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Guitar lessons & Recording lessons in Tampa 

Over 30 years of teaching experience with a custom, student-focused approach. I teach ages 10 and up in person at my home recording studio located in the Lake Magdalene area (Bearss/N. Boulevard) in Tampa, FL. If you are looking for guitar lessons that are going to take you to the next level with solid, structured course material, you've come to the right place - that's awesome! I believe in keeping my students motivated on the guitar and use modern technology as well as old school training techniques. You DON'T NEED ANY PRIOR experience to get started on guitar!


I teach the following guitar styles:
Rock, Blues, Alternative, Pop, Folk & Country
I do NOT teach Classical or Jazz.
Acoustic and electric guitar lessons
Ages 10+ Rhythm, Solo, Fingerstyle and Slide Guitar
I also teach music theory, songwriting, composing & home recording in Cubase.

Guitar lessons are once a week at the same time each week.
I teach Mondays through Thursdays 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Are you in need of a guitar first?
Click HERE to visit my page "Virgil's Picks"
where you can find links to guitars and accessories!

Pricing

1/2 hour lesson same time each week:
$125 (total) for the entire month
1 hour lesson same time each week:
$250 (total) for the entire month
So this means if you pick any one of the above lesson lengths, you will be getting 4 to 5 lessons per month.
All lessons are taught here in my studio located just south of Bearss Ave, off of North Boulevard in Tampa, Florida.

Testimonials

Rated 4.9 stars from 66 Google reviews

Virgil has been an incredible guitar teacher for my teenager. He’s patient, encouraging, and truly invested in his students’ growth. What stands out most is how he assisted in every way possible — even helping guide the decision to switch from acoustic to electric guitar, which is where my son really found his passion. He doesn’t just teach music; he builds confidence and keeps kids motivated. My son went from casually interested to genuinely excited about practicing and improving. We’re beyond grateful for the impact Virgil has had — both musically and personally.

Aidan Paul — Google Review

I started lessons with Virgil as a complete beginner after trying online lessons. Within the first few hours, I had learned more and saw more improvement in my playing than I had gotten over multiple weeks of online lessons. Virgil was quick to correct what could have become bad habits and shared countless tips and techniques to make you a better musician. Every lesson has exercises and handouts that guide your practice to ensure you are prepared for the next lesson. I would highly recommend Virgil for anyone looking to get started or improve their playing!

Zachary Ellett — Google Review

After more years than I want to admit, almost 20, it took only two lessons/sessions with Virgil and my playing advanced in a couple of weeks more than it had in a couple of decades. He makes things fun and has great ways of learning and understanding the guitar. You will be jamming by the end of your first lesson. You'll be playing a song in multiple ways (improvising) by your third, and all of a sudden he will say are you ready to solo and all the tricks, technique, and theory, then suddenly makes sense and your like bamm guitar solo!

Hmmmm…..I think I’ll go play guitar now.

Kevin Olsen

In the 3 months since starting lessons Virgil has elevated my game and taught me things that would have easily taken me at least a couple years to learn on my own if I continued down the self-taught path. I am much more confident on my guitar now. I can play barre chords and know where they are all across the fretboard. My chord transitions are much more precise and faster. My friends and family have all commented on just how much I've improved in these 3 months.

Steven Suarez — Google Review

I've been working with Virgil for about 3 months now and its been so fun! He's unbelievably organized with all kinds of worksheets and exercises that you take home with you. Every lesson builds on the last and he works to instill good habits in your playing while also honing in the things you personally want to work on! If you want to progress your guitar playing and delve deeper into the music making process, Virgil is your guy!

Asha K. — Google Review

Read More Testimonials…

Book Lessons

 

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The Process

I have spent the last 30+ years refining my teaching techniques here in Tampa for many players, whether they are playing in bands or recording or even for their own enjoyment. I have taught beginners to music teachers and I am always excited to bring someone new or experienced into this amazing journey on the guitar. Everyone starts out by filling out the "Custom Curriculum Form" after they schedule their first lesson. This helps me to determine what you are really looking for in your lessons! Simply book your lessons with me and if you are not completely satisfied after your first lesson, we can go our separate ways, no hard feelings!

 

  • Brand new at guitar?

    Not a problem - we all need to start somewhere!

    Ages 10 and up, you don't need any musical background to get started. I will take you from the very beginnings on guitar with an excellent curriculum that is based on where you want to go on the guitar. I make it fun for all ages!

  • Experienced Players

    Get the proper training on the guitar to advance to the next level!

    I spent my first 15 years on guitar with NO formal training and I KNOW what it's like to not have a solid structure or guidance on the guitar. I'm here to teach the experienced players advanced rhythm techniques, fingerstyle, soloing, scales, open tunings, modal theory, composing songs, improvisation, ear training... Wait a minute! This list goes on and on - we have lots of stuff for you to work on!

  • Experience The Difference!

    No matter what your goals are, I am here to help you achieve your dreams on guitar! We have open jams here in my studio for my students to see and feel how it is to interact with other players. Some students are learning songwriting techniques, while others are creating their own CD's right here in my studio! (Well, MP3's these days, but I still burn CD's if need be!) while others want a "backup band" so we're able to do guitaraoke right here! I have embraced technology through the years to help the students progress on the guitar, while not only making things more interesting, but it's actually fun! At the same time we also go "old school" and you get amazing ear training here too.

  • A Brief History Of Virgil

    I have been playing guitar for over 40 years now, but I'm STILL learning, whether it be Ed Sheeran or some classic Zeppelin, I can't get enough of guitar! I have been teaching in Tampa for 30+ years and the libraries of teaching materials I have developed are not only amazing, but they are unparalleled. I am not the one who will make the phone call to get you started! You will have to make the call and you can start an amazing journey on this instrument called the guitar if you start right now!

  • Currently, I am the frontman for a band called "Briarwood Blues Society", where we play classic rock, blues and instrumental rock (Covers & originals). I am also the music producer for world-renowned pro wresting star Jeff Hardy. We are currently in the middle of recording an album and record in my studio here in North Tampa. You can find our music on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube and all other music platforms. Jeff does the vocals, I write, compose and perform all the instruments on our recordings and have been producing music out of my home studio for well over 30 years.