Guitar

Explore the world of guitar with Quartertonez, where your desire to play music is encouraged and the strings come alive....

Explore the world of guitar with Quartertonez, where your desire to play music is encouraged and the strings come alive. Our team of talented guitar instructors offer in-depth knowledge and a passion for instruction. Our multicultural community welcomes musicians of all ages and abilities and encourages and supports you on a unique musical journey.


In order to accommodate varying learning styles, we offer both individual and group lessons. Our individual lessons offer personalized attention and personalized instruction tailored to your unique needs and objectives. Whilst our group classes provide a dynamic and collaborative learning environment where you can share knowledge and experience with each other.

Offering possibilities for both on-line and in-person education, we make sure that everybody can experience the beauty of song. Our online platform gives brilliant audio and video great collectively with a smooth learning experience. 

Enter a supportive setting where limitations are tested and your skills are developed. Take in the excitement of in-person performances, in which teamwork fosters your musical improvement. Our broad curriculum and expert instructors are here to guide and inspire you throughout your musical journey. Our tutors will help you reach your maximum potential, whether you’re a novice or an expert player looking to improve your technique.

Did you know that the longest recorded guitar solo took an incredible 24 hours and 18 minutes. It was performed by David DiDonato in 2011, earning him a place in the Guinness World Records.

Come play with Quartertonez, a dynamic community of guitarists, and realize your full potential. Enroll now!

Guitar INSTRUCTORS

JOAO RABELO

GUITAR

SHAFIK BASTAWROUS

GUITAR I OUD I PERCUSSION I PIANO

FELIPE PACCAGNELLA

GUITAR I PIANO I VOICE

ETHAN FOOTE

BASS I CELLO I GUITAR

JEREMY LYONS

GUITAR

YOUSTINE FALTAS

GUITAR I OUD

JOAO RABELO

GUITAR

João Rabelo is a talented music professional with a passion for creating an emotional impact through music. Based in Silver Spring, MD, João has established himself as a versatile musician, proficient in a variety of genres and styles.

With his expertise in playing multiple instruments, including guitar, piano, and bass, João has captivated audiences with his live performances. He excels in engaging large crowds and is skilled in delivering unforgettable musical experiences.

João’s career objective as a church musician has led him to work with several churches, including Lifehouse Church, Ibbw Church, Washington Lagoinha Church, and Harvest Intercontinental. In these roles, he has been responsible for selecting, planning, and performing music for worship services, special events, and concerts. His dedication to serving the community through music has made him an invaluable asset to these organizations.

Apart from his musical pursuits, João has also demonstrated his entrepreneurial skills as the owner of NiceShine Services LLC, a carpet cleaning and power washing business based in Silver Spring, MD. Through this venture, he has honed his time management, organization, and communication skills, further enhancing his abilities as a professional.

Additionally, João has been actively involved in teaching guitar for the past five years, primarily within his church community as a volunteer. Having gained extensive experience in this role, he is now eager to transition into guitar teaching full-time. His passion for sharing his musical knowledge and empowering others through education is evident in his commitment to continuously improve as a guitar instructor.

Furthermore, João has had the privilege of performing in various notable events. He has showcased his musical talent in vespers events at Washington Adventist University (WAU), as well as in the 2023 Washington D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival concert alongside acclaimed musicians Felipe Paccagnella and saxophonist Douglas Lira. He has also collaborated with esteemed artists such as Gideoni Donato, Gero Vieira, and the band Raiz Worship, which boasts an impressive following of 91k on Instagram.

With his extensive background in live performance, teaching, and entrepreneurship, João Rabelo continues to make a significant impact in the music industry. His dedication to his craft, coupled with his ability to connect with audiences, sets him apart as an exceptional musician and guitar teacher.

Book a lesson with Joao: https://quartertonez.setmore.com/joao-rabelo

SHAFIK BASTAWROUS

PIANO | GUITAR | OUD | PERCUSSION | THEORY | PRODUCTION

Shafik Bastawrous is an accomplished and dedicated music educator and performer, boasting over 25 years of professional experience. Known affectionately as Mr. B, he possesses a deep passion for teaching and sharing his musical talents with students of all ages. From the very beginning, Mr. B ensures that his students derive joy from playing their favorite songs while also establishing a solid foundation in music theory and techniques.

Having a profound belief in the power of music to touch the mind, body, and spirit, Shafik emphasizes the importance of serious musical study in appreciating and understanding our culture and the rich musical traditions around the world. Through active listening, performing, and composing, he creates engaging opportunities for his students to develop a deeper understanding and enjoyment of music within a fast-paced and enjoyable learning environment.

Shafik’s rigorous musical training was obtained at the prestigious Conservatory Institute of Music, where he honed his skills across various instruments and musical styles. Proficient in piano, classical and flamenco guitar, electric guitar and bass guitar, pan flute, accordion, oud, saxophone, and more, his versatility enables him to authentically perform and sing music from diverse cultures in over five languages.

