I've been taking lessons from George Schmidt for almost ten years. George is always interested in teaching me songs I want to learn. In our first lessons he got to know the kind of music I like and the level of instruction I was ready for. George provided challenging but doable songs that I enjoyed learning to play. As I progressed, George offered me new songs when he thought I was ready for a bigger challenge. Sometimes I have been overzealous and excited to play something that's way over my head; George doesn't disregard this interest, nor does he let me go off on a frustrating tangent. Instead, George offers me a path to get to that song: what songs can I learn now that will move me toward my goal. He has a huge sheet music library and has an incredible ability to pick a new tune that is right up my alley. During the years I've developed an interest in music theory: how all these chords are built and why seemed like black magic to me. George is always ready to explain theory and suggest exercises to improve my knowledge. Our discussions of music theory have enhanced my appreciation of music in a whole new way. He's very patient and is willing to explain things over and over, or help me remember some chord voicing again and again. What I haven't mentioned yet is that George is an awesome guitarist. I mostly play acoustic steel string and George blows my mind when he demonstrates my songs on his Martin. George is amazing on electric guitar, classical guitar, and flamenco guitar as well. He's also a super nice guy. I feel incredibly fortunate to have stumbled onto George as my guitar teacher so many years ago. I think the fact that I continue to look forward to every lesson is testimony itself. read more

"I am a 66-year old man who began guitar lessons with George 7 years ago. I suffered a debilitating brain injury 9 years before I attempted lessons. Despite my being left-handed and having failed with self-teaching CD's and video lessons, George managed to help me learn to play well enough to be booking paying gigs at art galleries and poetry events within 5 years. George has a flexible, personal approach that enables him to work with my limitations while following a goal-oriented path towards playing music that I enjoy. He is personable, extremely knowledgeable, innovative and very patient. He has a lot of heart and takes a personal interest in his students.. I have taken lessons from him in person, via speakerphone and with Skype on the Internet. He is able to sense fingering errors even using just a speakerphone. His vast experience and extensive playing with many styles of acoustic and electric instruments is without parallel. George has seen it all and understands the process of learning to play guitar. Of course, you have to put in the practice hours, but, if you can hear the music you like, he can get you playing it." read more

I have been taking guitar lessons from George for over 8 years. My experience with him as a teacher and as a mentor has been a major part of my life. I started taking lessons from George at the age of 10 as a student who had been taught out of a lesson book for a year. His method was very different; there was no learning song after song in a beginner's book. He instructs his students how to read music and then allows them to choose their musical path. He's helped me with composing my own music, preparing me for auditions and concerts. He offers his students a wide selection of genres that allows for individualization and creativity. If you don't live in the area, he also teaches through Skype. This was useful for me when we lived apart for several years and I didn't want to switch teachers. Over the years, George has become a close friend as well as an outstanding music teacher. If you want to choose what you play, have creative leeway, and look forward to your lessons, all while learning to become a skilled musician, get in touch with George! read more