Get in Touch with Us
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to book a lesson, have a question, or just want more information about our guitar school, feel free to reach out.
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Contact Details
Head Teacher: Dennis Winge
Phone: +1 607-222-3166
Email: GuitarLessonsIthaca@gmail.com
Location: Ithaca, NY
Meet Our Instructors
Dennis Winge is a seasoned guitarist based in Ithaca, New York, with over 20 years of experience teaching guitar. (See “20 Years of Guitar Teaching Wisdom That You Can Use Right Now“. He has played at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, CBGB’s, and at the L.A. F.A.M.E. Awards and is involved in diverse music projects from jazz to rock to Afro-Cuban.
Dennis has released over 10 albums as a leader and has appeared on countless others as a sideman. Jazz historian and author of 11 books Scott Yanow calls Dennis “a talented guitarist-composer who is well worth discovering” who “has an original sound on his guitar” and “is a flexible improviser with a versatile sound” who “never seems to run out of inventive ideas.”
Matt Madden has been playing the guitar for over 14 years; he plays a total of 10 instruments including electric and upright bass and has been teaching at Guitar Lessons Ithaca since 2023. Specializing in folk and jazz, Matt has a long repertoire of genres that he enjoys playing, most recently playing in a Mexican country band. He has made 3 albums as a leader.
Testimonials
For complete testimonials with video, click here.
Beginners:
- Heeyon Kim: Progressed from knowing nothing to playing hundreds of songs, reading complex notation, and accompanying her singing after three years of lessons.
- Mark Shaw: Improved chord switching and foundational skills within a month.
Intermediate:
- Chad Pennington: Participated in recitals and student albums, significantly improving his playing, chord vocabulary, and music theory knowledge.
- Hilary Greenberger: Gained confidence and skills, joined a band, and now enjoys playing in front of others, with lessons tailored to her needs.
Advanced:
- Doug Olsen: Transitioned from rock/blues to jazz, greatly enhancing his guitar knowledge and technique.
- Dan Paolangeli: Improved musical harmony understanding, gigging regularly, and finding a deep connection with the spiritual aspects of music through lessons.
Other Information
At Guitar Lessons Ithaca, we offer a variety of packages designed to meet the needs of different students. When choosing a music teacher, price and location are important considerations, but there are several other crucial factors to consider that can significantly impact your learning experience and progress.
First and foremost, the amount of fun you have during lessons is vital. Enjoyable lessons keep you motivated and engaged, making practice feel less like a chore and more like an exciting part of your week. A positive learning environment can make a huge difference in your overall musical journey.
Secondly, the flexibility and ease of scheduling or rescheduling lessons are essential. Life can be unpredictable, and having a teacher who can accommodate your schedule changes can reduce stress and ensure you don’t miss out on valuable lesson time. At Guitar Lessons Ithaca, we offer complete scheduling flexibility, allowing you to manage your lesson times with ease and convenience.
Most importantly, the speed and ease with which you see results in your playing are crucial. Our teaching methods are designed to help you make significant progress quickly. We focus on efficient practice techniques and personalized lesson plans tailored to your specific goals and needs.
To further accommodate your busy schedule, we offer both in-person and online classes via Zoom. This flexibility means you can continue your lessons regardless of your location or any travel constraints, ensuring consistent progress.
In addition to guitar lessons, we also teach both electric and acoustic (upright) bass. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to advance your skills, our bass lessons are comprehensive and designed to help you achieve your musical goals. For more details, please visit our bass lessons page.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a lesson, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you embark on a fulfilling musical journey.