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About
Laurel's Premier Music School for High-Quality Music Education. College-Educated Teachers Who Emphasize Reading and Excellence in Music. In-studio and Virtual Music Lessons for Guitar, Piano, and Violin Ages 5+.
From Dan-
"Teaching is my passion, and I use that passion to ignite the love of music and learning in my students. The essence of learning is the discovery of new pastures and the overcoming of obstacles on the path to free and joyful expression. Regardless of your age or experience level, you can count on me to meet you where you are and communicate with the latent potential within you to grow and develop.
Each of my students has a unique path, and I remind myself that every student learns and thinks differently. I teach in a way that brings together the mind, body, and spirit so that my students, beginner to advanced, may have a holistic and rich experience of music."
This is the culture of musical learning and expression that I bring to my school and instill within the teachers who work here. We serve students on Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, and Piano.
My formal education in Classical Guitar equips me to aid students seeking a musical foundation on the guitar and also those aspiring to enter college programs.
I am fully set up for the 21st century, using Zoom with visual assistance and classroom-style technology for the teaching of Music Theory as well as for visual learners.
Students participate in Recitals, and can Engage in Annual Music Retreats where the perform and put together a music video with other students.
Overview
Hired 62 times
2 similar jobs done near you
Background checked
2 employees
15 years in business
Business hours
Sun12:00 am - 11:59 pmMon2:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Stripe, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2023
2022
2021
Services offered
Music Education
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
48 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Matt F.
Mar 14, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
I wanted to get my 9 yr old daughter involved with guitarlessons but knew I had to find the right teacher. Within a few minutes of her first lesson I knew Dan was the right teacher for her. He’s professional and clearly talented but more importantly he’s patient, kind, and knows when to challenge her. He presents a fun and safe environment to learn. She’s had weekly lessons for over 3 months now and it’s something we both look forward to every week. Whether you’re considering lessons for yourself or your child I highly recommend reaching out to Dan.
Details: 6 - 9 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • What the teacher recommends • What the teacher recommends • No, but the student is planning to purchase an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Guitar Lessons
Spencer A.
Jun 20, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
Daniel was able to quickly assess my skill level and what new topics would be most productive for me to work on. He is patient, understanding, and supportive. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my lessons with him and definitely recommend him to anyone of any amount of experience with guitar.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • 4+ yrs of formal training • Yes, can read music staff • What the teacher recommends • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • 30 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Dennis S.
Oct 18, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
I started practicing guitar within the last year and realized pretty quickly that I wasn't going to make much real progress without a teacher. I found Daniel, we talked a bit, and I agreed to lessons. I've now had about five lessons and feel like I'm making progress even though I'm struggling with all my foundational skills. Daniel has been very patient and accommodating with a difficult middle-aged student who can't seem to focus on any one thing for very long. My brain is filled with 50 years of music I'd like to play, but needs reined in to grasp the basics: sight reading, timing, chords, fretboard, posture, etc. This is going to take a while, so I'm glad to have found a patient teacher.
Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • Electric • What the teacher recommends • Rock • Blues • Folk • Yes, the student has an instrument • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location
Guitar Lessons
James G.
Jan 17, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
I am a 65-year-old student who had some experience playing guitar decades ago—enough to learn some bad habits and shortcuts that did not serve my progress at the time, so I plateaued as a player and lost interest. Last year, as I approached retirement, I wanted to pick up the guitar again and finally learn to read music and play the instrument with proper technique. I read Dan’s reviews and thought he’d be the perfect fit and I can now report that assumption led me to a very fortunate choice.
Dan is a patient but exacting teacher who takes his role seriously, though always with good humor. Important for me as an older student and, I dare say, particularly important for younger ones, too, Dan has a great capacity for perception of and empathy for the individual limitations and special needs of his students--and he is remarkably intuitive in responding to them effectively. I have progressed, slowly but surely, under his instruction—indeed, I have traveled a much greater distance than I expected in less than a year. I approach my lessons with positive anticipation and practice for them with pleasure. I still have a long way to go but I’m glad I am taking the journey with Dan’s guidance.
In conclusion, I would say Dan has helped me fall in love with playing guitar again! From my perspective, I can think of no higher praise than that for a teacher, whatever the subject. I urge anyone of any age who wants to begin his or her guitar journey to consider enlisting him as a guide.
Details: 65 years or older • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Acoustic • Folk • Classical • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Janet P.
May 2, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
His response was quick and and informative. We had our first guitarlesson and he is a good fit for me. I am very happy.
Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • Acoustic • Country • Folk • Classical • Yes, the student has an instrument • 30 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Daniel Olszewski
FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We'll connect for a first lesson. This will be an opportunity for you to share with me your musical goals, and for me to build a plan for you to reach them. Playing, instruction, and direction will occur so you leave the first lesson excited for your journey.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Master's in Music Performance from the University of South Carolina, and a Performance Certificate from the University of Denver. I also have a Bachelor's in Music Technology which opens up options for lessons and practice performance.
I am also an AmSAT certified teacher of the Alexander Technique, and this deeply informs how I approach teaching and the body/mind connection.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
A guitar was first put in my hands in middle school by a mentor and friend. He taught me that first day to play the opening of Voodoo Child (Slight Return) by Jimi Hendrix and had me practicing the minor pentatonic scale all up and down the fretboard.
