Geoff Sawyer

Language: English
Musical Styles: Classical, Rock, Blues, Jazz, Folk, Contemporary Worship
Instruments: Classical or Acoustic Guitar, Ukulele, Piano, Improvising on any instrument
Specialized Skill Levels: All Guitar Levels, Intermediate Piano, Music Theory, Composition, Improvisation
Affiliations: Guitar Foundation of America, Marlow Guitar International, Christian Music Institute, American Choral Directors Association

Adult Students Welcome!

Geoff Sawyer has provided private and classroom music instruction in a variety of contexts for over thirty years.  He taught himself guitar and piano at an early age until taking formal lessons in high school.  He performed as a guitarist in folk/rock and vocal groups and sang in choir during his first college years. He has also studied privately classical and jazz guitar, piano, voice, choral singing and composition. His emphasis on classical guitar is largely due to private lessons with John Marlow and Larry Snitzler, two former students of Andres Segovia. Among his educational accomplishments, he earned a Master of Music from George Mason University.

Over the years he has performed at numerous weddings and special events, as a soloist or as part of a mixed ensemble.  Additionally, Geoff has participated in a number of studio recordings.  He has also participated in and led contemporary worship bands at his local church, organized and directed choir, conducted small orchestral ensembles, and composed or arranged music in each of those contexts.  In 2016, he led a band and chorus in the production of the church’s presentation of Godspell.  He continues to serve his church as guitarist, choral ensemble director and worship leader.

Geoff has taught music at private schools, local co-ops, and music stores.  He enjoys teaching students of all ages, encourages each one to pursue their musical goals with excellence, and provides flexibility in curriculum choices to meet the students’ needs.