How to Choose a Guitar Teacher in Brooklyn

Start with the music you want to make

There are excellent guitarists who specialize in very different kinds of music. If you love pop songs, ask whether lessons can include singing accompaniment and rhythm guitar. If you want jazz, ask about improvisation and harmony. If you are brand new, look for someone who enjoys working with first-time students.

Your goals may change. A good teacher should build a foundation that helps you adapt as your interests develop.

Look for teaching experience, not just performance credits

A teacher can be a wonderful performer and still need to communicate in ways that work for different learners. Ask how they structure a lesson, whether they adapt material to students, and what practice expectations look like.

For children, patience and age-appropriate pacing are especially important. For adults, a teacher who respects your schedule can make learning more sustainable.

Think locally — and practically

Brooklyn travel time is real. Consider whether a lesson fits comfortably before school, after work, or on weekends. Ask about the location, lesson duration, cancellation policies, and whether you need to bring an instrument.

If Japanese is more comfortable for you or your family, ask whether the teacher can explain rhythm, chords, and music theory in Japanese. Learning in your preferred language can make early questions easier to ask.

A first conversation is useful

Describe one song you’d love to play, what you’ve tried already, and how much practice time you might realistically have. The answer should make you feel encouraged and informed, not pressured.

I welcome inquiries from Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Fort Greene, and Sunset Park. Tell me what you want to learn and we can discuss lesson arrangements.

A note from Erika

I’m a Brooklyn-based guitarist and educator teaching kids and adults in English and Japanese. Feel free to ask me about lessons.

Ask about lessons ↗