Discover the musical way to learn guitar

Don't let your first attempt to learn guitar go bad... learn to play beautifully from the start.

why work with Me?

Over 150 Students taught... and still counting

Melodies

You'll start off by learning some simple scales and melodies to develop finger strength and coordination and continue to develop this as you learn more. 

Chords

Once your fretboard fingers develop strength and coordination, you'll learn the most common chord progressions and strumming patterns.

Advanced Picking Patterns

You'll also learn advanced picking patterns that improve your pick accuracy while also making your chord progressions sound amazing.

about me

I use my experience to create yours

I’ve been teaching guitar to students ages 3-76 since 2006. I double-majored in Classical Guitar Performance and Music Theory at Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance. While at Temple, I performed in a masterclass for world-renowned guitarist David Leiser and presented my research paper on Franz Liszt at the Music Theory Society of the Mid-Atlantic’s annual conference.


After graduation, I continued my guitar studies with world-renowned lute and classical guitar teacher Patrick O’Brien and Rowan University Professor Kathleen MayesI’ve trained in the Suzuki Teaching Philosophy and Guitar Pedagogy under the guidance of Wan-Tsai Chen, David Madsen, Andrea Cannon, and Bill Kossler. I’ve also performed with the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Concert Ensemble.


My main hobbies are chess and gardening, although those have recently taken a backseat to raising my child. 

approach

Discover how I make a difference

Playing music poorly is hard. 


Over your lifetime of listening to music, you've developed musical instincts that help you know when music sounds good and when it sounds bad.


The problem is that most beginners and most teachers are so focused on developing the basic physical skills that they neglect the musical. The result: Guitarists who can physically execute music but don't feel like they're playing is good. 


I help students become excellent guitarists by focusing on musicality as early as possible. This focus aligns my student's physical abilities with their natural musical instincts, increasing their confidence and enjoyment.

testimonials

Check what My Students saY

Andrea Cannon

Kale relates to his students, meeting them at their level. From young toddlers thru college-age, he connects the activities and the music to fit their interests and learning style.

He assesses the needs and interests of his students, and formulates a teaching plan for them as individuals. In this way, they receive instruction that truly motivates them to learn.

I think students will feel that their teacher takes an interest in them and cares to see them progress. They will appreciate the energy he brings to his teaching and will benefit from that.


Stephan Way

I've been taking lessons from Kale for about ten months, and it's been pretty awesome! Kale has a great sense of humor, is very personable, and is a really good teacher. He's very perceptive during lessons, and quickly spots mistakes I'm making, and helps me make corrections. He also gives me really good advice about practicing, and teaches me little tricks so that I am making the most out of my practice time. And on the administrative side, everything seems to run smoothly; he's very professional, and always replies when I reach out to him with questions and whatnot. All this stuff adds up to Kale being a great teacher!


Andrew Allwine

I came to Kale with a very limited understanding of guitar playing. However, within a few lessons I could approach the music with confidence, knowing that with his guidance, I would be able to work through the inherent difficulties of learning an instrument. I have been working with Kale for a little over a year at this point and with his knowledge of music and proper practicing techniques, I feel well equipped to take on new challenges with the guitar. These lessons help to make the learning process fun. There is no substitute to working with an instructor like Kale when it comes to helping you attain your guitar goals.


Allen Krantz

(via personal email) I just wanted to say that I auditioned your student ***** yesterday at Temple. She was very well prepared and had obviously been taught well so credit to you for your good teaching.


Ilan Isakov

In my first lesson with Kale, he quickly gave me a context in which I could put everything I knew about guitar chords - a system which made further exploration of the guitar possible and exciting. I realized I had a fear of heights when it came to guitar frets - I became less confident the higher up the neck I went, and I'd have to question where I was all the time. Kale didn't just give me new information, he gave me a new way to think. Kale aims to make his students self-sufficient. In doing so, he benefits as well; he will never have to answer another specific question from me about, "How do I play X chord this far up the neck?" and I'll never need to refer to a chord chart again.


John Weber

‘Breakthrough.’ ‘I had decent breakthrough.’ I find myself actually saying this. I believe that my lessons with Kale are why. I'm John. I have always really loved music, constantly feeling it, listening to music a lot, several hours most days. I have always wanted to be able to play music. So I turned 50 this year. Time left now for me in life is obviously less than when you are 20 but more perhaps in time to devote to music... Decided to finally to pick up a guitar. Began playing with a very good a guitar player who was teaching but I was not actually learning and soon became frustrated. Sound familiar? I needed to find a good teacher. I believe I found one with Kale. I felt very comfortable right away with my lessons and I am really learning. I think Kale can see what type of person you are and player you can potentially become and teach you to play where it remains fun and challenging but not frustrating... I had another breakthrough this week. I can truly say this most weeks. Thanks, Kale!


Tom Anderson

I have been a student of Kale for four years. I am 75 years of age and started with Kale without any musical experience. He has displayed acute understanding and patience which has helped with my progression. I am very satisfied with my progress, and committed to constant improvement.


Nick Patton

Prior to taking lessons with Kale, I was more or less self-taught, having taken only a few lessons from other guitar teachers over the years, and could string a few chords together and play the songs of some of my favorite artists. I've been working with Kale for less than a year and have seen significant improvement in my playing, musical rhythm, and understanding of music theory. Kale's classically trained background coupled with his enthusiasm to share his musical passion are unparalleled. Highly recommended.


Tysean Gross

When I first went to Kale Good Guitar studio, I had zero ability to play the guitar. I am now 25 years old, and it had always been a dream of mine to be able to play the guitar. I searched for many instructors, but I know I stumbled upon the best in the city. Kale is a very nice and funny guy. He makes you feel very confident in your ability to pick up the skill, and he himself is immensely talented on the guitar; it gives his students something to look up to. I sing and work with very talented musicians, and each of them have been impressed with how quickly I was able to pick up learning the guitar under Kale's guidance. I cannot imagine there being a better guitar instructor in all of Philadelphia. If you're serious about learning to play the guitar, there is only one place to go, Kale Good Guitar Studio. When it comes to great instructors, Kale Good could not be better.


Laura Pozniak

After studying classical guitar throughout college I was concerned about finding a local instructor with a solid classical background, who could teach well beyond the basics.

With Kale, I was able to jump in comfortably where I had left off. He has an outstanding knowledge of the instrument, theory, and the genre, surpassed only by his knack for teaching it.

He truly understands the nuances and techniques of great playing, and is able to hone in on areas of improvement that I wouldn't pick up on otherwise. He takes the time to find music and exercises that are enjoyable and challenging - at the appropriate level for each student. On top of all this, Kale is relatable, patient, encouraging, and a blast to work with; I look forward to his lessons each week. He couldn't come with a higher recommendation!


Gerard Garrelts

I started taking lessons from Kale about a month ago as a beginning guitarist. My experience has been great so far. Kale is a really nice guy and is very patient. He is really good at breaking music down and teaching how to learn new things. I would recommend to anyone.


Matthew Stein

I've know Kale for over ten years and I've always appreciated his interest in deeply exploring many different guitar methods and teaching skills. I know that he brings a depth of knowledge and experience to his students, and doesn't get complacent, but is always learning and adapting his approach to fit a given student's needs. As a fellow music teacher, this is inspiring to see.

For sure. Kale knows his stuff.

Kale is good natured and has a great sense of humor... studying with him would never feel too "heavy" or too much like another thing you "have to do". He has also worked extensively with different age groups and knows a wide range of material. I think any student should feel confident that they have a qualified teacher.


Still not convinced? You can read even more testimonials.

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