Guitar Instructors

Mike has been teaching guitar, bass, piano, drums, and strings for over 40 years. As a tremendously versatile musician and teacher, Mike offers a wealth of real life experience to his students. His long and storied career has included lessons from legendary rock musician Joe Walsh and performing and recording with bands or every pop music genre including rock, country, big bands, show bands, pit orchestras, and jazz groups. In 2025 he became a faculty member at Hiram College. Mike has a Bachelor's degree from the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston and a Masters Degree of Music Composition from the University of Akron.

As an active performer, songwriter, and session player, Dale brings a diverse range of professional experience to his students, to relate to their varied musical interests.

As a veteran teacher, Dale is committed to providing students of all ages and skill levels with instruction tailored to their personal preferences in style (fingerstyle or flat-pick) and technique. His curriculum covers everything from basic strumming and music reading to chord melody and fretboard theory for guitar, bass, and mandolin.

Dale's professional credits include membership in ASCAP and the Ohio Arts Council, with years performing and teaching in events such as the Kent Folk Festival and First Night Akron, and venues such as the Cleveland Museum Of Art, Akron Art Museum, the Blossom Grille at Blossom Music Center, Cain Park, Kent Stage, and Kent Free Library.

Dale's own performances specialize in American roots and blues music with a swinging, humorous, and engaging feel. Known for songwriting with "understated humor" and skilled guitar work, often performing in a duo, or trio format, or as a solo artist. As a sideman, Dale is best known as a bass player for various bluegrass, dance and original rock bands.

Jon is a full-time professional musician who plays nearly every instrument with strings. As a performer in a variety of styles his teaching emphasis includes traditional styles of Guitar, Banjo and Mandolin.

Jon’s credits include six solo albums and a number of recordings as a studio sideman. He has appeared in films, on radio and T.V. as well as touring throughout the U.S. and Europe. Jon currently keeps his schedule full performing as a solo bluesman, rootsy singer/ song writer, electric roots rocker in his trio, The Jon Mosey Trio, multi-instrumentalist in the Crooked River Stompers and a variety of other bands.

Ryan earned his degree in Music Theory at Kent State University. His extensive background as a guitarist includes Rock and Fusion, Classical , Jazz, and original works.

Ryan has performed throughout Northeast Ohio for over 12 years in rock groups, Broadway shows, and as a soloist. His teaching experience includes all styles of guitar, and bass guitar to all ages and levels of students. He is very current and hip to today’s music and likes to individualize his approach for each student.

Steven is one of the area's outstanding young guitar teachers and performers who has been connected with Woodsy’s since 2006. His studies at Akron University and Kent State include performance, composition, jazz studies and music technology. He is an active performer as a vocalist, guitarist and writer for a number of area groups including his own groups as well as the popular wedding band Black Tic Audio. Steven relates well to all ages and teaches electric, acoustic, and bass guitar.

Emily is one of the areas most successful performers and teachers. Her musical endeavors began as a long term guitar and voice student at Woodsy’s where her groups had a stellar career in the Woodsy’s Rock School program as well as winning the acclaimed Tri-C Rock-Off competition at the House of Blues in Cleveland. Emily’s groups have performed throughout the nation including Detroit, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco. She has been teaching beginner and intermediate guitar students for a number of years where she particularly enjoys promoting a positive image for young ladies in the Rock world. Her added talents as a pianist and vocalist allow her to bring a rich musical approach to her students.