Start with the basics
Tuning, chords, rhythm, strumming, and the little things that make holding a guitar feel natural.
Private guitar lessons · East Orange County / Oviedo, near UCF
Tony Lloyd
Learn guitar by playing music.
Patient, practical lessons for beginners, returning players, and early-intermediate guitarists. Bring the music you like; we'll build from there.
Tony with an acoustic guitarAt your home or mine near UCF30 or 60 minutes · $30–$50Acoustic or electric · no experience needed
Lessons
You don't need to know what you're doing yet.
Most people start because there's a song they want to play, or because they've had a guitar sitting around for too long. That's enough of a reason.
We'll learn the useful stuff in context, so you can hear and feel why it matters instead of memorizing a pile of disconnected exercises.
Book a lesson ↗What we can work on
A little structure. A lot of music.
Play actual songs
Build a small repertoire of music you like—songs, riffs, melodies, and accompaniment you can play for someone else.
Understand why it works
Theory, scales, tabs, notation, keys, and the fretboard, introduced when they help something on the guitar make sense.
Find your way of playing
Acoustic and electric fundamentals, fingerstyle, basic lead guitar, and playing while singing when that is where your interest goes.
Approach
A good lesson should feel useful that same day.
In the first lesson, we'll talk about what you've played before, the music you listen to, and what you'd like to be able to do. Then we'll put a guitar in your hands and start.
After that, lessons can combine songs, rhythm, technique, exercises, and theory when it helps. Someone learning to play around a campfire needs a different path from someone who wants to understand scales and the fretboard. We'll follow your reasons for being there.
Some students like the continuity of a beginner method such as the Hal Leonard Guitar Method. It can be useful, but it isn't required.
About Tony
A local guitarist, dad, and Scout leader.
I can travel to your home for lessons, or host you at my home in East Orange County near UCF. Online video lessons are also available by arrangement.
I'm a longtime guitarist living in East Orange County / Oviedo near UCF. Acoustic guitar is my main instrument, especially fingerstyle acoustic playing, but I also play electric and enjoy music across a broad range of styles.
I like learning songs, and I like understanding why they work. Outside of music, I volunteer in our local schools, help lead my son's Cub Scouts pack, and spend a lot of free time hiking around Central Florida with my family.
— Tony
Pricing
No complicated packages.
Choose the lesson length that fits. There's no registration fee, and the free intro call comes first if you'd rather talk it through.
30-minute lesson
Younger students, complete beginners, or a focused weekly session.
$30 / lesson
60-minute lesson
Adults, teenagers, and students combining songs, technique, and theory.
$50 / lesson
Adults, parents, and students can ask questions before choosing a time.
Book a lesson ↗Getting started
Let's talk before you decide.
The intro call is a short, low-pressure conversation about experience, goals, music, and fit. It's for parents, adult learners, and anyone who has a question first.
FAQ
A few practical answers.
Still have a question? Use the intro call or send a note below.
I've never touched a guitar. Is that okay?
Yes. Complete beginners are exactly the kind of student these lessons are designed for. We'll start with the instrument in front of us and keep the first steps manageable.
Do I need to read music?
No. We can start with chord diagrams and tablature. Standard notation can be introduced if you're interested in learning it.
Acoustic or electric?
Either is welcome. Acoustic guitar is Tony's main instrument, but lessons can include electric fundamentals too.
Do I need my own guitar?
Ideally, yes, because practicing between lessons matters. If you're still deciding what to buy, schedule the free intro call and ask for guidance before purchasing anything.
What kind of guitar should a beginner buy?
You don't need an expensive guitar to begin. Tony is happy to talk through sensible options on the intro call, based on your budget and the kind of music you want to play.
Do you teach kids?
Yes, subject to age, readiness, and availability. Parents are welcome to use the free intro call to talk through whether lessons would be a good fit.
Do you teach adults?
Absolutely. Adults starting for the first time—and adults returning after years away—are an important part of the studio.
Do you teach music theory?
Yes, but theory should usually connect to what you're actually playing. We can go deeper into scales, intervals, keys, chords, ear training, and the fretboard when that helps you.
Can I learn songs I choose?
Yes, whenever the song is appropriate for your current skill level. Songs can often be simplified while you build toward the full arrangement.
Do I have to use a method book?
No. A structured beginner method, such as the Hal Leonard Guitar Method, may be useful for some students, but it isn't mandatory. Lessons can also be organized around songs and individual goals.
What happens during the free call?
It's a short conversation about experience, goals, music preferences, and scheduling. It isn't a sales presentation, and there's no obligation to book.
Contact
Have a question first?
Parents, adult learners, and returning players are all welcome to reach out before scheduling.