Nick Lesson Details

James B. – Jan 2, 2015, Guitar

Exceptional musician. Skilled and patient teacher.

I have been taking weekly guitar lessons with Nick for nearly four months now and it has been all I hoped for and more. As a recent retiree and amateur musician one of my goals is to rapidly improve my novice guitar skills. I was looking for a teacher who would push me hard but was willing to work with the particular songs and musical questions that I might bring to him each week. I could not be more pleased. Nick is able to immediately bring his knowledge and experience to any material that I bring to a lesson and he uses it as the basis for a wide range of teaching moments – whether it be technique, harmony, or improvisational approach. What I didn’t anticipate was the extent to which his holistic, listening (and singing) based approach to playing an instrument has challenged me. Nick is making me a better musician not just a better guitar player. (And it is very helpful that he types out notes on all that we discuss and sends an email following each lesson.)

Koji Y. – Dec 24, 2014, Jazz Guitar

Mr. Nick R. is an absolutely great guitar player and music instructor. I’m a young professional jazz guitarist and instructor and have been taking jazz guitar lessons with Nick R. weekly since September of 2014. Every lesson, I receive a lot of information that I didn’t know before and Nick always give me proper quantity and quality of task

Many ideas, information from his suggestions, including how to practice myself and instruction that goes beyond musical and guitar technique, also including psychological and philosophical concepts from Nick’s experience and knowledge. His explanations are incredibly clear and easily to follow.

I’ve been playing guitar over 15 years. In my experience, it’s very, very difficult to find a mentor like Nick Russo.

I truly appreciate meeting him and have tremendous respect for Professor Russo.

Thanks as always Nick!!

Koji Yoneyama (professional jazz guitarist and instructor), Dec. 23, 2014

Shimun (Sam) A. – Nov 23, 2014, Acoustic Guitar

You can say that I’m a rookie when it comes to playing guitar. So, I decided to do something about it. I’m taking 45 minutes sessions with Nick and I have to say that he is a really talented a teacher as well as he is a musician. While having fun during the lessons, I rake in so many new tricks up my sleeve. I love his individual approach, flexibility, and creativity just to outline a couple. For the short while that I’ve known Nick, he’s been all, a patient teacher, a talented musician, but most of all he’s been an inspiration to me. My goal was to learn to read music and learn how to play the instrument more fluently. But now, the whole world of new and fascinating opportunities opened up to me because of his mentoring and support. Thank you Nick! I wish I could take longer sessions with you on a more regular basis.

Tom N. – Feb 8, 2014, Guitar

Highly Recommended

I’ve taken classes with Nick in a group setting (at Jalopy) and privately, and while I studied guitar as a kid and trombone in school, and I’ve never had a better music teacher. And I do mean music teacher, not just guitar teacher – Nick’s approach is to start with the MUSIC you want to play, not just the guitar as a collection of strings and frets or a series of fingerings to memorize. He’s realistic about where people are starting and how much time and energy they have to devote to the instrument with all else happening in their lives (school, work, family, whatever), but he really wants all his students to get better, to learn and progress and love the music like he does, and leads by example of his own musicianship and dedication to the art form. Highly recommended for all levels, all styles.

Jerry F. – Aug 11, 2014, Jazz Guitar

Finally found a guitar teacher who provides individualized instruction based on what I know and don’t know. I previously depended on my guitar to make music. Nick showed me how to make the music yourself in your head and then find it on the guitar. He has great patience and also answers every question . And, most important for me, he writes out the lesson notes at the end and sends them. Every previous teacher told me 20 things in a lesson and I remembered two. Nick makes sure that every minute of my lesson is given proper attention.

Bob T. – Oct 7, 2019

This was my first lesson with Nick. He is a very nice guy. He created a calm, relaxed atmosphere in his studio, and he was clear when he gave me particular instructions. His knowledge of music theory in general, and of the five-string banjo in particular, was quite impressive. I would recommend him highly to both a beginner and to anyone (like myself) who is in need of a refresher course. I am very much looking forward to my next lesson.

Bill – Mar 22, 2019 Guitar · In studio

I’ve been taking guitar lessons with Nick now for a few months and it’s been a terrific experience — cannot say enough good things. Each lesson builds on the last and Nick tailors them to my ability and musical interests mixing in enough music theory, which makes learning both productive and enjoyable. Most importantly I feel like I’m beginning to understand how music works and not just blindly memorizing patterns or scales. I considered online courses before choosing Nick, but there’s no substitution for one-to-one instruction. Nick’s feedback and instruction are invaluable.

I was a little concerned about trying to pick up guitar in my early 40s, but its been a rewarding experience so far and I’m looking forward to more lessons with Nick.

Ramsey – Jan 21, 2016, Banjo

Nick took me on as a banjo student and did an amazing job of quickly finding out how much I already knew and then ran with it, pushing me further while letting me direct us into areas that I wanted to pursue. He’s very patient and insanely knowledgable. Every lesson has been packed with a ton of information, practice, instruction and music theory. (He’s also a very nice guy to have a conversation with.) I couldn’t recommend Nick highly enough as an instructor.

Donna Q. – Dec 26, 2015, Acoustic Guitar

I’ve been taking lessons with Nick for a few months now and it’s been a really positive experience! I have no guitar experience at all so I’m coming in as a true guitar novice. Nick takes time to explain techniques and encourages you to “listen” to the notes and to hear how the music comes together. He’s very patient and definitely has a wealth of guitar knowledge. If you’re looking to learn guitar, then I’d definitely recommend Nick!

Sabrina S. – Jan 21, 2015, Acoustic Guitar

I started my lessons with Nick just one month. I know I am inquisitive, intense, overly involved and very detail oriented with my interests in general and I treat guitar the same way. I enjoy and immerse myself into it. I think Nick has a very broad knowledge of guitar playing and comes across as a very conscientious instructor in the way he handles my overachieving demands. I would surely recommend him.

Bryan – Oct 8, 2016, Guitar

At just my 1st lesson with Mr. Russo — HE’S THE MAN!!! Very concerned with getting the most out teaching/reaching the student!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Taylor – Feb 3, 2016, Ukulele

Nick was a terrific teacher — very enthusiastic and encouraging. He knows what he’s talking about as well. He definitely breaks things down so even beginners like me can follow along and understand.

Sara G. – Oct 3, 2016, Ukulele

Great musician, great instructor. Learned more than I ever thought I would be able to at this age. Very patient.

Robert – May 24, 2016, Banjo

Nick was quick to assess my ability and direction and we made immediate progress

at a comfortable pace.

Eric Falconer – Jan 30, 2016, Guitar

Nick has been a great teacher so far. He’s patient and takes the time to adapt to my current strengths and weaknesses in order to tailor the lesson to fit my needs. Highly recommended.

Matthew H. – Jan 18, 2017, Guitar

He does a great job cater the lessons to your needs

Kevin – Jan 4, 2016, Banjo

Nick is very talented, knowledgeable and patient. He communicates material extremely well and is a pleasure to work with.