Fred Love

“For those about to rock…”

Taking guitar lessons when I was young turned out to be among the very best decisions of my life, launching me into a world of endless musical exploration, creative expression and fun. I’ve been studying the guitar for more than 20 years. I’ve played hundreds of gigs, written and recorded my own songs and met countless incredible people – and I owe it all to the guitar.

I love the guitar, and I love working with students of all ages and levels to develop their ability to express themselves through the powerful language of music. Whether your first grader is just starting to show an interest in music or if you’re an adult who has always dreamed of cranking an amplifier and hitting a power chord, I urge you to consider enrolling in Fred Love’s Punk Rock Guitar Academy!

One-on-one instruction is the gold standard for learning to play a musical instrument. If you decide to study with me, we’ll develop a plan tailored to your personal musical goals and tastes. We can work on rock ‘n’ roll in its many forms, classic country, blues, rockabilly, pop rock and jazz.

To schedule an introductory lesson, fill out the form on this page or send an email to fredlove08@gmail.com, and I’ll get back to you ASAP! If your device is using an older operating system, the form below may not work properly. If you have trouble, please just email me!

Schedule your introductory lesson by filling out the form below!

What are lessons like?

“We can hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach…”

Lessons typically last a half hour and include sight reading, scales and chords, and I’ll develop exercises based on your favorite songs to demonstrate important musical concepts. I strive to provide a safe, supportive and enthusiastic environment for students of all ages and ability levels, from beginner to intermediate and advanced. I also try to make each lesson fun by incorporating songs and riffs that students know and love.

Lessons take place in my private guitar studio in my home in Ames, Iowa. I’ll provide a quality amp for you to use so you don’t have to haul your own (though you can bring your own if you like). Students are welcome to try out my guitars as well. However, I recommend that committed students have access to their own instrument.

Parents and guardians are welcome to sit in on lessons, wait outside in their vehicle (plenty of free street parking is available) or drop off their students and pick them up promptly at the conclusion of the lesson.

What students should bring to each lesson

“Roll over, Beethoven! Tell Tchaikovsky the news!”

In addition to an acoustic or electric guitar, I recommend students bring a folder or binder with some blank guitar tablature paper (which can be purchased here). I also suggest beginning students purchase a copy of the Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book 1.

Pricing

“One for the money … Two for the show … Three to get ready … Now go, cat, go!”

Our first meeting will be an introductory lesson during which I’ll get to know the student, gauge their skill level and get a sense of their musical taste and goals. Introductory lessons cost $26.75.

From there, I recommend students take weekly half-hour lessons. These lessons cost $42.80 each, and payment is due on the last lesson of the month. I accept cash, check and Venmo (@FredLoveCowpunk).

I offer a discounted rate for students who reserve a weekly lesson time and pay in advance. I call this option my Shredder's Club. Club members pay a base rate of $37.45 per lesson — a savings of more than 12% compared to the standard $42.80. To join the Shreder's Club, just pick an available weekly lesson time and pay me before the start of the month or on your first lesson of the month. That will reserve that time slot for you that entire month and result in savings compared to my standard lesson rate.

Thanks for reading! Now it’s time to thrash!

-Fred

P.S. I call my lesson studio a Punk Rock Guitar Academy because punk’s Do-It-Yourself ethos and emphasis on independent thought have shaped my worldview and musical approach since I started playing guitar. But I love all kinds of music, and we can study any number of styles beyond punk rock. But if you would like to learn a punk song or 12, I won’t complain ;) See you soon!