“An amazing guitar teacher who makes every lesson fun, encouraging, and enjoyable. Supportive, patient, and enthusiastic, John creates a relaxed environment that builds confidence and makes learning guitar something to look forward to!” - Kirsten D

“I’ve been working with John for many years now, from high school all the way into adulthood. Not only has my playing, technique and overall musical vocabulary increased, but I’ve been more than well equipped for navigating my way through being a professional musician, writing my own music, and working with other musicians. Taking lessons with him has been an incredibly valuable and enriching experience, and I highly recommend any one of any skill level to work with him.” Jamie, from Nokturna

“John is an absolute badass of a guitar teacher. He teaches both me and my kid, and somehow manages to meet us exactly where we are while making music feel exciting, expansive, and ridiculously fun.

He is possibly one of the most lined-up, naturally talented musicians I’ve ever met—but what makes him such an incredible teacher is that he knows how to translate that talent. He doesn’t just teach you how to play guitar; he helps you feel and understand music.

I absolutely love geeking out with him, going down musical rabbit holes, and watching my kid develop his own relationship with music at the same time. John is the real deal: wildly talented, intuitive, hilarious, and just an all-around awesome human to learn from”. - Amy L

“We worked with John Stiver during our time as a cover band in high school for over three years. John had an immense impact on our development as musicians. He helped us not only develop our individual skills, but also learn how to work together as a band, develop our own songs, and bring them to life. His guidance and support played a huge role in our growth as musicians and as a band.” James, Jamie and Chris from Meltt

John is an absolute guitar virtuoso. He has extensive academic musical training, and he has played it all. He is an artist, a performer, and a musical tactician. From the most intricate jazz pieces to the thrashiest punk. From complex musical theory to the most basic finger placement. From Jimmy Page to Taylor Swift (for my girlfriend), John somehow makes all of it accessible, interesting, and fun.

More importantly, he is a patient, funny, encouraging, and remarkably humble teacher.

I started taking lessons with John during COVID and simply never stopped. Every week, guitar night is just for me, and I genuinely cannot wait to spend that hour online with him. We learn new songs. We talk theory. We relearn old songs I’ve forgotten. We work through every note of an Eric Clapton solo and then talk about why those notes work. We laugh. We talk about amps and pedals and guitars and guitarists.

But most of all, we play.

And somehow, week after week, I get better.

One of the things I appreciate most about John is that online lessons never feel like a compromise. Quite the opposite. That hour is focused, personal, relaxed, and completely tailored to what I want to learn and where I am as a player.

I cannot recommend John highly enough. If you want to learn how to play guitar, get back into playing after years away, or simply get better — way, way better — John is the teacher for you. - Marty H

“John has been part of our family’s musical life for nearly twenty years, teaching my three kids (and now me) not only guitar but also a love of music. His skills are many but his particular ability to engage learners at different stages and ages ensures that they will be guitar players and music lovers for life. “ - Dean J

“John is a wonderful teacher - he is able to curate lessons to meet the diverse needs of his students and weaves in music history anecdotes and theory to provide a comprehensive all encompassing musical experience.
This coupled with his easy going nature, professionalism, talent and musicianship results in a rich, fun filled, and completely worthy learning experience for myself and my young son”.
Thanks John!

"John has been great to learn from. He's been adaptable with the breadth of songs I ask him to jump between week-to-week. We walk through the theory, why's, and how's of what we're playing, and he's able to adapt his explanations to the often variable amount of sleep I get prior to our lessons. I'm enjoying learning how to play (and listen to!) the instrument I'm holding, rather than just memorizing tab sheets and fret numbers. One of the highlights of my week!"

“To any person or group considering an event or performance from John Stiver please do so. John has performed at several functions at our house to the great satisfaction of both myself and my partner. We would not hesitate in recommending John for a quiet background mood setting or a rousing party.  He will rise to any occasion”. - Tim K and Carolyn M