Welcome to
Hello, my name is Elijah Gaskin. I am an experienced and qualified guitar teacher with an extensive background in jazz, blues and pop. During my time as a professional, I have helped develop the playing of many students of all age groups and abilities.
Having played traditional guitar styles in various professional settings, I have come to understand not only the instrument itself in great depth but also the efficient ways in which concepts can be presented to newcomers and advanced players alike.
My students continue to benefit from our regular sessions featuring specialist in depth guidance and support on jazz concepts.
Get in touch to find out more.
Leave an enquiry and start your guitar lessons.
As an online jazz guitar teacher I provide 1-1 tuition to students from all over the world, often through use of various platforms such as Skype, Zoom, Facetime and others. Online lessons may also be useful to UK residents who may face challenges with the logistics of travelling to teacher locations. With our lessons, you can receive specialist feedback from your living room!
Seeing my students progress and develop their own musical vocabularies is an extremely rewarding process that I will always strive to improve. Regardless of your age, ability level or stylistic interests, I will ensure that you receive focussed and enjoyable lessons that will take your jazz & blues playing to the next level.
Lessons are pay-as-you-go, weekly, fortnightly or as suits you.
I currently teach a wide variety of ages and abilities, from very beginners learning string names to advanced musicians looking to increase their jazz vocabulary. No matter what your current skill level may be, my guidance will push you forward to become a better guitar player.
Learn your first open chords, famous riffs and fundamental techniques
I began teaching the guitar to my friends at the age of 16. After I graduated high school, I began teaching group guitar classes at churches on Saturday mornings. Through that opportunity, I was able to increase the number of private lessons I gave on a weekly basis.
Upon entering Temple University’s Esther Boyer’s College of Music, students were referred by the college. I began teaching students that were not looking to improve as musicians, but not looking to acquire a degree in music.
After college, I began teaching men in prison to play the guitar and the bass guitar. It was during this time that through a collaboration with a great guitar teacher, Mr Ross Finley, we created a curriculum that garnered incredible results! We saw so many men go from novice to proficient, that we were taken aback.
Understand and apply essential jazz concepts under the guidance of a specialist
To date, I have been teaching the guitar for over 40 years, and I’m passionate about passing on to others the things I’ve learned and the things that I’m yet learning as a musician. I still believe that the room for improvement is the biggest room of all. And this is the room that we all share as musicians.
I've played at various venues in the Philadelphia area. I performed with The Philadelphia Mass Choir, The Philadelphia Youth Mass Choir, Fat Larry’s Band, The Stylistics, Blue Magic, and several local club bands.
In 1992 I began studying privately with the jazz great Jimmy Bruno. Later that year, I enrolled at Temple University, where I majored in jazz performance. While studying jazz at Temple University I subsequently studied classical guitar at the Settlement School of Music in Philadelphia.
How to learn music online?
Various online platforms have become a vital tool for students from all over the world to engage in tuition provided by expert teachers and coaches without needing to plan around the difficulties of travelling.
All you need is a working Computer/Phone/Laptop/Tablet with a camera and an internet connection of at least 5Mbps (the faster the better) and the rest is history.
You will also need to download Skype, Zoom or FaceTime which is free to download for all & you'll be good to go. If you have any questions about getting started I'm always happy to help so feel free to ask me anything regarding the setup process.
As an informed jazz player and instructor, I will provide depth and focus to your practice time. Lessons are always relaxed and effectively laid out so you can constantly receive valuable information in logical and enjoyable ways!
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My jazz guitar lessons cost $25 for 30 minutes and $45 for a full hour.
Lessons take place on Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, however if there is an online platform not listed here that you wish to use instead then I am open to consider.
I teach all ages from 6 years old an upwards. It should be noted that learning an instrument can benefit greatly at all stages of life!
You do not have to attend every week. I completely appreciate the many logistical challenges that life throws us all on a day to day basis, however if possible I recommend leaving sessions no longer than two weeks apart. This is simply so that you get the most out of your learning experience by regularly reinforcing knowledge and skills.
In case of an unexpected event that inhibits your lesson attendance, I ask that all students let me know 48 hours prior to the agreed time slot. This 48 hour cancellation policy is simply put in place to keep my time and your money working as effeciently as possible.
Send an enquiry today and begin exploring jazz guitar.
Guitar Teacher
Elijah Gaskin
