Private Lessons | Alex Rockwell

My Background

I began learning to play the guitar when I was 14. I quickly fell in love with the instrument and dedicated all of my free time to practicing. It didn't take me long to realize that music and the guitar were going to be my main focus in life. I majored in Music Performance in college, completing my Associate's at SUNY Adirondack, my Bachelor's at SUNY Fredonia, and my Master's at Austin Peay State University. I now reside in Upstate New York, and I divide my time between teaching and writing and recording music.

My Approach

Music is a journey that everyone young and old can experience. Each person's journey looks just a little bit different. If there's anything I've learned as a teacher, it is that everyone learns at their own pace, and that journey has no destination; just many stops along the way. As a musical colleague once said, “The destination is a mirage.”

Most of the students I work with come to me with some level of experience on the guitar, usually being self-taught. Some have been playing longer than I have.

What we work on depends on your individual goals. Maybe you’d like to develop a better understanding of music theory. Maybe you’d like to improve your composition and songwriting abilities. Or you need help honing your technique, or you want to study classical guitar. Maybe you want to get better at improvising.

Maybe you want to learn how to practice better.

These are all things I regularly work on with my students, and I have no doubt I can help you with them too. No matter what your goals are, I am equipped to help you reach them. Or, at least get you closer.

Testimonies

I’ve taken weekly guitar instruction from Alex Rockwell for the last six months, and it has been an absolute delight! Highly “student-centered” - he genuinely cares about my personal goals and musical interests. I played folk, rock, and blues for fifty years, and I wanted to return to basics and study classical guitar and music reading. With Alex’s knowledge and guidance, I’ve made good strides that I didn’t expect so soon. He’s great at explaining things, patient and encouraging, and interested in everything music. He creates a wonderful atmosphere in which to study, learn, and grow. In short, he’s a good man and a terrific instructor, guitarist, music-theoretician, and composer. Plus, he has a graduate degree in music and was previously a guitar professor. He knows his stuff AND he’s cool. I recommend him with joy, and without any reservations!

-David N. M.

Lesson Options and Pricing

I offer a few lesson options. Students may enroll in weekly 30-, 45-, or 60-minute lessons. Weekly lessons are booked on a month-to-month basis.

For those looking to sign up for regular lessons, I offer the first lesson as a free consultation. We'll use this time to get to know each other a little, see if we're a good fit, and to start making plans.

Lessons are offered over Zoom from wherever you are located. In-person lessons are an option for local students as well.

Weekly 30-Minute Lessons

— $160/month —

Weekly 45-Minute Lessons

— $240/month —

Weekly 60-Minute Lessons

— $320/month —

One-off and Irregularly Scheduled Lessons

— $85/hour —

Reserving 3+ months at a time yields a 5% discount.

To inquire about lessons, please fill out the form below I will get back to you at my earliest convenience.