Thanks for stopping by in your search for classical guitar lessons. As a Philadelphia-based classical guitar teacher, I'm focused on giving you functional, clear, and precise information about how you can improve. Whether it's musical, technical, or anatomical knowledge, you'll get a clear understanding of what you need to do to reach the next level.
Creating Confidence and Real Understanding
When we work together, we'll develop your classical guitar skills and your confidence by creating a virtuous cycle of learning. To do this, we will asses where you are as a player. Then, we'll create a customized set of pieces and studies for you. This plan will be progressive; each piece will build on the previous one. And each step will have challenges that get incrementally more difficult.
Each challenge will be within your ability. Accomplishing each task will boost your confidence. As we build on your newly-acquired skills and increased confidence, you'll feel more comfortable, confident, and at home on the classical guitar.
The Virtuous Cycle of Learning Classical Guitar
Your skills will match the musical task.
You'll have confidence that you're playing appropriately.
Building on Success, doubts about your ability will diminish.
We'll do this by using sound pedagogical principles. For example, I'll use the principles of contrasting references, muscular opposition, verification by experimentation, and the power of extremes to help you develop your understanding. These methods go beyond simply talking and showing. They are essential to accurate and precise communication between student and teacher.
I'll teach you how to use these methods at home, so that you can get the most out of your practice session. I'll also show you how to use the latest research in learning, memorization, and intentional practice methods to get the most out of your classical guitar practice session.
As a result, you'll learn more, better, and faster, both in the lesson and at home.
What My Classical Guitar Students Say about My Guitar Lessons
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for taking me on as a student, and let you know how much it has meant to me over the past couple of years. Learning to play this instrument has given me an extremely fulfilling new way to express myself musically, reawakening a part of myself that had lay dormant for the better part of a decade. Not only that, it's given me something to work toward and look forward to each week that lies entirely outside of my responsibilities as a father or at my job.
You really are a fantastic teacher, able to meet me at my level at every step of the way, and creatively introducing new technology and side materials organically as new challenges emerge on my journey. Thanks again, and I'm looking forward to the next year of study!
Tim Ambrogi
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!
Laura Pozniak
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.
Tom Anderson
I've taken lessons with Kale for a few years now. He's a terrific teacher. Challenging and patient. I started with an interest in expanding my 3 chord vocabulary for my job working with kids in a preschool setting. Over the course of a year or so I was able to expand my limited repertoire, improve my rhythm skills with different strum patterns and to figure out how to play new songs on my own.
Last year, with an interest in learning to read music and play for pleasure, I began studying classical guitar with Kale and have found it an interesting challenge. One thing I particularly appreciate has been Kale's willingness to work at whatever pace I'm able to go. Practice is everything of course and some months I'm able to work a lot and progress quickly and other times I have to go at a slower pace because I'm busy and preoccupied with other things and Kale has always been an encouraging and flexible teacher.
Chris Curchin
‘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!
John Weber
I've been playing guitar for 1 year with Kale.
He is knowledgeable on the subject of classical guitar The instructor uses a multitude of teaching tactics to help the learners The lessons do not cause stress to the learner
Playing an instrument can build your confidence and give you goals to strive for which is healthy for people to have.
I would 100% recommend. Kale is a great teacher. I've been playing classical for 1 year and it has been fun, and stress-free, and brings value to my life
Cara
Despite years of playing, I severely lacked the confidence and ability to play lead in either a band or friendly jam session setting. Within a month of taking Kale's Fretboard Freedom course, I jumped on the chance to play lead during a jam session with some rather accomplished friends and was given some nice compliments. Kale has been instrumental in helping me understand what was previously daunting and confusing, and he has also helped me clean up some bad habits. My playing, my practice habits, and my skill level have all been taken to the next level in a very short period of time.
Lou Filippone
Kale Good, the Guitarist, is classically trained and professional. He has the scholarship and the know-how to teach and explain things clearly and effectively. Kale Good, the person, is very genuine and good-spirited. He is patient and approachable. I've been taking guitar lessons for two months now, and I'm progressing quite notably. I'm learning and having fun too --Kale, the Guitarist and the Person, comes highly recommended.
Rayce Rollins
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.
Andrew Allwine
I started with Kale as a complete beginner, never having picked up a guitar.I stepped into Kale's studio having no idea if I would do more than 1 lesson, but I walked out not wanting to wait another week before my next one. Kale has a unique combination technical expertise, passion for guitar, and a genuine desire to help his students succeed that makes him an amazing guitar teacher. Not only does he really know his stuff, but he is also excellent at making lessons fun and getting students excited to play every week.
I was 24 when I started lessons with Kale, but I consistently witnessed how he had similar positive connections with students much younger and older than myself, and with a variety of guitar skill levels, so I would strongly recommend him for lessons regardless of your age and experience.
Kenny Voshell
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!
Stephan Way
Student Laura Pozniak in the teaching studio
About Me
I have hitch-hiked from Colorado to Philly in 2 days, performed on a 14,000 ft. mountain at 2:00 am for a 24-hour mountain bike race, and sailed on a German tall-ship in the North Sea for a week directing young "campers" on basic sailing skills with my very poor German and complete lack of sailing knowledge.
One of my main hobbies is chess; I also am enjoying planning and planting our first community garden plot with my wife.
To get back to the point: I've been teaching music to students ages 3-76 in the Philadelphia area since 2006. I have got two bachelors degrees in Music from Temple University; one in Classical Guitar Performance, the other in Music Theory. At the 2010 Music Theory Society of the Mid-Atlantic's annual conference, I had the distinct pleasure of presenting my research. Of course, my paper had a title so typical of humanities research papers: "The Consequences of Cadential Failure and Virtuosic Rhetoric in Liszt’s B-Minor Sonata". After graduation, I continued my guitar studies with world-renowned lute and classical guitar teacher Patrick O'Brien.
What Professional Musicians Say about My Classical Guitar Lessons:
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.
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.
Kale has a firm belief in making music fun. Even though he is fun-loving, he does NOT scrimp on musicality. Students will benefit from seeing Kale's excellent technique and being around his infectious personality.
