Oslo Studios

My initial session with Phil Olson brought me immense delight, and I can hardly wait to continue learning and growing under his guidance as I master the electric guitar and cultivate my own songwriting skills.

Greetings! As an adult novice aspiring to learn the guitar, I can attest to a number of things I have learned through experience. I am confident about the following points: 1) The process of learning to play guitar can become swiftly overwhelming! With the abundance of information available online, in books, and from well-meaning friends, it is all too easy to squander valuable time learning techniques that are not particularly productive in the long run. While it is true that progress can be swift at first, particularly when starting from zero, one can quickly hit a plateau after mastering the basics. This is where many guitarists languish for years, repeatedly rehearsing the same old techniques without making any notable progress. Consequently, it is essential to seek out professional guidance. 2) On the subject of seeking professional guidance, I have encountered multiple teachers who are proficient guitarists. Yet, after observing them play for a few months, it can be disheartening to realize that I am not making substantial progress. This is a waste of valuable learning time. It is, therefore, crucial to distinguish between playing and teaching. When seeking a teacher, the ability to communicate information and relay concepts is more critical than the ability to play. Phil is a particularly skilled teacher because of his aptitude for explaining musical concepts in a readily accessible way, even developing a comprehensive, step-by-step plan for mastering the guitar. He is passionate about both teaching and playing the guitar, and this is evident in his interactions with his students. I have found that every lesson with him leaves me feeling more skilled than I did before. This is, after all, the primary reason for engaging a teacher. 3) Phil approaches each lesson with a professional, methodical mindset. He is always prepared, never surprised or late. What I appreciate the most about his instructional approach is that he makes me feel like I am the only student he has and that my progress is the most important thing to him. He doesn't waste time with egotistical demonstrations of his skills. The entire lesson is devoted to my individual improvement. 4) Initially, music theory can be intimidating, especially for novice students. The complexity of the subject matter is not the issue; rather, it is the way in which it is taught and explained to students. To truly grasp the underlying concepts of music and the instrument, it is essential to understand music theory. What I found most encouraging during my first interview with Phil was his interest in identifying and understanding my goals. He questioned what I wanted to achieve, whether it was learning music theory, reading notation, or being able to play blues, rock, or pop music. Phil tailored a path to achieve all or some of these goals specifically to my wants and needs. This flexibility in learning provides more options, leading to continuous learning without stagnation or hitting an insurmountable barrier. If you are seeking professional, intelligent, and skilled instruction on the guitar, I urge you to seek Phil's services and discuss your musical aspirations with him. His guidance has helped me comprehend both music and the instrument more deeply, and I am thrilled at how rapidly I am developing my guitar-playing skills. I confidently anticipate achieving my goals with Phil's continued guidance, and I am positive that my playing and understanding of music will continue to improve daily.

Phil's lessons are exceptional as he manages to enhance my abilities in an enjoyable and stress-free way. He willingly customizes the sessions to match my aptitude and preferences.

Without a doubt, Phil is an exceptional individual who excels both as a person and a TEACHER. My son had the privilege of receiving lessons from him, and it was a truly superb experience. His technique and patience are remarkable, and he emanates warmth and kindness. Moreover, his family is equally remarkable and delightful.

An exceptional guitar instructor, Phil Olson is a skilled and knowledgeable musician who approaches learning with the utmost professionalism. Phil's expertise lies in guiding his students towards achieving their maximum potential, providing them with long-lasting strategies for their music careers. His compassionate nature and patience enable him to meet students at their current level, tailoring his teaching to ensure their success. Without hesitation, I would highly recommend Phil Olson as a top-notch guitar instructor!