Most guitarists think they need more practice or better gear to improve. The truth?

Real progress comes from simplifying the fundamentals into clear, usable frameworks—essential skills that great players rely on across all styles.

Hey, I’m Dustin.

After 30 years of performing and teaching—including over a decade at the college level—I’ve found that nothing accelerates progress faster than cutting through the noise and focusing on what truly matters.

The key isn’t more information—it’s the right information, taught the right way.

Let’s make your guitar journey simple, effective, and most importantly, enjoyable.

Are you struggling to make real progress on your guitar?

Maybe you’ve watched countless YouTube tutorials, jumped between online courses, and practiced scales until your fingers hurt—yet your playing still feels stuck.

Your frustration is real, I see it all the time:

  • You feel overwhelmed by too much information and aren’t sure what to work on next.

  • You can’t seem to connect the dots between scales, chords, and actual music.

  • You’ve hit a plateau, and every practice session feels like you’re spinning your wheels.

But here’s the thing, it’s not you…

I know that you have more music in you. You just haven’t had a guide who can meet you exactly where you are, and can tell you the next best step. That’s when you will see real progress!

My lessons are built around you. With a structured approach, customized lesson materials (PDFs, backing tracks, videos), and a focus on practical, real-world playing, you’ll finally have a roadmap that makes sense.

Together, we’ll cut through the noise, focus on what really matters, and turn your guitar goals into reality.

  • Fast-Track Your Progress

    No more guesswork or aimless practice. My proven approach zeroes in on exactly what you need to improve, helping you make faster, more meaningful progress.

  • Play Real Music, Not Just Exercises

    Every lesson is focused on applying what you learn to actual music—whether it’s your favorite songs, solos, or original ideas.

  • Personalized Learning Tools

    Get custom PDFs, tailored backing tracks, and personalized video demonstrations designed specifically for your goals and challenges.

Tommy B. - Hilton Head, SC

“I've been around guitars for most of my life. I was a manufacturer’s rep for Paul Reed Smith Guitars for a long time so I’ve always been around guitars but they’ve been intimidating for me, a source of frustration.

Dustin opened up a window to this fretboard that, for me, was darkened for so many years. It just looked so intimidating and now it doesn’t. I can’t thank him enough for that.”

Don R. - Blowing Rock, NC

“After having the guitar sit in the corner of my room for several years, I decided I needed professional help. I reached out to Dustin, told him my story, and asked him, ‘Can you teach an old dog new tricks?’ He said, most reassuringly, ‘Yes.’

Dustin has instilled confidence in my journey to learn how to play. We play songs together—I never thought I would play a song with somebody—and now we're making music. The amount that I have improved, in my opinion, is tremendous.”

Testimonials

Trey H. - Boone, NC

“I've been playing guitar for over 30 years now and I’ve taken lessons with a bunch of people, but great players aren’t always great teachers.

I wanted to make that connection between theory and the instrument and Dustin has a way of stripping away all the extraneous stuff down to the fundamental core ideas that actually matter. I feel like I’m building a toolbox.”

Lauri W. - Boone, NC

“When I first decided to learn I spent a frustrating year signing up for an introductory online course.

I am now, after a short time of working with Dustin, able to play with other musicians and this is what I wanted all along.

He seems to have a knack of understanding how it is that I learn music and I think this might be his superpower as a teacher. I'm so excited I think that soon if not now I'm going to stop calling myself a beginner bassist and start calling myself a bassist.”

Stephen F. - Boone, NC

“I bought my first guitar maybe 2 ½ years ago. I started with some online lessons for a little over a year. My kids gave me guitar lessons with Dustin for Christmas and I’m so glad they did!

I still get tears in my eyes and chill bumps on my arms when I can actually play the songs that I’ve been listening to for so long. That’s been a fun journey and I look froward to continuing it with Dustin. I could not recommend him any higher than I do!”

Jeevan R. - Charlotte, NC

“I was just coming off some personal challenges and I wanted to reboot my life. Luckily for me I found Dustin. Under his guidance I Learned to solo, I Learned to write songs, and I Learned to play tons of songs that I loved.

He taught me to become creative and courageous about playing, especially playing live and even singing.

I also healed a lot after I took several lessons from him and I ended up being in a much better place personally and with my music.”

Hampton H. - Davidson, NC

“I’ve played most of my life but had been out of it for many years. When I played previously I'd always kind of been stuck at that intermediate level.

Dustin does a good job of scaffolding-meeting you where you are building upon that and when you're ready building some more and building some more. I've made great progress!

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my lessons with Dustin and I highly recommend him as a teacher.”

Jack C. - Nashville, TN

“I first met Dustin about three years ago whenever I was auditioning for the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State. I had no prior knowledge of jazz playing at all, I was primarily a blues player and I went to Dustin and asked him, "Can you teach me this from the ground up?"And he said, "Absolutely."

And so after my audition I continued to go back to Dustin. I could see myself getting better and better and I ended up getting so confident playing with Dustin that I wound up starting my own band.

