Private Guitar Lessons in Cincinnati — Play with Skill and Style
Cincinnati Music Academy offers personalized guitar instruction for students of all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re learning your first chords or refining advanced techniques, CMA’s professional instructors help you build confidence, creativity, and musicianship — with flexible scheduling and no long-term commitments.
What Are Private Guitar Lessons?
Private guitar lessons at Cincinnati Music Academy are tailored to your goals, level, and musical interests. Students can study acoustic, electric, or classical guitar — plus related instruments like ukulele, mandolin, banjo, and bass. Lessons blend practical technique with creative exploration, helping players of every age progress quickly and enjoy making music.
- Weekly 30-, 45-, or 60-minute private lessons
- Acoustic, electric, and classical guitar instruction
- Optional ukulele, bass, mandolin, or banjo lessons
- Learn chords, theory, rhythm, and improvisation
- Styles include rock, blues, country, folk, and jazz
- Flexible scheduling and no long-term commitments
What to Expect in Guitar Lessons
Each lesson is personalized for the student. You’ll work on technique, reading, rhythm, and improvisation while learning songs that inspire you. CMA’s guitar faculty balance structure and flexibility, creating an encouraging environment where students can thrive. Amplifiers and equipment are provided at the school, and students are welcome to explore their favorite styles.
Instruments and Styles We Teach
CMA’s Guitar Department offers lessons on a variety of string instruments, taught by instructors who specialize in helping students play with precision, confidence, and creativity.
Electric and Acoustic Guitar
Students can take lessons on either or both electric and acoustic guitars. Amplifiers are provided at the school.
Electric and Upright Bass
Work with CMA’s bass instructors to develop tone,
timing, and technique across genres like rock, jazz, and pop.
Ukulele, Banjo, and Mandolin
Play fun folk instruments and discover new sounds while strengthening your musicianship.
Who Are Guitar Lessons Perfect For?
Kids & Teen Singers
Young players learn rhythm, technique, and musical fundamentals while having fun with songs they enjoy. CMA’s instructors create an engaging learning environment that keeps students motivated and confident.
Adults
Adults of all backgrounds can start from scratch or return after time away. Lessons are customized for each student’s goals — whether learning casually, performing locally, or exploring songwriting and theory.
How Private Guitar Lessons Work
Placement
A short conversation ensures you’re matched with an instructor aligned with your goals, interests, and schedule.
Lessons
Weekly sessions cover playing technique, rhythm, and song study — customized for your skill level and preferred style.
Progress
Students receive feedback and can perform in CMA’s concerts or join the Band Program for live stage experience.
Flexibility
CMA’s independent instructors offer year-round lessons with adaptable schedules and no long-term commitments.
Meet Your Guitar Teachers
Professional musicians and educators helping students of all ages build skill, confidence, and creativity.
Joel Greenberg has been teaching professionally since 2002. He has developed a unique studio at the Cincinnati Music Academy which includes a large collection of instruments and music production equipment. Students have the opportunity do explore music beyond the traditional private lesson. As a performer Joel has toured nationally and works frequently as a freelance multi-instrumentalist for regional productions and performances. He is a graduate of the CCM Jazz Studies program, has taught at the college level, and is a co-owner of the Cincinnati Music Academy.
Don Gauck has been teaching guitar lessons since 1992. He works with students in middle school and older and in most common music styles. In his studio, Don primarily offers private lessons with occasional group sessions throughout the year. His students are given the opportunity to learn the songs and styles they love while developing fundamental skills necessary to long term learning. The curriculum is never “one size fits all” and is tailored to the needs of the individual.
Originally from Oklahoma, Max Gise has made his home in Cincinnati since 2004. Currently, Max is an adjunct professor at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), a guitar instructor at Cincinnati Music Academy and a guitar instructor at The School for Creative and Performing Arts in downtown Cincinnati. In 2005-2006, he was a graduate assistant at CCM, where he completed his Master’s degree in Jazz Studies in June, 2006. He began his collegiate career at University of Oklahoma in 1997 and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor degree in Classical Guitar Performance in 2002. While there, he was granted the Outstanding Classical Guitar Award as well as the Outstanding Jazz Student Award.
William Harrison is a lifelong musician who has been learning about music his whole life. From early childhood lessons in piano, voice, and trumpet, to studying music education at Ohio University, to currently taking jazz guitar lessons at the Cincinnati Music Academy, William believes its never too early or late to start learning and having fun with music.
Niko works with students of all skill levels. He is great at making the guitar fun for kids and enjoys working with teenagers and adults as well. He specializes in teaching rock, pop, jazz, and other common styles. In his studio, beginners and casual students can count on a patient teacher who will deconstruct difficult elements into simple lessons. More adventurous and advanced learners will be challenged to excel by learning new techniques, musical genres, improvising, and more. Niko stresses the development formal music skills through learning theory and how to read music, but also loves teaching students how to “make music on the fly” and learn the songs they have always wanted to play.
Michael Kotur has been a career musician for over 35 years. He was born into an extremely musical family. His mother began accompanying her church at age 12, and all 3 children received music scholarships. Michael studied piano from ages 6 to 13, and got his first guitar at age 15. After high school Michael went on the road with American Entertainment Productions, performing up to 10 shows a week and touring across the country for nearly 3 years.
Matt has been teaching professionally since 2008. Specializing in bass guitar, upright bass, and music theory, Matt teaches students of all levels from beginner to professional. Matt’s curriculum emphasizes the development of a diverse knowledge of musical styles (jazz, rock, pop, and beyond) and concepts (music reading, theory, improvisation, etc.) while tailoring to the individual goals of any student. At the CMA, Matt’s students will also have the opportunity to perform recitals in a live band setting with both their peers and professional players.
What our Students & Families Say
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guitar Lesson Questions
Students of all ages and experience levels are welcome — from complete beginners to advanced players.
Rock, pop, blues, folk, country, bluegrass, jazz, and classical.
Yes. Having your own guitar is essential for at-home practice. Your teacher can recommend affordable, quality options when you start lessons.
No. CMA provides amps and cables for all in-studio electric guitar lessons.
No. Performing is optional, but many students enjoy playing in CMA’s student concerts or joining the Band Program for live shows.
Lessons are offered in 30-, 45-, or 60-minute sessions depending on your goals and experience level.
Yes. CMA’s Guitar Department also offers lessons in bass, ukulele, mandolin, and banjo. Many students explore multiple instruments with the same teacher.
Absolutely. Guitar students are encouraged to join CMA’s Band Program to rehearse and perform with other musicians. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to apply what you learn in lessons and gain real performance experience.
Filling out one of the below forms is not a commitment to start paying for lessons; it simply lets us know you are ready to get started.
Filling out one of the below forms is not a commitment to start paying for lessons; it simply lets us know you are ready to get started.