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Private Music Lessons in Windsor, CT

Guitar, Piano, & Music Theory for Adults and Teens 12+
Personalized one-on-one instruction in a comfortable home studio in Windsor, Connecticut. Whether you're a complete beginner, returning to music after years away, or looking to take your playing further, lessons are tailored to your interests, goals, and experience.

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Learn Music Your Way

I believe learning music should be fun, rewarding, and personal.  Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time, returning to music after years away, or looking to become a more confident musician, I meet you where you are and help you work toward your own musical goals.
 I celebrate diversity, creativity, and the individuality of each student.  I welcome students of all backgrounds and abilities, including neurodiverse students and those with physical or learning differences.  Lessons are adapted to each student's individual needs and goals.  I especially enjoy working with adults who have always wanted to play, or who want to take their musicality to the next level.  Rather than simply teaching you to memorize songs, I teach music as a language—helping you understand how music works so you can express yourself, make informed musical choices, and ultimately play the music you want to play.


I’ve really enjoyed taking lessons from Zak over the last couple of years. His musical knowledge and ability to tailor lessons to what you want are excellent. I greatly look forward to lessons with Zak, in stark contrast to lessons with other teachers in the past. Zak understands you and what you want out of lessons and makes it enjoyable! He’s a really talented musician who also happens to be a really smart and nice guy. - Tim Jones
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Lessons

GUITAR

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Private guitar instruction for beginners through advanced players.
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MUSIC THEORY

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Learn music as a language.  Play and express yourself more freely.
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PIANO

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Personalized piano instruction for kids and adults.
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SONGWRITING

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Discover the tools to write songs from the ground up.
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"Zak has really helped me understand the guitar up and down the neck. After years of me mostly just playing basic chords, Zak has helped me see how scales and intervals can be played horizontally and vertically along the strings. This has unlocked the guitar in ways that allow me to be more creative in my playing. He’s a master with the instrument and with music theory, can help musicians at all levels and is a patient teacher." - Mark Lofgren (Student)
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Why Choose Private Lessons?

One-on-One Instruction
Every lesson is focused entirely on you and what you want to accomplish.
Learn at Your Own Pace
No rushing through a standardized curriculum.  Lessons are relaxed and fun.

Music You Actually Enjoy
Lessons can incorporate the styles and songs you're interested in.

Comfortable Home Studio
A safe, relaxed environment without the feel of a traditional music school.

For Adults And Teens

With over 25 years of experience teaching students of all ages, I've found that I especially enjoy working with older students. I love helping teens and adults who have always wanted to play an instrument, or who are finally finding the time to pursue their musical interests. Whether you're a complete beginner, returning to music after years away, or looking to deepen your skills, lessons are tailored to your goals, interests, and experience. While I welcome younger students as well, my teaching is particularly well suited to students age 12 and up who want to develop their musicality and learn to make music that's truly their own.
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Meet the Teacher

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I've been teaching music to students of all ages for over 25 years, and I truly love what I do. I hold a degree in Music from Skidmore College and spent five years as the guitar and piano instructor at Greenfield Community College. I'm currently a member of the faculty at the Prindle School of Music. As a performer, I've toured internationally and had the opportunity to play with artists including Chris Smither, Jeffrey Foucault, Kris Delmhorst, Peter Mulvey, and many other wonderful musicians.
Music has been one of the greatest blessings in my life, and I believe that learning to understand and create music can be a deeply rewarding part of growing as a person. As a teacher, I love helping people discover how music works—not simply so they can memorize songs, but so they can develop the skills and understanding to make their own music.  My goal is to help you become the musician you want to be, and to have fun in the process!
"I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Zak and I have come to see that I am not only improving as a guitarist, I feel like in my own small way I’m actually becoming a musician. How cool is that?" - John McColpin
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In Person and Online Lessons

Learn in the setting that works best for you!
I offer private, one-on-one music lessons from my home studio in Windsor, Connecticut, as well as online lessons for students who prefer to learn from home. Both options provide personalized instruction tailored to your goals, experience, and musical interests.

In-Person Lessons
Meet with me at my comfortable home studio in Windsor for focused, one-on-one instruction in guitar, piano, music theory, or songwriting.
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Online Lessons
Online lessons are perfect for those who prefer to learn in their own space.  Receive the same one-on-one instruction from wherever you are.
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FAQ

​What ages do you teach?
I teach students of all ages, with a particular focus on teens and adults. My lessons are especially well suited to students age 12 and up, whether you're a complete beginner, returning to music after years away, or looking to take your playing to the next level.

Do I need any previous musical experience?
Not at all. Beginners are welcome. We'll start wherever you are and build your skills from there. If you've played before, we'll assess where you are and focus on the areas that will help you progress.
What instruments and subjects do you teach?
I offer private lessons in guitar, piano, music theory, and songwriting. Lessons can be focused on one area or can combine different aspects of music depending on your interests and goals.

What styles of music do you teach?
I work with a variety of musical styles and, whenever possible, incorporate the kinds of music you actually enjoy. My goal isn't simply to teach you a collection of songs, but to help you understand music well enough to play, explore, and create it for yourself.

Do I have to know what I want to learn?
No. You don't need to come in with a specific plan. If you're not sure where to begin, we'll talk about your interests and goals and I'll help you develop a direction for your lessons.

Are lessons available in person or online?
Both. I offer one-on-one lessons at my home studio in Windsor, Connecticut, as well as online lessons. Online students receive the same personalized instruction and can learn from wherever they are.

How often are lessons?
Most students take a weekly lesson. Regular lessons provide the consistency that makes it easier to build skills and make steady progress.

Do I need to own an instrument?
For in-person lessons, you don't need to bring an instrument. For practicing at home, however, having access to the instrument you're studying is important. If you're just getting started and aren't sure what to buy, I'm happy to offer guidance.

How long are lessons?
Lessons are 30 minutes or 60 minutes. We'll choose the format that makes the most sense for your goals and schedule.

Do you teach people who have always wanted to play but never started?
Absolutely. In fact, these are some of my favorite students to work with. It's never too late to start learning music, and you don't need to have a musical background to become a capable and confident musician.

How do I get started?
Simply get in touch and tell me a little about yourself, what you'd like to learn, and whether you're interested in in-person or online lessons. We can then talk about your goals and find a lesson option that works for you.

Ready to Start Making Music?

Whether you're a complete beginner or returning to music after years away, I'd love to help you get started!
Contact: [email protected]
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  • Home
  • Guitar Lessons
  • Piano Lessons
  • Music Theory Lessons
  • Songwriting Lessons
  • BIO
  • Lesson Info
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  • Contact