I attribute my musical growth to Dustin showing me that I can do things that I didn't think I could do and that led me to move to Nashville to work in music studios and I'm still in bands to this day and I am still learning.”

Steve P. - Beech Mountain, NC

“I've taken lessons with Dustin for the past two years and I've had a fantastic time. He's a great teacher, he knows all the music theory, and is an incredible player.

Recently we've been working on pentatonic scales and arpeggios. I really enjoy running up and down the neck and doing improv.

I really feel like I'm making progress!”

Lance P. - Jefferson, NC

“I've been playing guitar since I was a teenager, mostly just playing chords, always wanting to play lead. About a year or so ago I decided it was time to start taking lessons and I started with Dustin.

What I like most about my lessons with Dustin is that he's teaching me the foundations,  the basic pieces of how to play lead.

I look forward to continuing doing my lessons and getting better and better. It's been a lot of fun!”

Sue D. - Charlotte, NC

“I picked up the guitar like 10 years ago and I got really bored with the same three or four songs that I would play.  I needed to up my game so that's why I found  Dustin online.

We've been doing our lessons via Zoom and those are really fun. I thought I wouldn't like it but I do! it feels very natural. Whatever song we're learning he'll write down the chords and the tips

and the strum patterns and the capo position and then he'll scan it and PDF file it and send it to me

and I’ve got something to work on all week.

The lessons are so great. I look forward to it every week!”

Joe M. - Palm Beach, FL

“I've been taking lessons with Dustin for about five years now. Before I met Dustin I had a guitar for about 10 years. I’d  watch some videos and buy some books and never make any progress.

A lot of teachers just kind of show you what they do, they're good musicians they're nice guys, but I would feel with other people I tried lessons with there's nothing transmitting to me that really helped me move along.

I've never had a lesson with Dustin where I didn't feel like I made some improvement. Things I thought I couldn't do,  with encouragement from Dustin, I learned that I actually can do.

He never lets me have a a lesson that goes to waste and I guess that's why after five years I'm still plugging along. It's been a great experience and he's a wonderful teacher.”

Level up your guitar playing in just 50 minutes.

Here’s what we can work on together:

  • Learn your favorite songs, so that you can play them confidently and with skill.

  • Understand the fretboard, so that you can play fluidly across the neck.

  • Unlock the secrets of scales, chords, and theory, so that you can connect the dots and play with deeper understanding.

  • Develop a personalized practice routine, so that you can see consistent progress and real results.

  • Learn essential guitar techniques, so that you can play with precision and clarity.

  • Gain the confidence to perform live or jam with others, so that you can share your music fearlessly.

  • Access custom lesson materials, so that you can learn with tailored PDFs, backing tracks, and videos designed just for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who are your lessons best suited for?
My lessons are ideal for intermediate to advanced players looking to break out of a plateau, as well as dedicated beginners seeking structured guidance to fast-track their progress.

2. What styles of music do you teach?
While I teach all styles, I focus on rock, blues, jazz, and pop, but I also incorporate techniques and universal skills that are fundamental to any style of music.

3. How are the lessons structured?
Each lesson is customized based on your goals and current skills. We start with an assessment to outline a plan, and I provide supporting materials like recordings, backing tracks, and PDFs to help you practice and progress between lessons.

4. Can I take lessons online?
Yes! I offer lessons via Zoom, so you can learn and make progress from the comfort of your home.

5. How do I know if I need a guitar coach?
If you feel like you're stuck, unsure of what to practice next, or struggling to make progress on your own, a coach can help you break through those barriers with a focused plan and expert feedback.

6. What should I expect from my first lesson?
In our first session, we’ll discuss your goals and assess your current skill level. Together, we’ll identify areas for growth and create a personalized roadmap to help you reach your musical goals.

7. How long are your lessons, and what are your rates?
Lessons are typically 50 minutes. You can check my website for current pricing, packages, and booking options.

8. What do I need to prepare for lessons?
Just bring your guitar and any questions you have. I’ll provide lesson materials and resources to help you practice effectively.

9. Do you offer single-session lessons or ongoing plans?
Yes, you can choose single-session lessons or commit to a monthly lesson plan based on your needs.

10. What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
I have a flexible rescheduling policy—please reach out 24 hours in advance if you need to make changes, and we’ll find a new time.

Hey, I’m Dustin!

With 30 years of teaching and performing experience, I’ve played thousands of gigs and taught hundreds of students.

I’ve dedicated my life to helping guitarists unlock their potential.

Whether it’s through a single lesson or years of guidance, I help my students build tangible skills that translate across genres—rock, jazz, funk, classical, R&B, and beyond. In addition to my private instruction, I taught guitar at Davidson College for over a decade.

From countless stage performances and recording sessions to breaking down music with my students, I’ve got a unique perspective on the essential skills that make great guitarists, no matter the style.

Let’s make your guitar journey something you’re proud of—and most importantly, something you enjoy.