HelloGuitar!

"Classically trained, but with a modern approach" is my motto. 

 

     Originally from Cullman, Alabama, I began playing guitar at the age of 8 years old, studied music formally through grade school, and later majored in musical composition and performance at Wallace State College and the University of Montevallo. Thanks to receiving the Nall Foundation Scholarship from 2000-2003, I've had the opportunity to travel extensively doing what I do best. My Music has taken me to some of the most beautiful areas of the world like Southern France and Tuscany. In 2013, I moved to Montreal, Quebec, with my wife to start a family. As a musician, I'm very versatile, having done everything from play Jazz Guitar in a big show band, classical guitar at weddings, to rocking out on stage in cozy late night clubs. Influences of Rock, Jazz, Blues, and Classical can be heard at the heart of my own music.

 

   In addition to songwriting and performing, I also enjoy teaching guitar privately and am the author of the "Hello Guitar" instruction series for both children and adults as well as a staff writer for the "Share My Guitar" social network for guitarists. Sharing music with others and having the opportunity to be a positive influence in this world, to me, is the most rewarding aspect of what I do.  

 

    I began teaching guitar full time in 2007 and, since then, have helped hundreds of private students and thousands more who follow my newsletter, website, and blog all around the world to reach their musical goals. I've left no stone unturned in my exploration of music and the guitar, and am more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding theory, performance, or technique. I even have a library of sheet music for tens of thousands of songs in an array of genres encompassing virtually any song you'd ever want to learn. 

Here are some recent testimonials from my students; 

     "Learning guitar from Robert has been a fantastic experience. In three months he has helped me to set, achieve and surpass my goals. We've explored blues scales, modes, all kinds of chord progressions, rhythm guitar and soloing. Robert has helped me develop a better understanding of music theory as well as help me improve my technique and personal repertoire. He is genuinely interested in helping me develop my own personal approach to guitar playing. I took music lessons in junior high but I have never actively made time to practice my instrument as I do now. I sometimes find myself playing two or three hours each day, and every class Robert has something new for me to experiment with. I feel very lucky to have Robert as my guitar teacher." - Mark

     "I began playing guitar 26 years ago with numerous genres of music ranging from classical, blues, jazz and rock. After being introduced to Robert Johnston's "Hello Guitar" Method, I have benefited in more way's than imagined.... primarily, his method put music and it's theory into a perspective that has found it's way into my songwriting ability, technique and increased my desire to play the instrument at levels I did not know existed. Robert is the 'ultimate guitar coach' without question."  - Troy