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Expert Guitar Instruction by Thomas Coffey
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Beginner ~ Intermediate ~ Advanced ~ Professional
813.961.9167 (please text) [email protected]
THOMAS COFFEY Bio
Thomas Coffey is the Director of Education for The Tampa Bay Area Guitar Society and a former University of South Florida Professor of Guitar who now offers private guitar lessons exclusively. He currently has over thirty-nine years experience teaching Classical and Acoustic Guitar privately and at the University level.
His students have won prizes in many international guitar competitions including the highly competitive Guitar Foundation of America and Christopher Parkening Competitions and have been accepted to and graduated from
such renowned Classical Guitar Universities as The Berklee School of Music, Florida State University, The University of Southern California, and The Julliard School of Music.
His students have won prizes in many international guitar competitions including the highly competitive Guitar Foundation of America and Christopher Parkening Competitions and have been accepted to and graduated from
such renowned Classical Guitar Universities as The Berklee School of Music, Florida State University, The University of Southern California, and The Julliard School of Music.
CLICK HERE to see a video of an original composition by Thomas Coffey
FAQ's
Why Should I Invest in Private Lessons?
While this website is designed to assist you in bettering yourself as a guitarist, private lessons with Thomas Coffey provide you with two things you cannot get online, or from books or DVD's. The first is correction. New techniques are only as strong as the techniques which came before them. This is why weekly correction is so important. The second is individualized instruction. My private lessons are taught one-on-one in a manner best suiting each particular student. These lessons are customized to accommodate the individual's musical and personal goals.
If you go to the Guitar Music page, you will find a list of pieces and the number of months of private lessons required by the average BEGINNING student to master the techniques required to play each piece. Note that many of the pieces will be accessible to you within the first couple of months of private lessons.
Students who invest in private lessons progress at a rate which is exponentially faster than learning on their own and bad habits are avoided before they ever have a chance to occur.
If you go to the Guitar Music page, you will find a list of pieces and the number of months of private lessons required by the average BEGINNING student to master the techniques required to play each piece. Note that many of the pieces will be accessible to you within the first couple of months of private lessons.
Students who invest in private lessons progress at a rate which is exponentially faster than learning on their own and bad habits are avoided before they ever have a chance to occur.
What Will I Be Able To Play In The First Few Months?
With Private Lessons, you will quickly acquire the techniques which will enable you to play pieces you never thought would be accessible. Here are some pieces you will be able to play in the first three months of lessons EVEN IF YOU ARE A COMPLETE BEGINNER. Click on a link for a sample:
What Do I Need to Begin?
You will need an Acoustic (Steel String) or Classical (Nylon String) Guitar (beginners are encouraged to start on a Classical Guitar) and a three ring binder filled with loose leaf paper. All music and handouts will be initially provided as your lessons are customized to your individual wants and needs. Finally, select a piece from the above links. We will gear your study towards the techniques required to master that particular piece. By fast-tracking the techniques, you will be able to play that composition in a matter of WEEKS! Just one of the many advantages in investing in high quality guitar instruction. Call today!
Rental Guitars are available CLICK HERE
Rental Guitars are available CLICK HERE
Do I Have to Sign a Contract?
No contract is required.
Lessons are taught on a month-by-month basis.
No long-term commitment is required.
Lessons are taught on a month-by-month basis.
No long-term commitment is required.
Tuition for Calendar 2023
Children ages 6-12
15 minute weekly lessons - $120/calendar month
Teens and Adults
30 minute weekly lessons - $240/calendar month
45 minute weekly lessons - $360/calendar month
60 minute weekly lessons - $480/calendar month (by audition only)
15 minute weekly lessons - $120/calendar month
Teens and Adults
30 minute weekly lessons - $240/calendar month
45 minute weekly lessons - $360/calendar month
60 minute weekly lessons - $480/calendar month (by audition only)
For More Information
Testimonials:
JOHN PARRIS
"I am always glad to recommend Thomas Coffey as a private teacher to guitar students in search of excellence.
He has a strong background of musical training and many years of successful teaching experience.
His students have won prizes on the state, national, and international level, and have been admitted into some of the most respected college guitar programs in the nation.
His published compositions and recordings of original works add a unique dimension to his teaching perspective.
I would recommend Thomas to any serious student of the guitar."
John Parris
Faculty Chairman of the Fine Arts Department, Blake School for the Arts
He has a strong background of musical training and many years of successful teaching experience.
His students have won prizes on the state, national, and international level, and have been admitted into some of the most respected college guitar programs in the nation.
His published compositions and recordings of original works add a unique dimension to his teaching perspective.
I would recommend Thomas to any serious student of the guitar."
