TestimonialsWhen I moved to Cincinnati in 2013, I had to leave some amazing friends and students in Boston. Several students wrote me testimonials to help future students determine if I'm the right teacher for them. Some just wanted to say goodbye, or wish my wife and me luck in beginning our family. This was a great gift from my students, and I hope it tells you a bit about the kind of person I am, as well as the kind of teacher I will be for you.
It's all about great music that we get to share and enjoy together, and about trusting each other to hold back nothing that could further our understanding and our appreciation of music. If music is your thing and you want to enjoy playing it as much as you enjoy hearing it, contact me and sign up for lessons. |
![]() Dave K. Knowledgeable, patient, encouraging, flexible, and so easy to work with-a great teacher who starts with being a great listener to help you work towards your goals. He is really bringing my guitar-playing to another level! See all reviews |
"We cannot thank you enough for all the effort that you put into your teaching during the lessons with O--. The improvement you made in her guitar playing is so great and very much appreciated. We are especially impressed by the way you fit the right music and style to each of your students, and particularly to O--.
We know how eagerly O— waited for each class with you. Obviously, a major part of it is thanks to whom you are and that it is not only the music but your personality and talent in music. Your teaching methods made this experience very precious and memorable for her."
Thanks a lot for directing the music in the 8th grade play in Devotion's school last year. It was so generous of you and we very much appreciate your dedication.
We wish you luck in the future, though we are certain of your success.
Yours sincerely,
Naomi & Boaz A----
O—'s parents
*****
"Spencer, I can't thank you enough. For everything you taught me, and for being my favorite teacher ever. I mean, we can both agree that thanks to you, I'm a pretty kick-ass guitarist. And from showing me how chords work, to helping me write my own music, you stood by me. You never got mad if I forgot a song, or I was late, or I forgot my music. You showed me so much, things I'll never forget. Ever.
Our lessons on Saturday were always the highlights of my week. A time where I could be myself and have fun. Where I could make mistakes, and you'd be patient, and show me the right way to do it.
And as much as I wish you weren't leaving, I'm happy for you. I really am. I'll miss our lessons and I'll mis you teaching me, but I am happy for you. You deserve to be happy so much. And I know you'll be the best dad ever, because you've been like a second one to me.
Your favorite student, (riiiiight?)
A--
*****
"A recent retiree at 60, I have taken lessons with Spencer Elliott for two years. I was initially intimidated as I was merely an advanced beginner when I played in college and hadn't played since then. Our initial meeting started with a discussion of goals. I wanted to learn to fingerpick and to play with others. In my experience teachers rarely ever go back to the initial goals, but not Spencer. He was constantly aware of my desires and made sure we made progress in both areas.
As a student it was clear to me that our lessons had a progression. Not only was I learning songs, but each song extended skills so that I was always challenged. The pace was challenging and doable.
The most important thing about working with Spencer, however, was his enthusiasm about my playing. He delighted in my progress and made me think I was his most important student – which I definitely was."
T--
We know how eagerly O— waited for each class with you. Obviously, a major part of it is thanks to whom you are and that it is not only the music but your personality and talent in music. Your teaching methods made this experience very precious and memorable for her."
Thanks a lot for directing the music in the 8th grade play in Devotion's school last year. It was so generous of you and we very much appreciate your dedication.
We wish you luck in the future, though we are certain of your success.
Yours sincerely,
Naomi & Boaz A----
O—'s parents
*****
"Spencer, I can't thank you enough. For everything you taught me, and for being my favorite teacher ever. I mean, we can both agree that thanks to you, I'm a pretty kick-ass guitarist. And from showing me how chords work, to helping me write my own music, you stood by me. You never got mad if I forgot a song, or I was late, or I forgot my music. You showed me so much, things I'll never forget. Ever.
Our lessons on Saturday were always the highlights of my week. A time where I could be myself and have fun. Where I could make mistakes, and you'd be patient, and show me the right way to do it.
And as much as I wish you weren't leaving, I'm happy for you. I really am. I'll miss our lessons and I'll mis you teaching me, but I am happy for you. You deserve to be happy so much. And I know you'll be the best dad ever, because you've been like a second one to me.
Your favorite student, (riiiiight?)
A--
*****
"A recent retiree at 60, I have taken lessons with Spencer Elliott for two years. I was initially intimidated as I was merely an advanced beginner when I played in college and hadn't played since then. Our initial meeting started with a discussion of goals. I wanted to learn to fingerpick and to play with others. In my experience teachers rarely ever go back to the initial goals, but not Spencer. He was constantly aware of my desires and made sure we made progress in both areas.
As a student it was clear to me that our lessons had a progression. Not only was I learning songs, but each song extended skills so that I was always challenged. The pace was challenging and doable.
The most important thing about working with Spencer, however, was his enthusiasm about my playing. He delighted in my progress and made me think I was his most important student – which I definitely was."
T--