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What is more important then sharing music with the next generation? I’m sure that you can probably name quite a few things but you get my drift. I can honestly say that my 25 years of being a guitar instructor has enriched my life untold amounts. It is as exciting to be sitting across from a brand new 9 year old, struggling to balance the instrument, as it is to be jamming with a long time student who has just completed a guitar degree. I am super proud of a number of students who have gone on study the guitar in a university setting or to play in big time bands. The majority of the people that I know, aside form my childhood connections, are all from teaching or from playing in bands. My band “families” are everywhere. No matter where this recording career takes me, I plan to still be giving back to the next up and coming shredders.
I read a post from a really famous guitar star talking about how being a studio guitarist has helped him be well rounded etc. He spoke of the constant growth on his instrument due to the demands of needing to create for so many varied sessions. I think that teaching the guitar has had a similar effect on me. There have been zillions of songs that I never would have touched that have come across my “desk”. Probably the biggest take away is going back to the fundamentals all of the time. Taking people through my own system of learning, refining and improving it every time. Applying it to my own playing and practicing regularly and with purpose. I am still enthusiastic about this aspect of my personal professional guitar career.
If you are interested in studying with me (Zoom/Skype/Facetime) we can try to set something up. (I’m really digging Zoom.) Also, keep an eye out for future LESSON COURSES. The first course will be a FREE beginner course for those who have just started playing. Maybe they haven’t even picked it up yet, that’s okay. I will be going over everything you need to know to get playing! The next course will be a complete beginner course followed by a complete intermediate course. After that, I will be making multiple mini courses as well on a host of different topics. I am excited!
When did you start playing the guitar?
My first instrument was a drum set that my mother bought for me when I was only five. I started to play the guitar at nine years old, my sister got an acoustic guitar and I naturally gravitated toward it. I got really serious, about the guitar, as an early teenager. A friend brought over an electric guitar, a Fender Squire Telecaster, and I remember being blown away! That was it, that’s what I was going to do with my life.
You’ve played in many bands, and many genres, what places or performances have been the most memorable?
Probably playing on the 102.5 WDVE morning show, with my band JD strum, then opening for Sister Hazel that night. Actually all of the radio stations flights were really fun. Opening for Brett Michaels was kind of cool. Doing those “King Of The Blues” guitar contests, at the local Guitar Center, then being fortunate enough to win three times was a fun chapter. They flew me to Philly three times. Fun! All of the great shows that the DaPhunk Band put on. Oddly, playing dozens and dozens of weddings is always an interesting time.
Who have been your biggest influences, and who are you listening to now?
My biggest influences are Eric Johnson, Steve Morse, Jimi Hendrix, Larry Carlton, Robben Ford, Steely Dan, Johnny A, Jimmy Page, The Beatles, Pat Metheny, Rik Emmett, Alex Lifeson, Eddie Van Halen, John Petrucci, Randy Rhoads, Nuno Bettencourt, Mike Stern, Steve Vai, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Neil Schon, Yngwie Malmsteen, Vinny Moore, Joe pass. Probably in that order. Oh yeah, of course there’s Ace Frehley who started it all!
Who are you listening to now?
I am pleased to report, that I am longer listening to my new album “Bold Horizon” 24/7 at this point! I mostly listen to old-school jazz and classical when I’m at home.
What has been your favorite teaching experience?
My favorite teaching experience has to be seeing so many students move on to study the guitar in college! I am also thrilled by the number of students who are playing in high-profile bands. CJ Masciantonio “ Galactic Empire/Unparalleled Height. Chris Kissel “June Divided” to name a few. It’s really amazing how many life long friends that I have made through teaching and performing guitar.
Reviews and Testimonials
Marie Taylor
I started lessons with Drew Bentley in July 2017. I’m recently retired – a senior citizen with absolutely no musical training, experience or aptitude. Drew has been amazingly patient and encouraging but most of all, an excellent instructor. My goals were to learn not only to play my favorite song but also the fundamentals of music & guitar. I can hardly believe how much I’ve learned in 4 short months! I plan to continue taking lessons as long as Drew continues to teach. Great teacher, great guitarist — if you’ve been thinking about taking lessons, Drew is the best!
