Thumb independence and groove
Developing an autonomous alternating bass allows your melody lines and rhythmic drive to interact without mechanical tension or rhythmic drag across complex fingerstyle arrangements.
Nuance and tone production
Acoustic instruments respond directly to flesh angle, fingernail contour, and attack velocity. We refine your physical touch to draw round, resonant tone from seasoned spruce and rosewood.
Tailored musical direction
Rather than marching through rigid beginner or intermediate exercise books, your study centers on real repertoire: American fingerstyle pieces, alternate tunings, and acoustic arrangements matched to your ear.
Conservatory faculty and retreats
Decades of institutional teaching provide the rigorous structural foundation behind every private online consultation.
Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
Interlochen Guitar Retreat
Alverno College Faculty
Long-standing American Fingerstyle guitar department chair and faculty member guiding both acoustic fingerstyle curriculum and contemporary performance students with rigorous conservatory musicianship.
Director of Guitar Retreat for adult acoustic fingerstyle players converging from across the country for intensive summer ensemble and solo workshops.
Collegiate guitar instruction and music department mentorship fostering individualized student musicianship, ear training, and fingerboard navigation.
Every player brings a distinct mechanical touch to the fretboard. Effective instruction begins by listening closely to where you want to take the instrument.
Matthew Schroeder, Conservatory Guitar Faculty
Reserve an initial consultation to discuss your playing history, physical mechanical hurdles, and the acoustic repertoire you want to master.