Beyond teaching, Shafik operates his own recording studio, where he has produced numerous records for renowned singers and had the privilege of performing alongside them on international stages. As both a gifted composer and instructor, his true passion lies in sharing the gift of music with individuals of all ages who possess a love for this artistic form.

Recognized for his exceptional talent, Shafik has been awarded the title of Most Talented Musician in the Washington DC area by the international TV channel, ART America. His performances have enthralled audiences at esteemed venues such as the Library of Congress, various Greek and Italian festivals, fashion shows, and business conferences. His international endeavors include captivating crowds at the Cathedral of Saint Anthony Church in Doncaster, United Kingdom, and the opera house in Cairo, Egypt.

For the past 15 years, Shafik has been instructing students of all levels in piano, guitar, and saxophone at the Music and Arts and Guitar Center in Oakton and Sterling, Virginia. Additionally, he has been teaching guitar at Harmonia School in Vienna for the past 13 years.

Shafik possesses a unique ability to share his love of music with others, teaching them their favorite songs and fostering a passion for musical expression that transcends boundaries and enriches lives.

Book a lesson with Shafik: https://quartertonez.setmore.com/shafik-bastawrous

FELIPE PACCAGNELLA

PIANO | GUITAR | VOICE | SAX

Felipe Paccagnella is a well rounded artist based off Columbia, Maryland. He composes, arranges, produces, mixes and sometimes masters various works for artists all over the world. He has released 2 albums of his own (“Christmas Jazz” 2013 and “My Home” 2018) as well as fully produced 2 albums for Linda D. Harris (2018 and 2020) and a full album for Laura Siderac (2019). Felipe can also be heard in singles from Robson Fonseca (2018), Phillip Olaomi (2021), Che Chin King (2021),
and on the “renovo” album by Grupo Orion (2018). Felipe also performs professionally playing piano, guitar, bass, drums and singing and has performed at Riverbend Fesfival (2016), the Strathmore (2015), the Kennedy Center(2020), and the Mid-Atlantic festival (2019, 2020) as well as several known smaller venues such as Bethesda Blues and jazz (2017) and the Blues Alley (2018). He has shared the stage with artists like Tony Craddock Jr, Henri Dikongue, Negleatha Johnson, Jader Santos and Ton Carfi, one of the biggest gospel names in Brazil as well as worked as the band director for the Washington Brazilian Choir (2018). Felipe is also the composer, arranger and director of the light switch band.

In terms of education, Felipe started piano lessons very early at age seven. Since then he has spent a summer on a song writing workshop at the Berkelee College of music, got an associates degree in jazz studies and a letter of recognition in music therapy from Howard community college, and is currently on his last semester of a bachelors in music at Washington Adventist University. Felipe also has a bachelors in psychology from the University of Maryland so that he can better serve his musician friends when they ask for advice in life.

Felipe is a current member of the Washington DC Recording Academy Latin Committee where he is helping to represent the Brazilian music community in the metropolitan area. Felipe is passionate about making the world a better place through his music. He seeks to inspire people to live a healthy and joyful life as well as create an atmosphere where they can relax, even if just for a moment. He plans on keeping to share his gifts and talents with everyone who will listen as well as keep on working with other artists in the studio to help their visions become a reality. There are 13 releases that Felipe is producing scheduled for this year as well as another album by Felipe himself scheduled for 2022. Felipe’s team is currently working on possibly touring the US this coming summer (2021)

Book a lesson with Felipe: https://quartertonez.setmore.com/felipe-paccagnella

ETHAN FOOTE

GUITAR | BASS | CELLO

Ethan Foote is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and arranger working in jazz, the Western classical tradition, folk, rock, and genres in between. He writes and performs in many contexts, including theatre and interdisciplinary art. Rooted in the DC music scene, he has taken the stage at many of the area’s notable venues, including the Kennedy Center and the Mansion at Strathmore, where he was an Artist-In-Residence in 2016-2017. He has toured in the U.S., U.K., Europe, and Thailand. He received a Master of Fine Arts in music composition from Vermont College of Fine Arts in 2020.

Ethan teaches double bass, bass guitar, cello, acoustic guitar, and piano and believes strongly in incorporating composition and improvisation into all instrumental instruction as a way of cultivating well-rounded and creatively activated musicians. Drawing on classical, traditional, and popular frameworks, he seeks to provide students with the tools that will allow them to enjoy playing their instruments and, at the same time, to develop a deeper understanding of music as a whole. He also works to help students build a foundation of technique that encourages long-term physical well-being by combining tried-and-true best practices with attention to the unique needs of each musician. 