Dave Frye
The guitar lessons with Drew have been a great experience. I have been playing for 27 years and quickly noticed an improvement in my playing and musical understanding. He is very knowledgeable in music theory, rock, blues, jazz and practical techniques to improve ones playing. I am very impressed with his ability to read the student to teach the guitar in a way that is easy to understand and to get the absolute most out of every lesson. He provides a how and why understanding so that the lessons are easy to remember. The lessons have been focused on meeting my interests and renewed my enjoyment in playing.
Dan Cheripka
Drew is AWESOME!! I couldn’t recommend anyone better, very professional and a amazing Guitarist/Teacher. Drew taught me from the very beginning the correct way to play your guitar, whether it is your posture or playing techniques, and stressed the importance of each with practice .Very appreciative to have gone to Drew. Awesome guitarist, plus he absolutely can melt your face of soloing…
Built917
I was fortunate enough to be one of Drew’s long time students. His dedication to his craft, as well as his personable demeanor, influenced my guitar playing to be not something I do on occasion, but my primary stress reliever and favorite hobby. Drew’s ability to adapt to the individuality of each and every student is something that sets him far above other teacher-musicians. Further, his musical ability, in all aspects of playing, is uncanny and incredibly beneficial to anyone who learns from him. I have always, and will continue to, recommend this business for anyone who wants to learn the beauty of music. There is no better person to be influenced by this art than Drew.
Stoic Eric
I have been a student of Drew Bentley studying guitar for about 2 years now. I am an adult student and have had a chance to observe Drew in his teaching style for both adult and children. Drew is an excellent teacher, patient and positive, yet challenging his students to stretch and reach their goals. I have never seen him less than enthusiastic and supportive. His standards are high but he loves to patiently show and explain the techniques so they seem less intimidating for new students. The other thing I have noticed is that unlike some teachers who just plow through the standard book and method they use, Drew tailors the lessons and materials to both the specific interests and skill level of the student. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of a lesson but one that makes the subject fun and a challenge at the same time. If a student loves country, jazz or rock guitar, Drew can teach the skills and finger work necessary for all styles so that as the student moves from basic techniques to actual songs, they can learn the songs they love and enjoy and that makes students happier to practice because they can relate their own interests to what Drew is showing them. This is true for adult students as well and the first thing Drew asked me was what kind of music did I like and what did I want to play, what were my favorite tunes and what were my goals. His lesson plan then was based on making my skills improve so that I can accomplish my goals with solid technique and musical expression. I plan to stay with Drew as long as he is teaching and give him my highest recommendation.
Joanna Mittereder
My son had guitar lessons with Drew Bentley for several years. Drew made the lessons engaging and fun. My son definitely looked forward to the lessons. Under Drew’s instruction and encouragement, my son was motivated to practice and definitely improved. Drew encouraged him to perform in front of others which wasn’t easy. Now my son is very comfortable in front of an audience and is in a band that performed at some very impressive venues. Drew does a wonderful job and was a very positive influence on my son’s confidence and mastery . I strongly recommend Drew Bentley.
Jack B
I’ve always wanted to learn to play guitar and following retirement decided it was about time. My first challenge was to find someone well versed in several styles of music who was willing to be patient with a “not so quick” learner who literally only knew how to play a 3 or 4 very basic chords. Lucky for me, I was given Drew’s name by a friend. Along with being a great musician and guitar instructor, Drew has a way of explaining music theory in simple terms. I highly recommend Drew for any student at any level of experience.
J.D. Slatt
Drew is a super great teacher, I’m 16 and I’ve been taking lessons for a little less than a year and I’ve already learned so much on the guitar. I went in just knowing the basic chords and maybe a scale, but now I know several scales, I can improvise more confidently, and learning songs has gotten so much easier. It’s great because Drew has such an extensive and vast knowledge of all styles of music, so he can teach you anything you want. In the time I’ve been there he’s taught me some rock, some blues, some jazz, and also just techniques that work in every style. It’s a super personal experience and he tailors each lesson to the specific student and their learning style, plus it’s just flat out fun! I can’t wait to see what we’ll be doing for the years to come.
