Seattle Guitar Lessons
Intermediate and Advanced Guitar Lessons in Seattle
Intermediate through Advanced Guitar Lessons in Seattle, WA
Unlock your guitar-playing potential with Nicholas Rausch! Catering to intermediate and advanced students aged 12 and above, I offer expert instruction in a variety of styles. Benefit from a seasoned instructor with a jazz performance degree and decades of playing and teaching experience. Discover why students choose Nick for long-term musical growth and development!
About the Teacher
Nicholas Caine Rausch
Nick has been playing the guitar for over 30 years and teaching since 2003. He holds a Bachelors degree in Music Performance with a concentration in Jazz Studies from the University of Southern Maine, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.
He has had the pleasure of studying classical guitar under the direction of Keith Crook, as well as jazz guitar under Gary Wittner. Nick has also immersed himself in continuing jazz studies with Maine guitar hero Bob Thompson.
Nick has completed intensive guitar repair training with luthier Ivon Schmukler of the Leeds Guitar Building School and enjoys sharing his knowledge of this subject with his students. He takes pride in having guided many of his students from complete beginner status to accomplished players. In addition to private instruction, Nick has classroom and clinic experience with students of various ages. He also enjoys coaching bands and ensembles in styles spanning the musical spectrum.
Nick is a member of the Music Teachers National Association and active in numerous honor societies. He teaches and performs primarily in the Seattle, WA area.
Nicholas Caine Rausch
Lets discuss your guitar goals!
"Nick's knowledge of the guitar is truly an inspiration. What makes his teaching style work for me is his ability to go back to basics, regardless of his expertise, to help me learn the fundamentals of playing. He allows me to lead the lessons based on my comfort level while also challenging me each week with new material. Nick has already increased my confidence in my guitar playing abilities."
Stefani A. Seattle, WA
Notes From the Instructor
Jazz guitar is my passion, however most styles are covered including most genres of rock, pop, blues, funk. Music theory and ear training can be integrated into guitar lessons or taught separately. I realize that not all students learn the same way, and in fact, almost all are unique. Additionally, everyone wants to learn different material or aspects of the instrument. For example, one student may want to learn how to improvise solos whereas another may just want to learn a few chords to sing over. Thinking about getting "prepped" for music school or college? We can also do that. All lessons are tailored to each student's individual needs. I take pride in having elevated many students from complete beginner to impressive levels of playing for a number of years now. Please take a moment to review some of my former students generous testimonials.
Nicholas Caine Rausch
Will I Have to Read Music?
Even though learning to read musical notation can take a while at first, it is generally the fastest way to learn any material later on and is extremely beneficial for all musicians. I integrate learning this skill into most lessons but only if the student is willing. Is reading 100% necessary? If you plan on going to a music school or college, want to be a studio musician, want to be hired by working bands, or want to write down your musical ideas to explain to other musicians, then the answer is "yes." If these situations don't apply to you, then I believe you can get by without the skill. Chords, scales and songs can be learned other ways through charts, diagrams, watching instructor demonstrations and by ear. You'll probably find yourself wanting to learn how to read music as your skills develop though. Please contact me if you would like to discuss this subject further!
“My guitar is not a thing. It is an extension of myself. It is who I am."
~Joan Jett