study with me

Cameron is currently accepting new private students for the new year, 2024.

I conduct my lessons both on Skype and in person. If you don't live near me, no fret: my online lessons are supplemented with personalized materials (including sheet music, tablature & recordings) to ensure success in your musical goals. My areas of expertise include: fiddle tune composition & arrangement, tone production, practice habits, improvising, and music theory. Send me a note and I will get back to you promptly.

To learn more, consider reading the testimonials posted below.

For those who prefer a la carte video lessons, consider checking out this list of songs - each is purchasable for $5.

 

“I learned of Cameron from Instagram; he played many genres, including the old time music my grandfather listened to, which I dreamed of learning. To our first meeting two years ago, I brought no guitar experience and no real understanding of theory. Since then, Cameron has tailored the learning experience to my desired pace and goal of exploration. He has expanded my mind beyond the fretboard with his deep knowledge of music, its history and culture—his stories are fascinating; his feedback always gracious and kind. With wisdom and academic finesse, Cameron is not just an outstanding teacher of music, he is among the best all-around educators I’ve ever met.” - Amy G

“Cameron has led me through understanding jazz and classical harmony, challenged my familiarity of the guitar by opening up the world of alternate tunings, and pushed me to unpack the technical nuances of some of my favorite players. He’s a brilliant, approachable musician who listens to his students and caters lessons to their passions. I’m a better player because of him, and would recommend him to anyone looking for a private instructor.” - James M

"Cameron Knowler should count himself among the top tier of Guitar instructors. My time as a student of Mr. Knowler was enriching and productive in every respect: from the material chosen to the attention to subtle melody and tone, as well as many fine points regarding pick angle, nail care, and numerous other oft-overlooked details that immediately elevate a student's playing. He is generous with the information and techniques he has gleaned from his passionate pursuit of an instrument alive with soul. Wise beyond his years, prospective students should do well to study under Mr. Knowler before the secret gets out." - Carson L

“Cameron has been such an amazing guitar teacher to me. He makes complex theories easily approachable and most importantly: practical. He’s made me a better player and broadened my playing repertoire in the short time I’ve taken lessons with him. Can’t recommend Cameron enough!” - Ben S

“Cameron’s approach to teaching guitar is down to earth and accessible. He’s able to clearly translate complex concepts into a practical approach I find to be helpful and illuminating. His musicality and teaching inspire me play with more confidence and freedom.” - Andrew B

"I suspect in 30 or 40 years, Cameron will be revered as a wise and transcendent guitar master, so you better get in now while he’s still building up his powers and has time for us normal folk. He is a great teacher with intimate and deep knowledge of both guitar music and the instrument itself. Each lesson had my mind spinning with new ideas and inspiration, from gear choices, technique, songs and musical history and culture - some nights I couldn't sleep! I’m not a professional, but I think I learned more in 8 months of lessons than in 18 years of casually browsing the world of guitar, music theory and jazz lessons as a teenager." - Cameron P

“What most impresses me about Cameron is his ability to seamlessly weave the general (widely applicable) with the specific (individual). Each lesson set me up to discover something new and vital despite some preconceived notions I held from previous music experience.  Almost every week was an “ah-ha” moment. 

With videos and quick, post-lesson demonstrations, I was never left wondering what to work on or what was needed to take the next step. These are not general “one size fits all” tutorials. 

Cameron’s ideas (elegantly articulated in his book) provide inspiration and a roadmap to explore rhythm and lead playing as an integrated whole.” - Tim S

"Cameron is immensely talented. His guitar playing sounds as effortless as water flowing over rocks. But what I love about his teaching is that he has a way of making a student feel like there's something worth developing. The best teachers give their students the confidence to venture ahead in their learning. Cameron is this and much more. I can't recommend his teaching highly enough!" - Garreth B

"Cameron is a great guitar teacher and I would highly recommend his lessons if you are looking to take your playing and knowledge of music to the next level. The lessons are a good mix of hands on practice as well as deeper dives into musical theory and history - all of which are tailored to your musical abilities and interests. Post lesson, Cameron is responsive with follow up videos and responding to any questions or additional feedback. He is very clear, organized and has helpful written materials. With Cameron you get a level of service that you cannot get from online videos or other instructional websites." - Travis H

“I've been taking lessons from Cameron for a little over nine months and not only has my playing improved but more importantly my knowledge of how music works. He sends out follow up videos on the lesson he just gave and it's very accessible if you have questions afterwards. He really cares about your understanding and playing of the music.” - Neil B

“Simply put, Cameron is an excellent instructor with an incredible depth of knowledge and skills. In addition to being extremely organized and prepared, Cameron excels at selecting materials and content that best suit the needs and interests of the student. As an instructor, he is patient and encouraging, and always provides clear instruction and timely feedback. You’d be hard pressed to find a more attentive and dedicated teacher.” - Randy F

Cameron is the finest guitar teacher I’ve ever had. You can tell he’s experienced at both crafts: guitar and teaching. I wanted to learn the basics of theory in a practical way- to use on songs I love, and to build on riffs I created. Cameron helped me do both, and his calm presence makes it always OK to say ‘Uh, I don’t get this’. - Adam N

I’m a bluegrass and old time mandolin player who is trying to branch off into playing old time and bluegrass rhythm guitar. I discovered Cameron’s YouTube videos a couple of years ago and since then, I have had a series of lessons with him and have also purchased his book. To my ear, Cameron’s rhythm guitar playing, in the style of Riley Puckett and Norman Blake, really hits the mark. His teaching methods of asking and understanding what I want to learn before the lesson, along with supplying detailed recap videos after the lesson is top notch and extremely useful. - Alan E

“I’ve received your book and would like to start off this email by thanking you. The quality is superb! I’ve spent the day going through it and though I’m only a few chapters in, it has proven to be one of the best if not the best music book I have gone through in 14 years of playing. The writing is easy to follow and most importantly FUN to read and with the accompanying tablature, pictures, and wonderful illustrations each page so far has been a real treat. It is evident that a lot of love and care went into each page. Coming from a jazz background trying to get into bluegrass and old time music I was pretty excited to get into a book that wasn’t going to be just ‘hot licks’, but instead a focus on rhythm playing and as you wonderfully wrote “rad runs!” - Nick M

I’ve really been enjoying the book so far! Years of learning music via tabs has rotten my brain. I’m only on chapter 4, but I’ve been practicing the figures with a metronome and working on my rhythm and picking technique. The book is very well-written and the layout with the hand-drawings and figures looks great. Thanks again!” - Sean A

“It's a very enjoyable read, and well organized. While many of the concepts, tunes and chord progressions are foreign to me, the book is still super worthwhile. Links to example videos are very effective too. I would recommend this resource to anyone interested in playing (and reading about) guitar.” - Lori