Dave Isaacs is an outstanding teacher because he is part fan, part musician, part songwriter, part psychologist and part motivator. Dave manages to take all those things and weaves them together to benefit, challenge and inspire.
– Bart Herbison, Executive Director
Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)
Some guitarists are gifted players and a few guitarists are gifted teachers, but it’s rare to find someone who has full command of both disciplines. Dave Isaacs is one such musician, and distills a lifetime of study, performing, and instruction into inspiring, practical advice that will benefit beginners and seasoned professionals alike.
– Andy Ellis, former Senior Editor
Guitar Player magazine
Dave is a superb teacher. His “Lonely Guitarist “ series effectively teaches the creative process behind solo guitar arranging. Using a range of songs and genres that are broadly appealing and quite varied he teaches (painlessly) the underlying music theory, then provides a sound starting point for crafting your own versions of familiar songs. The result is greater musical understanding, a broadened repertoire, and enormously satisfying solo music.
– Steven Flier MD
Dave Isaacs is a superb and unique teacher. He is methodical, thorough and patient. I think many other teachers ended up in the guitar business because they are naturally gifted, and they can’t drop down to the level of the average person and explain what they actually do. Dave breaks down the physicality: positioning the guitar, fingers on frets, strumming, etc. His simple insight: “You can always slow down as much as you need to” was a game-changer. Plus, he has created tons of simple songs that sound great and are fun to play right from the start.
Nashville has no shortage of guitar teachers but great teachers are much rarer. Dave is one of those rare ones. Dave’s decades of experience teaching all levels pro through beginner really shows through when he is teaching you. Dave tailors your lessons to your specific goals and abilities with any towards expanding your abilities.
I’ve always been a lifelong perpetual beginner and with Dave’s help, I finally feel I’m moving beyond that stage. I could not be happier with the progress I have made.
– Steve Warmbier
“Dave Isaacs is the best guitar teacher in Nashville.”
– Doak Turner, networking guru and editor of the Nashville Muse
“You’re like a combination of music instructor, life coach, and historian. No one else does what you do”.
– Susan Tucker, manager, Kim Copeland Productions/Ragtop Recording, Nashville
” I signed up for a lesson with Dave based on a glowing referral from a talented friend of mine, and I was not disappointed. He really knows how to cater to the needs of the student and ensures basic understanding of concepts before trying to rush into anything, which is unique and helpful for me. Other guitar teachers I’ve had teach you how to play songs. Dave will teach you how to play the guitar. “
– Allison Beers, Vanderbilt University Neuroscience/Pre-Med Student
“Dave and I have worked together on numerous songwriter and artist projects. His creativity and musicality are a unique and extremely helpful pre-production tool for my production clients.”
– Kim Copeland, producer, Kim Copeland Productions
“David, your talk at the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival was informative and down-to-earth, and for a guitarist of your accomplished level, this is quite a feat. The songwriters in the room no doubt gathered several tips and techniques they will be using for years. I know I did. Thanks for joining Sheree Spoltore, Cj Watson and myself to make the event memorable for all who attended. ”
– Debi Cochran, Global Songwriters Connection
(former National Workshops Director, Nashville Songwriters Association International/NSAI)
“I watched your Riffin’ series of videos. I know all the technical details you covered, but it’s always a revelation to me when you turn them into music!”
– Bruce Smith, songwriter/producer
“Dave is awesome in helping you capture the musical feel of your song. I often have gone to Dave to help me figure how to best musically interpret and play my songs. He is absolutely the best at what he does.”
– Teresa Angela, songwriter/artist
“Dave Isaacs was my professor at Tennessee State University in Nashville for my classes Commercial Music Ensemble and Basic Studio. He is a rare kind of professor that makes it his main priority to spend as much time and energy as he needs to make sure each individual student truly understands what he is teaching. I was blown away by his incredible talent; his musicianship is of the highest quality and he has the patience and intelligence to share it with all his students. He is an incredibly well rounded gifted person and I highly recommend anyone who gets the chance to study with him to jump at it.”
– Hannah Rose VW, recording and performing artist
“Dave’s experience and wealth of knowledge are two of his many strengths. He is a skilled and talented musician and educator and I have the highest respect for him. As a teacher I would highly recommend him as he brings not only a technical mastery of his instrument but enthusiasm to help foster upcoming musicians be their best.”
– Robb Wenner, sound designer, former Audio Production Department head, Art Institute of Tennessee-Nashville
“I count Dave as a major contributor to my musical education and only hope that he realizes how much I appreciate him for passing on to me an inkling of his amazing talent and seemingly omniscient wisdom! “Thank you, Dave…in this wild and crazy business you ARE the consummate professional and one HECKUVA teacher…I am truly indebted.”
– Megan Linville, country artist/songwriter
“You’ve helped me bring out what I didn’t know I had. Thank you for helping me to be the best I can. ”
– Rebecca Hosking, singer-songwriter
