Guitar Lessons with a Personalized Learning Plan for 2026
January is when many people finally decide to start something they’ve been putting off for years. Learning guitar is one of the most common New Year goals, but it’s also one of the easiest to abandon when lessons feel generic, rushed, or disconnected from real life.
At Dan O Guitar, lessons in 2026 are built differently. Every guitar lesson follows a personalised learning plan shaped around your goals, musical taste, and the time you genuinely have to practise. Instead of forcing students through a one-size-fits-all method, lessons focus on steady, achievable progress that keeps motivation high and frustration low.
Whether you’re picking up a guitar for the first time, returning after a long break, or balancing music with work, school, or family, the approach is designed to make learning feel clear, structured, and enjoyable. The same philosophy applies across Dan O Music Academy, where students can also explore piano lessons and other instruments using the same personalised framework.
What Makes These Guitar Lessons Different
Every guitar lesson is personalized, with a learning plan matched to your goals, pace, and musical interests
Lessons for all ages, including beginners, teens, adults, seniors, and returning players
Private or small-group guitar lessons available, depending on how you learn best
In-person and online guitar lessons, with smooth, reliable sessions delivered via Google Meet
Acoustic, classical, and electric guitar lessons, tailored to the style you want to play
Broader music lessons available, including piano lessons, bass, ukulele, and violin through Dan O Music Academy
At Dan O Guitar, the focus isn’t just on learning chords or songs. It’s about building real musical skills in a way that fits modern life, helping students start the year with momentum and carry it well beyond January.
If you’re looking for Laurel MD guitar lessons, I offer in-person sessions in Laurel. If you’d rather learn from home, I also teach online guitar lessons through Google Meet music lessons, so students can stay consistent from anywhere in the United States.
I’m Daniel Olszewski, also known as Dan O. I’m a professional classical guitarist with a Master of Music degree, a certified Alexander Technique practitioner, and I bring 12+ years of teaching experience into every lesson plan. I also teach piano, and through Dan O Music Academy, students can study bass, ukulele, and violin as part of a full music learning path.
In the sections ahead, I’ll break down what you can expect in early sessions, how I personalize each Guitar Lesson, and which lesson formats tend to work best for different students and schedules.
Guitar Lesson grounded in a personalized learning plan: how I tailor every session to your goals
My Guitar Lesson plan starts with a quick check-in. Then, I adjust the work in real time. I meet you where you are, so each week feels clear, not random.
You always leave with a short target. This is one skill to watch and a simple way to measure progress.
That structure also keeps things human. I listen for what excites you, where you get stuck, and what your hands are ready to do today. Then I shape the next step so it feels doable and motivating.
Starting where you are: beginners, returning players, teens, and advanced musicians
For beginner guitar lessons, I slow the pace down. We build rhythm, clean sound, and music reading for guitar in small pieces. This way, you don’t feel flooded with info.
If you’re returning to guitar, we keep what still works and fix what doesn’t. I help you spot old habits that limit tone or speed, then replace them with a cleaner setup. The goal is steady momentum, not starting over from zero.
For teen guitar lessons, I plan for real-world pressure like auditions, school performances, or recording a part for a band class. We build a repeatable warmup, run “mock takes,” and practice recovery when a mistake happens. Confidence is a skill, and we train it.
If you want advanced guitar coaching, I get very specific. We map your style goals, refine time feel, and choose material that exposes the exact weak link. If you work with a classical guitar teacher approach, I can also focus on tone colors, phrasing, and control that holds up on stage.
What I cover early on: posture, instrument position, finger placement, and pick or fingerstyle basics
Early sessions usually start with posture for guitar playing, because it affects everything. I check how the guitar sits, where your shoulders rest, and how your wrists move. Small changes can make chords easier and reduce strain fast.
Next, we cover finger placement and the basics of holding a pick versus using fingers. I’ll show you how to get a clear note with less effort, whether you’re strumming, flatpicking, or playing fingerstyle patterns. We revisit these basics anytime your sound or comfort drops.
Fundamentals create fast progress when they’re done right. When you feel your hands cooperate, you learn songs quicker and you remember them longer.
Technique + music theory + creativity, blended in a way that actually sticks
I teach guitar technique and theory together, but I keep it practical. If a song uses a I–V–vi–IV loop, we name it, hear it, and use it to build your own groove. That way, theory explains your music instead of feeling like homework.
I also give clear assignments, because lessons are where you learn what to practice. Your practice routine for guitar is short, focused, and tied to one purpose at a time. Consistency beats duration, so I often aim for 15–30 minutes, 4–5 times per week, instead of one long weekend marathon.
Goal | What we do in the lesson | What you practice at home | How you know it’s working |
Clean chord changes | Slow switching with relaxed hands and timed reps | Two-chord loops with a metronome for 5–8 minutes | Fewer buzzes and steady rhythm at a set tempo |
Strumming control | Right-hand motion drills and dynamic contrast | One pattern across three songs for 7–10 minutes | Smoother volume and fewer missed strings |
Music reading basics | Simple rhythms and note mapping in first position | One short line of music reading for guitar each day | Less guessing and faster recognition without stopping |
Lead playing clarity | Targeted picking, phrasing, and tone checks | Small lick chunks with clean starts and stops | Notes sound even and lines feel more “spoken” |
Posture coaching informed by the Alexander Technique for playing with confidence and ease
As a certified practitioner, I bring Alexander Technique for musicians into the room in a simple, usable way. I’ll help you notice extra tension, then choose a more efficient option. This supports healthier posture for guitar playing and gives you more control without forcing it.
