Ethan Fiks

I was hired as one of the youngest teachers at the National Guitar Workshop after completing their 3 year pedagogy program.  I have a BA from Brown University.  My best progress in my own 45 year+ musical journey has in fact come from private teachers, the most important one being Bill Connors, who played with Chick Corea.  Early in my career I was published by Hal Leonard and Alfred (the big music publishers), as well as Guitar Player Magazine.  I also wrote a beginning guitar book for DR Strings Co.

I am a busy performer and recording musician, both of which influence my teaching.  Performing keeps me up to date on the latest popular songs.  I have played over 20 musicals and countless clubs, parties, and festivals, playing music spanning Pop, Rock, Country, Jazz, Disco/R&B, Italian, Spanish, and Irish.  I played the Brooklyn NYC New Year's Eve Fireworks Celebration '25-26 to probably my biggest crowd ever.  I have also placed my original music productions on TV, film, and internet internationally.  (I teach lessons from a project recording studio.)

Lessons should be inspirational and cover the foundations without being too dry.  As soon as possible (usually within a couple months), I like to use great songs to illustrate and practice key concepts.  I have over 700 custom handouts for songs and concepts, and am always adding to them, including- sometimes- your requests, which then get added to the pool.

I teach all levels including- often- absolute beginners, who I get moving efficiently.  I teach both electric and acoustic guitar, and also mandolin.  I have been teaching all styles except strict classical for 35+ years (although I sometimes use classical exercises).  For non-beginners, it is a matter of finding and filling any holes in your foundation, and then building in the direction you want to go.

I see the same questions coming up time and again from students, and I relate to them because I remember having the same ones decades ago.  Questions as varied as:  "How long does it take to become good?"  How do you know which chords go together, and why?"  "How do you figure out songs by ear?"  "How do you make up a solo on the spot?"- these are only some examples that get answered in due time.