Guitar Lessons–My Background and Teaching Style

I have been a professional guitar teacher for 10 years teaching kids, adolescents, and adults.  I began teaching after receiving my master’s degree in Music Therapy from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado.  My approach to teaching is very student based.  I like to teach chords, riffs, technique, and theory by using the songs that my students love to listen to.  I have found that this approach maintains the students interest and motivates them to practice.  It is just so much more fun to practice a song that you love and that you choose rather than being told what to play.  I also like to teach songwriting and composition and I approach this in a way that empowers my students to create great music on their own.  I believe that performance is another element of learning an instrument that is invaluable.  Through my yearly spring and winter recitals I teach students how to successfully perform in front of others. 

Testimonials from Guitar Lesson Students and Parents

“Ryan has been a wonderful influence on both of our children through his teaching and friendship. Not only is he a talented musician and a patient, knowledgeable teacher, he connects with each child as an individual. He takes the time to learn who the student is, and gears his teaching approach to each child’s personality and learning style. My children couldn’t be more different from each other, but Ryan has been able to create for each of them an atmosphere where they’re not afraid to try something new, because he makes it so much fun. Since they’ve started taking guitar lessons, we’ve seen our children’s self-esteem and confidence grow immensely. They love guitar, and they both show talent and improvement every week. We’re so thankful that Ryan has brought this to our family.”
Fe and Mark Baran

“Ryan has been my guitar “coach” for two years. I found him after searching for some time (and some unsuccessful starts and stops with other Guitar teachers). As an entrepreneur and father of two young children I do not have time or energy to give to ego or attitude. Ryan has neither… just a kind intuitive understanding of what his students need to grow and how to help them move forward in their practice. Ryan helped me move forward through some of my own blocks with regard to performing (we did a live performance together in a club) and helped me with freeing my singing voice and ability to express myself musically. My only regret is that I will no longer have him in Colorado to play with and learn from.”
Robert Israel

“I would like to highly recommend Ryan Judd as a guitar teacher.  My son Luke, started guitar at 12 years of age and was fortunate to have Ryan as his first teacher.  Ryan was always positive and upbeat and allowed lots of freedom in the music my son learned.  He relates really well to kids and they connect immediately with him.  Luke was quite intimidated at the idea of playing for an audience at his first recital, however Ryan didn’t put any pressure on him.  The entire process was painless, in fact, it was pleasant and now, Luke is not afraid to play in public.  It was impressive to notice at the recital, that Ryan LOVES kids, from the tiny 5 year olds to high school kids, boys and girls alike.”
Barb Miller

“Ryan was really chill and fun. I liked how we would play duets together, with Ryan on the bass. He let me chose what I wanted to play, and I chose Chilis, Led Zeppelin, and Jimi Hendrix. He showed me how to do simple versions of the really hard stuff, and he showed me how to play different versions that sounded cool. He kept me working, but he wasn’t that strict. Ryan encouraged me to perform at a coffee house recital with all his students and families. Even though I was scared, it was okay, because he was up there on the stage with me. I feel like he gave me a really good start in guitar.”
Vito

“My son has had the privilege of having Ryan Judd as a guitar teacher for over 5 years.  In fact, with his easy, friendly style we have come to think of him more as a friend than a teacher.  I have watched my son grow under Ryan’s guidance from a young boy that didn’t know which hand to put under the guitar neck, to a young man with the talent and confidence to perform on stage.  Ryan’s approach to teaching adapts to the needs and desires of the student… very important for helping the student retain interest.  He also has the ability to teach the more structural and technical aspects of music in a natural way that is not at all regimented.  As you can tell, our family thinks the world of who he is as a person and as a teacher.  We are sorry to see him leaving our area and wish him wonderful success.”
R.Rempala

Rates

$20 for a 30 minute lesson, $30 for a 45 minute lesson, and $40 for an hour long lesson.

Ryan’s Music

Ryan performing his composition “Southbound”