When your movement is easier, your focus gets sharper. Guitar asks your brain to sync motor skills, listening, and visual tracking, which is key for rhythm and reading. Over time, this work supports coordination, discipline, and the confidence that comes from playing for other people.
See Dan in action below!
Personalized lesson formats, locations, and instruments I teach at Dan O Guitar
I offer guitar lessons in Laurel, MD, and online through Google Meet. I coach you in real time, listen closely, and adjust the plan as you play.
For focused progress, private guitar lessons are best. If you prefer a shared pace and support, a small group class is great. I keep groups small for personal feedback and to avoid feeling lost.
I offer lessons in 30, 45, and 60 minutes. Short sessions build consistency. Longer sessions allow for tone, timing, and musical detail.
Dan O Music Academy lesson options | Best for | Where it happens | Session lengths | What you can expect |
Private guitar lessons | Fast skill building and specific goals | In Laurel, MD or online guitar lessons Google Meet | 30 minute music lessons, 45 minute music lessons, 60 minute music lessons | Step-by-step coaching, clear assignments, and direct feedback on technique and songs |
Small group guitar class | Motivation, rhythm confidence, and playing with others | In Laurel, MD or online guitar lessons Google Meet | 30 minute music lessons, 45 minute music lessons, 60 minute music lessons | Structured progression, shared songs, and individualized notes within the group |
Trial music lesson | Trying the fit before you commit | In Laurel, MD or online guitar lessons Google Meet | 30 minute music lessons or 45 minute music lessons | A simple starting plan, a quick skills check, and a clear next step toward a 15-week term |
Semester term with recital opportunity | Families who want steady structure | In Laurel, MD with online support as needed | 45 minute music lessons or 60 minute music lessons | Progress tracking, goal reviews, and a recital opportunity at the end of each semester |
My guitar track covers acoustic, classical, and electric. I also support bass, ukulele, and violin. To start, book a free intro call and review lesson options. I personally respond to every inquiry to find the right format and time.
Piano Lessons
I teach piano lessons for beginners and returning players. Piano can pair well with guitar or stand on its own for a fresh start.
Begin with a trial music lesson and then move into a 15-week term when ready. Many students enjoy working toward a recital opportunity for a real goal and focused practice.
Conclusion
My Guitar Lesson approach starts with a plan that fits your goals, learning style, and pace. If you're looking for a Guitar Lesson near me, we focus on steady progress and fun. With 12+ years of experience and a Master of Music, I teach many styles.
At Dan O Guitar Laurel MD, I offer structure without being too strict. I use Alexander Technique to improve posture and reduce tension. This helps your hands move easier, making you play with more confidence.
I give clear steps and exercises to make practice realistic. Consistency is key, not how long you practice. Most students do best with 15–30 minutes, 4–5 days a week. We adjust based on your schedule and music needs.
If you want a personalized guitar teacher, book a free intro call or use my contact form. I reply personally to find the right fit for you. Whether it's small group lessons, in-person, or online, my goal is to build skill and confidence in Laurel, MD or from home.
FAQ
Do you teach acoustic, classical, and electric guitar?
Yes. I teach acoustic guitar, classical, and electric guitar. I work across genres while keeping technique solid. I tailor the path to your goals.
I’m a complete beginner—how do you help me get started without feeling overwhelmed?
I start with foundational technique and rhythm at a comfortable pace. We break skills into small steps and track progress. You'll learn how to practice effectively.
I played years ago. Can lessons help me rebuild skill and fix bad habits?
Yes. Returning players improve quickly with clean technique and timing. I'll help you reconnect with music and add structure for consistent progress.
Do you coach teens who are preparing for performances and auditions?
Yes. I customize lessons for performance readiness and confidence. We work on tone, rhythm, and stage nerves.
I’m an advanced guitarist. Can you still help me get specific results?
Absolutely. Advanced students come to me for deeper work on style and expression. I give targeted feedback for real change.
Do lessons include music theory and ear training, or only technique?
I blend technique, music theory, and creativity. We cover reading notation, rhythm, and chord building. It's tied to songs and goals, making it useful.
What practice routine do you recommend between lessons?
I recommend 15–30 minutes of focused practice 4–5 times a week. I give you exercises with a specific purpose. This way, you always know what you're aiming for.
How does the Alexander Technique show up in your guitar lessons?
I use the Alexander Technique to support healthy posture and movement. We work on reducing tension and improving coordination. This leads to better tone and control.
Can lessons help with hand tension, wrist pain, or fatigue while playing?
Often, yes. I can help improve setup, posture, and movement habits that cause strain. The goal is sustainable playing with less tension.
Do you offer private lessons and group lessons?
Yes. I offer private and small-group lessons. Private lessons focus on your goals, while groups offer a community and extra confidence.
Do you teach instruments besides guitar?
Yes. While guitar is a big focus, my studio offers broader music education. Students can also study piano and other instruments.
