Experienced tutor in Guitar in St. Louis, Matthew offers private lessons tailored to your needs.

I've been working with Matthew consistently since just before the start of the Pandemic and it has been a delight every step of the way, even when I moved out of town shortly after I started lessons. I was surprised at how well Skype lessons with Matthew actually work! The course itself is thoughtfully planned and Matthew adapts its content and the sessions to the individual learner, allowing for tangents and deep dives into areas of interest, such as theory, composition, gear, and other important areas of learning the guitar. Matthew also goes out of his way to provide for his students, offering Skype lessons at any time of day, and is always open to talk shop and share music. Truly a one-of-a-kind teaching experience and I highly recommend this teacher.

I have been a student with Matthew for over 11 years. He has been an invaluable resource in my musical education/career. The thing i like most about his lessons is that he gives you the information needed to hone you craft (like techniwue and music theory), while also keeping you inspired to create your own art. Matthew's lessons are a must have for anyone wanting to elevate their understanding and enjoyment of guitar. Can't recommend/thank him enough!

Matthew Von Doran is an excellent teacher who has a way of explaining elements of learning the guitar that are easy to comprehend. Lessons are fun and a great value.

...I started seeing Mr Matthew not long after I figured out that you could pick a string and fret it at the same time, you don't get much more beginner than that. That has been a few years ago. What I like best is that he doesn't necessarily teach a specific set of songs but teaches you how to play what you want to play better. He has a very practical style of hands on teach/instructing that gives better in depth knowledge of what you're doing from actually playing to knowing how to figure out how to play or write your own music. He hasn't forgotten his earlier days himself and has a humble yet direct style of teaching . He has a good list of some very worthy credentials and accomplishments. Mr Matthew truly loves guitar and teaching and is awesome at both. He isn't the kind of instructor that when you get on a hot subject and your time runs out in your session that he says "well we'll pick this up next time". You go ahead and finish up what you're on to when your session actually runs longer than the time you paid for. His love for what he does is quite obvious and inspires me and other as well I'm sure. As a student I feel more confident and to love it more too. If you want to play guitar and are looking for an instructor I would strongly suggest that you give MVD a call and at least sit for a session and see what he has to offer. You won't be at all disappointed. Happy Pickin'

I have been playing guitar for a long time and have taken lessons from a number of different guitar players. Matthew is in a class all his own in his approach to teaching and the approach to guitar overall. I have learned a lot about technique, theory, style, and overall musicianship from Matthew, but the most unique aspect of my experience with him is his ability to make the experience of learning guitar my own. He guides the creative instincts inside of me to improve my playing and, most importantly, my perception of my playing. There have been many times I have been frustrated in a lesson, but how he has helped me navigate through those frustrations has only led to me being a more capable and confident guitarist.

To anyone considering Matthew: prepare to be challenged and come out the better for it.

From the very first day Matthew demonstrated he had everything I was looking for in a guitar instructor, and more: vast experience, patience, great one on one listening skills, and willingness to make his students successful. He's kept all this consistently throughout years of meeting with him.
He will identify the key points in your objectives, make you work on them, and even bring new ones you haven't even thought of. All in all, a great music professional (as you will find out) and a fantastic person.

I can't say enough good things about Matthew's abilites as a guitar teacher. I was really needing someone to push me to the next level and his ability to hone in on my shortcomings and really kick my butt were just what I needed! I highly recommend Matthew for anyone looking to improve your playing!

Matthew has taken my knowledge about guitar to an entirely new level. I highly recommend Matthew for players at any level...don't delay!

Matthew Von Doran is an effective, competent teacher. From my first lesson and continuing as I advance, his lessons and lesson plan are clear, appropriate, and meet/exceed expectations. I take lessons in person, via Skype and on-line. Lesson material is first rate and serves as a permanent reference - I stress this point. Matthew is available to me practically around the clock by eMail, text, phone, FaceBook, and his web sites. He is professionally trained and credentialed and is a gifted composer and player. I wouldn't change a thing.

Wow--where to start! When I started taking lessons from Matthew I knew absolutely nothing about the guitar and next to nothing about music theory. Flash forward 3 years and you will find someone who loves the guitar more than anything (almost!), understands most of the complexities of music theory and plays pretty darn well, thank you! Such a transformation could only have occurred with someone like Matthew as my teacher.
He has the patience of Job (seriously) and the infectious enthusiasm to excite you to persist and excel. As a bonus, having seen Matthew play guitar live on several occasions, I can tell you he is an incredible guitarist! So often teachers talk the talk, but it is rare that they can back up their words with this kind of ability. It is just one more reason I can't seem to put my guitar down!
I can't recommend Matthew strongly enough! If you are fortunate enough to work with him it will literally be a life-changing relationship.