JEREMY LYONS

GUITAR

Guitarist, Jeremy Lyons has been performing, teaching, and living in Baltimore for more than ten years. He regularly performs as a soloist and with ensembles of all sizes. In an effort to present both contemporary and period works of art, he collaborates with many different kinds of musicians and performs in a variety of venues. As a teacher, Jeremy leads classes that focus on rhythm, harmony, ear training, and guitar technique. He works with children and adults both privately and in groups settings. In addition to independent projects, Jeremy is a member of two Baltimore-based contemporary music ensembles: Mind on Fire and Pique Collective, and he also applies his extensive background in Renaissance and Baroque music by performing on period instruments such as the Renaissance lute, Baroque guitar, and viola da gamba. As a composer, Jeremy works on projects that combine music and other artistic mediums such as poetry, theater, and sculpture.

For more information, you can visit his website:  http://www.jeremylyonsguitar.com

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

My goal as a guitar teacher is to help students make music while learning how to play the instrument. I am ultimately striving to motivate my students to get the best possible sound from their instrument while expending the least amount of energy. While there are numerous schools of thought concerning the proper way to position the hands in relation to the guitar and how to execute finger movement, I have found the teaching of Manuel Barrueco to be the most effective guidance. He has always advised me to be economical in motion and to never use unnecessary tension, but he is most insistent upon singing through the guitar. Often technical issues become clear when we sing a line of music and then attempt to play the guitar in the same way. In doing this, I find technical demands are usually dictated by musical decisions. Although developing technique from an early age is paramount to a student’s ability to learn repertoire with ease, an understanding of expression in music is not something that must wait until later in life. I believe that every student can find something very human and natural through making music, and the sooner they experience this part of music, the sooner they become excited by possible results.

With most students, I work through a graded series of method books or at least a collection of etudes to continuously improve technique and present appropriate challenges. Different methods work better for certain students varying in age, ability, and commitment. I also tend to supplement my methods with individually selected repertoire pieces that focus on a particular area of study that the student is engrossed in. I make sure to incorporate an understanding of music theory concepts and I heavily focus on rhythm exercises because these areas are imperative to the development of a complete musician. There are plenty of styles of music associated with the guitar, but the classical guitar has the highest level of repertoire available, thus demanding the highest level of technique. My approach to teaching is that every student should learn the guitar in the classical tradition in order to be prepared to tackle all levels of music. The student may wish to focus on another style of music, but I still request of my students to study classical technique as well. An introduction to music history as it applies to the guitar is a great way to spark interest in an aspiring student. Regular concert attendance also assures exposure to the vast repertoire available and the extent of abilities that a professional guitarist possesses. Finally, by providing and encouraging concert opportunities, the student learns the value of practicing towards a goal and gains experience presenting a body of work in front of an audience.

Book a lesson with Jeremy: https://quartertonez.setmore.com/jeremy-lyons

YOUSTINE FALTAS

GUITAR | OUD

Youstine Faltas is a highly skilled multi-instrumentalist with a strong focus on guitar. While initially trained as a classical pianist, Youstine discovered his true musical voice through the guitar, and he has been captivating audiences for the past 16 years with his exceptional talent.

His musical journey has taken him across continents and genres, where he has effortlessly embraced various styles including French folk, blues, classical Arabic, and Jazz standards. Continually pushing the boundaries of his instruments, Youstine joined Columbia’s Jazz band and the Arab Music Ensemble in 2017, further expanding his musical horizons. Whether performing blues in New York City’s iconic venues, or bringing his unique sound to reggae and funk events in the south of France, Youstine consistently delivers innovative and soul-stirring performances.

For Youstine, the connection between a musician and their instrument is an intimate and transformative experience, one that can be healing and enlightening. This profound belief influences his teaching style and philosophy, as he strives to inspire his students with curiosity and a sense of fulfillment throughout their musical journey.

With a passion for nurturing creativity and personal growth, Youstine Faltas continues to leave a lasting impact on both his students and the music community at large, as he shares his love for music and the transformative power it holds.

Book a lesson with Youstine: https://quartertonez.setmore.com/youstine-faltas

Explore the world of guitar with Quartertonez, where your desire to play music is encouraged and the strings come alive. Our team of talented guitar instructors offer in-depth knowledge and a passion for instruction. Our multicultural community welcomes musicians of all ages and abilities and encourages and supports you on a unique musical journey.

In order to accommodate varying learning styles, we offer both individual and group lessons. Our individual lessons offer personalized attention and personalized instruction tailored to your unique needs and objectives. Whilst our group classes provide a dynamic and collaborative learning environment where you can share knowledge and experience with each other.

Offering possibilities for both on-line and in-person education, we make sure that everybody can experience the beauty of song. Our online platform gives brilliant audio and video great collectively with a smooth learning experience. 

Enter a supportive setting where limitations are tested and your skills are developed. Take in the excitement of in-person performances, in which teamwork fosters your musical improvement. Our broad curriculum and expert instructors are here to guide and inspire you throughout your musical journey. Our tutors will help you reach your maximum potential, whether you’re a novice or an expert player looking to improve your technique.

Did you know that the longest recorded guitar solo took an incredible 24 hours and 18 minutes. It was performed by David DiDonato in 2011, earning him a place in the Guinness World Records.

Come play with Quartertonez, a dynamic community of guitarists, and realize your full potential. Enroll now!