John McCrea Guitar Lessons

My 15 year old daughter has been taking lessons once a week from John McCrea for more than a year. John has an exceptionally kind and gentle way about him. He offers a guided discovery approach to learning the guitar.
In my daughter’s case, John urges her to read the music and learn the fundamental mechanics and music theory with her own self-​discipline. She is self-​motivated and has never, ever needed to be asked or reminded to practice at home. John understands what motivates my daughter musically and allows digressions from a structured curriculum in his private teaching sessions.
In particular, my daughter likes to bring music that interests her to John on her iPad. He’ll listen to it and write out the tablature for the song right there, on the spot in just a few minutes.
He’s really, really good at listening to complex passages of contemporary Rock and Roll songs, and writing down the notes and finger positions for her. This let’s her take his tab notes home with her and learn to play songs she loves. And his personal touch keeps her interest riveted while encouraging a genuine love for the guitar.
We were referred to John by my daughter’s middle school music teacher. Her recommendation praised his teaching ability and his laid-​back manner. John has a tender, quiet and patient way with kids, and an apparent love for what he does. From what I’ve witnessed while waiting for our sessions to begin, he seems to teach to each kids unique style of learning.
If you’re looking for a guitar teacher who can keep it fun, with no pressure, and reach for a depth of technical excellence, then that’s John. He has a constant smile and enjoys sharing his passion for music and the guitar. The good energy flows as smoothly with him as the sweet, perfect melodies strum from his guitar.
–Dave & Catie B.

I’m surprised there aren’t a heck of a lot more reviews on here, but if there were, I know they would all be outstanding.
John McCrea jumpstarted my classical adventure. I played rock guitar as a kid and in late high school, decided to learn classical. I don’t remember where I found John but I am lucky that I did! His skill puts him in the top echelon of talent, his credentials are mighty impressive, and his passion prominently manifests in his teachings. He had a strong influence in me minoring in music composition and classical guitar in college and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.
John teaches you how to play guitar, which is powerful if you think about it. Most teachers teach you what to play in a monkey see monkey do fashion. He gives you the skill that enables you to improve on your own, beyond the lessons.
Everyone that I referred to John could not be happier with his lesson. It’s all highly personalized to each individual which makes learning FUN, not boring. Every time I pick up my guitar, which is STILL every day (because of John’s influence), I am grateful for John and his guitar lessons.
John is the best of the best. Highly recommended.

I took guitar lessons with John for a couple years about twelve years ago. I was just looking him up now because I broke out one of the books we used to work on, Six Early Blues Guitarists, and was remembering those days. He’s the best.

John was my 1^st and only instructor 25 years ago and is still The ‘Best of the Best… bar none.
Thank you John!

John is an amazing guitar instructor. He taught two of our sons, and helped instill a lifelong appreciation for music!