Kevin Dollar is all things guitar.
Kevin teaches guitar, bass, and ukulele lessons, but he also teaches other things related to music, including theory, songwriting, posture, breathing, stretching, and other things that keep musicians learning, working, and healthy.
Kevin’s current students range in age from 4 to 92, and he teaches people from a variety of abilities.
He started his teaching career in 1987 as a way to spend more time with the guitar, and he continued to teach through his university studies in music performance. He has undergraduate (BM) and graduate degrees (MM) from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In 1995, Kevin joined the faculty of the Music Academy of North Carolina, already having 8 years of experience behind him, and later joined the faculty of Elon University for a 8 year period. In 2013, he opened his own studio, Kevin Dollar Guitar Instruction, where he continues to teach in-person and online lessons.
Kevin is always developing his teaching style through. He accepts students from ages 4 and up from any musical background, with any musical interest, and any level of ability. This range of teaching helps him with curriculum development, but it also makes him a better player and performer.
Kevin’s students have been accepted into music schools around the country, and can be found in rock, blues and jazz bands all over the US. Some have become well-established instructors and several hold prizes from national guitar competitions.
Contact Kevin here.
More about Kevin
On classical, steel string, electric or gypsy guitar, Kevin Dollar represents a multifaceted approach to the instrument. His performances vary from solo classical guitar and chamber ensemble, to early 20th century traditional music, gypsy jazz guitar style of pre-WWII France, and rock music. Being a versatile musician has always been a top priority for this well-rounded performer and teacher.
When Kevin began teaching guitar in 1987, he was a member of numerous local rock bands that played throughout the eastern coastal region of the US. In 2001, Kevin received his MM from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Kevin was the Director of the MANC Guitar Competition, and an instructor at the Music Academy of NC from 1995-2013, with master teacher status starting in 2003. He also served on the faculty of Elon University from 2005-2013.
Kevin has performed for the Piedmont Artists Guild, Eastern Music Festival, Elon Jazz Festival, National Public Radio’s “State of Things,” UNC-TV’s “NC Weekend” and at numerous colleges, universities and other educational institutions throughout the U.S. He regularly performs with the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra and has shared the stage with the likes of Doc Watson, David Holt, Katherine Whalen, and Clay Aiken. He has also performed with the Greensboro Opera Company, the Triad Guitar Quartet, Duo Dolce, Bel Canto and the Hot Club of North Carolina, a group dedicated to the preservation of gypsy jazz.
Today, in addition to finding Kevin in his studio teaching students, you’ll find him performing with Latin Soul Trio, the Minor Swing Band, Mostley Crue, and the Nubeing Collective.
In 2022, he founded “Yoga for Guitarists,” having created the program after completing his RYT-200 certification.
Teaching Philosophy
My goal is to provide each student with personalized instruction that is geared to both their level of ability and area of interest. I have plans for the recreational hobbyist, the aspiring rock star, the college bound auditioner, future professional musicians and more.
I teach people of all levels and ages. My students’ current age range is 4 to 84, and their ability ranges from never having played a guitar, to trying to gain new ideas or skills, to already being an expert and working musician. Regardless of age or ability, you will find a comfortable place in my studio.
Student Testimonials
“Kevin makes learning fun.” [student, age 8]
“You are the best guitar teacher ever. My favorite teacher in the world” [student, age 6]
“From the first lesson, Kevin’s complete mastery is readily apparent. He demonstrates an amazing degree of proficiency on both classical and electric styles. He is able to break down complex techniques and explain them in terms familiar to the beginning, intermediate or advanced student.” [student, age 62]
“Thanks to you, I know every Pink Floyd tune” [student, age 16]
Behind the Music of Kevin Dollar
Kevin currently teaches at his own studio in Greensboro, NC and on the web. You can find out more at Kevin Dollar Guitar Instruction.
Kevin says, “The best way to learn anything beyond the obvious limitations of the subject matter, is simply to teach. I’ve become a better player through my students in many ways.”
CONTACT:
learnyourguitar.com 