John Parris
Faculty Chairman of the Fine Arts Department, Blake School for the Arts
ROBERT SMITH
"I have had the pleasure of observing Thomas teaching (and in casual performance with his students in his home), and I found someone who has a friendly and personable style, a strong command of his instrument, and the ability to teach musical concepts and technique in an effortless and integrated fashion, easily grasped by the student.
His studio represents a rare opportunity for classical guitar students in our area."
Robert Smith
Principal Trumpet, Florida Orchestra
His studio represents a rare opportunity for classical guitar students in our area."
Robert Smith
Principal Trumpet, Florida Orchestra
LYNN NORTON
"We are pleased to write this recommendation for Thomas Coffey, a fine musician and educator who has been a part of our Arts in Education Program conducting guitar presentations and workshops for elementary through secondary students in Hillsborough County Schools.
Thomas has used his musical skills and knowledge to present wonderful in-school performances that have included the traditional music of a variety of different cultures. He has been able to charm his audiences with the excellent music he performs onstage and has received many positive comments on the educational value of his presentations from students and teachers alike.
His strong musical background has also made him a popular hands-on instructor for beginning to advanced guitar students in the secondary schools. This together with his excellent record as a private guitar instructor and his published composition and recording work, makes him the premier guitar instructor of choice for anyone seeking top notch guitar instruction.
Combine these incredible artistic skills with a kind and affirming manner and you have in Thomas all of the qualities of the best of teachers."
Lynn Norton
Director of Education, Arts Council of Hillsborough County
Thomas has used his musical skills and knowledge to present wonderful in-school performances that have included the traditional music of a variety of different cultures. He has been able to charm his audiences with the excellent music he performs onstage and has received many positive comments on the educational value of his presentations from students and teachers alike.
His strong musical background has also made him a popular hands-on instructor for beginning to advanced guitar students in the secondary schools. This together with his excellent record as a private guitar instructor and his published composition and recording work, makes him the premier guitar instructor of choice for anyone seeking top notch guitar instruction.
Combine these incredible artistic skills with a kind and affirming manner and you have in Thomas all of the qualities of the best of teachers."
Lynn Norton
Director of Education, Arts Council of Hillsborough County
COLONEL TOM CLARK
"I’ve always had a desire to play the guitar, but the demands of a military career have always hindered my ability to pursue this goal.
However, Thomas Coffey, with whom I have been studying for 13 months, has finally made this possible. While I still have lots to learn, I'm walking the path and actively working toward this goal.
Thomas is the perfect guitar teacher: a talented musician, a creative artist, an insightful teacher, and, perhaps most importantly, a patient coach. During the lessons, he has a knack for quickly identifying the key problem areas in my performance and offering clear, concise recommendations for rapid improvement. Outside the lessons, he is very responsive to my questions and requests for clarification when I encounter confusion on certain pieces.
Initially, my intent was only to obtain the requisite skills necessary to accompany a campfire sing-along with my children; however, after a year of studying classical guitar, I clearly see much greater potential. I now look forward to many years ahead filled with playing guitar for personal enjoyment. I have Thomas Coffey to thank for making this desire a reality."
Colonel Tom Clark
U.S. Marine Corps
However, Thomas Coffey, with whom I have been studying for 13 months, has finally made this possible. While I still have lots to learn, I'm walking the path and actively working toward this goal.
Thomas is the perfect guitar teacher: a talented musician, a creative artist, an insightful teacher, and, perhaps most importantly, a patient coach. During the lessons, he has a knack for quickly identifying the key problem areas in my performance and offering clear, concise recommendations for rapid improvement. Outside the lessons, he is very responsive to my questions and requests for clarification when I encounter confusion on certain pieces.
Initially, my intent was only to obtain the requisite skills necessary to accompany a campfire sing-along with my children; however, after a year of studying classical guitar, I clearly see much greater potential. I now look forward to many years ahead filled with playing guitar for personal enjoyment. I have Thomas Coffey to thank for making this desire a reality."
Colonel Tom Clark
U.S. Marine Corps
ANDREW STROUD
“I have been a student of music for 19 years. That would have been cut short, were it not for Thomas Coffey. I met Thomas at the age of thirteen, after my last guitar teacher moved from the area. I was on the verge of putting the guitar down for good. Practicing the instrument had become such a chore without reward that, on one occasion, I went so far as to cut a string with a pair of scissors half an hour before a lesson so that I would not have to go. I knew I had a good teacher, so it was I that had failed as a student.
Walking into Thomas’ studio was the rebirth of my love for music.
Though, I was hardly the perfect student, Thomas was never less than an
excellent teacher. From start to finish, he always gave me the exact solution to the problem; always meticulous, always striving to make me a better musician. I have realized the ultimate difference between a good teacher and a great teacher…at the end of the lesson the student feels inspired, energized, and motivated to practice. This was the feeling I had walking out of every lesson, no matter how poorly prepared I felt going in.