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CJ Masciantonio
Drew is an incredibly talented musician who will get you on the perfect path to success. I’ve become quite knowledgable on guitar, in turn enabling me to tour in two successful bands and find a potential career in music. He is down to earth, has top notch lesson plans. Highly recommended!
Steven Fey
Drew is the real deal. I took lessons from Drew over the span of several years in my mid-high school days and through college. He is a top notch player with a refined and eclectic taste in music that reflects in his playing. He draws from a formal music education, years of experience recording and playing in the local music scene, and a passion to continue his own learning. What makes him such a valuable teacher is the fact that he can boil this knowledge and skillset to meet you exact where you are musically. He is patient, insightful and encouraging. Now that I have graduated from college, I plan to be getting into the local music scene myself. I owe a good bit of where I am at today to Drew! I couldn’t recommend him more strongly.
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Brent Wilson
I have know Drew Bentley for years and he strives for the most professional and fun learning experience. I strongly recommend Drew.
Anthony Farine
I have been taking guitar lessons with Drew Bentley for over 5 years now, and he is one of the all around best teachers I have ever had. He has helped me to become a much better guitar player and I have learned so much in my time taking lessons. He has a great way of explaining difficult concepts and is an unbelievable musician who can help you grow as a guitarist and musician and reach your goals. For anyone looking for a guitar instructor, look no further.
Stuff That’s Gone
Drew Bentley is a master. I picked up the guitar after not playing for many years and he knows exactly what I enjoy playing and he teaches me at the right pace. I look forward to my guitar lesson each week. You can’t get this from any Internet type service. I strongly recommend you look into signing up for lessons. They’re very reasonable for the years of experience they bring to the table. John Qualley Irwin PA
Manoj Tandon
Eight years ago, my son and I started learning guitar together as he was interested in learning the instrument and I had always tinkered with the idea but never really thought of executing on it. Eight years have been quite a journey, led by our patient guide and teacher Drew Bentley. Without his patience and guidance, we would have been lost. In the age of the internet there is much information on the mechanics of playing available online. Mechanics though important, in and of themselves, give you little capability to make music. Music is not mechanical it is an expression of rhythm, melody, and human emotion. Each person’s formulation of the three elements is a unique expression. To bring out that unique expression to its pinnacle, in the student, is to reveal the musician within. A very difficult task that requires deep knowledge of music, great judgement to determine how to best progress an individual, and patience and persistence to ingrain the proper teachings. Drew has all of those qualities and we thus sometimes refer to him as guitar sage. We have been fortunate to have had and continue to have his guidance in our own journey to reveal the musician within.
Dean Ciufo
I took guitar lessons with Drew Bentley for over eight years. Drew is a well rounded guitarist and teacher. I learned to read music and studied several styles of guitar playing. I also learned a lot about music theory from Drew which helped me better understand what I was playing on the guitar. Anytime I was confused or thought something was too difficult Drew was patient and helped me work through it. I was also able to participate in several recitals which gave me some experience performing. Drew always inspired me and gave me the drive to continue learning. This is why I decided to pursue music in college and I feel like I was well prepared.
Matthew Cimino
Well educated and very professional musician. I took guitar lessons from Drew for about 6 years. I learned invaluable skills such as jazz, improv, reading music, technique, and much more. My mentorship from Drew over the years influenced who I am as a person and a guitar player in a very positive way.
Steve 412101
Ive have been talking Guitar lessons from Drew Bentley for about a year an a half and i can honestly say that the experience is great. I have learned things on the guitar that I dont think i could have learned anywhere else, even on the internet. The lessons are very hands on as well. If you know what you want to learn that day you can jump right into it! I highly recommend taking lessons here if you want to learn music!
Sue Samrey
I give Drew Bentley 10 stars.
Unbelievable to me that he is able teach my husband how to play the guitar. My husband is blind!! The patience and professionalism he exhibits is exceptional. 🤘