to learn how to play music using chord sheets (jazz/pop notation), or both depending on the student's goals! I look forward to meeting you and hearing why YOU want to learn!
Teaches all skill levels
Teaching since 2017
Cognitive Science
Teaches ages 5+
Has background check
Colin has been a perfect instructor for my 11yo daughter learning to play guitar. He's encouraging, positive, and he makes the lessons fun with a laid-back, collaborative approach. I love the duets each lesson, that help her feel accomplished and lean into the joy of music-making. Super stoked with his work.
Like many people in my age group (60+) I took lessons as a child and gave them up to career, kids, etc, and now I have the time to play again! Colin is great to work with, he was good at gauging where I am in my piano journey and listening carefully to tailor his lessons to my needs. He gives me as much theory as I can handle or want and is really good and patient when I don't understand. I give him top marks as a teacher!
Colin is a great teacher. I learned to play guitar in middle and high school and hadn't taken a lesson in over 30 years. When I realized I wanted to try lessons again, I found Colin. He's fun to connect with, relaxed and friendly. He's focused on my goals (learning campfire favorites, classical pieces, finger style, and jazz). And he gives great feedback and constructive tips to keep improving. Highly recommend!