The lessons Thomas gave me have become the core beliefs that I now share myself as a teacher. One always hears, “the proof is in the pudding,” in this case, I can say with certainty; there is no better guitar teacher I have met.
In the seven years since I left Thomas for college, not one teacher has attempted to alter my technique, and I have been fortunate enough to be a prize winner or finalist in several international competitions and to have received numerous scholarships, assistantships, and performances all over the world (including an invitation to attend the Paris Conservatory of Music and study with Roland Dyens). This good fortune is solely the product of Thomas Coffey’s tutelage, friendship, and profound understanding of music. I owe him my most heartfelt appreciation.”
Andrew Stroud
Former Student, currently pursuing a PhD in Guitar Performance at Florida State University
Walking into Thomas’ studio was the rebirth of my love for music.
Though, I was hardly the perfect student, Thomas was never less than an
excellent teacher. From start to finish, he always gave me the exact solution to the problem; always meticulous, always striving to make me a better musician. I have realized the ultimate difference between a good teacher and a great teacher…at the end of the lesson the student feels inspired, energized, and motivated to practice. This was the feeling I had walking out of every lesson, no matter how poorly prepared I felt going in.
The lessons Thomas gave me have become the core beliefs that I now share myself as a teacher. One always hears, “the proof is in the pudding,” in this case, I can say with certainty; there is no better guitar teacher I have met.
In the seven years since I left Thomas for college, not one teacher has attempted to alter my technique, and I have been fortunate enough to be a prize winner or finalist in several international competitions and to have received numerous scholarships, assistantships, and performances all over the world (including an invitation to attend the Paris Conservatory of Music and study with Roland Dyens). This good fortune is solely the product of Thomas Coffey’s tutelage, friendship, and profound understanding of music. I owe him my most heartfelt appreciation.”
Andrew Stroud
Former Student, currently pursuing a PhD in Guitar Performance at Florida State University
BILL BLANK
“I’ve been a guitar student of Thomas’s for about six years now. I continue to be amazed at his uncanny ability to watch me play a piece I’m learning and instantly diagnose multiple areas that need correcting. He
can spot a misplaced finger on the fret board, a tiny glitch in right hand fingering and problems with the pace and flow of the piece--all from watching and listening to me play it only once! Thomas is then able to suggest the exact remedy that is needed to
correct each problem.
I’ve also been very thankful for Thomas’s extraordinary patience in dealing with a student like me who has no musical talent or experience and not much of an ear for music. He can sense just how far and fast he can challenge each of his students to help them grow and develop as a player without becoming frustrated.
I initially began lessons to relieve stress but now playing the guitar has become an important part of my life thanks to Thomas.”
Bill Blank
Current Student
correct each problem.
I’ve also been very thankful for Thomas’s extraordinary patience in dealing with a student like me who has no musical talent or experience and not much of an ear for music. He can sense just how far and fast he can challenge each of his students to help them grow and develop as a player without becoming frustrated.
I initially began lessons to relieve stress but now playing the guitar has become an important part of my life thanks to Thomas.”
Bill Blank
Current Student
BEN PILA
"While studying guitar with Thomas Coffey, I gained the
musical knowledge and guitar technique that I needed to compete on a national level. With his guidance I become one of twenty Presidential Scholars in the Arts in 2002, made the finals of two national solo competitions, performed concerti with three symphonies, performed on National Public Radio’s From the Top, won scholarships, and was named the Young Artist of the Year for the Florida chapter of the American String Teachers Association in 2003. His teaching method and advice were always on point and helpful. I am graduating from Florida State University this spring and will be attending Juilliard next fall. Without Mr. Coffey’s assistance, my success with the guitar would not have been possible."
Ben Pila
Former Student, Classical Guitar Performance graduate of The Julliard School of Music
musical knowledge and guitar technique that I needed to compete on a national level. With his guidance I become one of twenty Presidential Scholars in the Arts in 2002, made the finals of two national solo competitions, performed concerti with three symphonies, performed on National Public Radio’s From the Top, won scholarships, and was named the Young Artist of the Year for the Florida chapter of the American String Teachers Association in 2003. His teaching method and advice were always on point and helpful. I am graduating from Florida State University this spring and will be attending Juilliard next fall. Without Mr. Coffey’s assistance, my success with the guitar would not have been possible."
Ben Pila
Former Student, Classical Guitar Performance graduate of The Julliard School of Music
If you're not completely satisfied with your guitar playing abilities, contact Thomas Coffey today:
Thomas Coffey
813.961.9167 (please text)
[email protected]
Thomas Coffey
813.961.9167 (please text)
[email protected]
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