Alexander Baboian

Guitar lessons in Delft and Scheveningen

Hi! My name is Alexander Baboian. I’m a conservatory-trained guitarist, and I enjoy giving guitar lessons in central Delft and at a guitar studio near the harbor in Scheveningen. My guitar lessons are for children, teenagers, and adults, from beginners to advanced students. Of course, we’ll first schedule a trial lesson so we can get to know each other.

Guitar Lessons for all ages

If you want to give your child a solid musical foundation and proper technique, or if you yourself want to seriously learn to play the guitar, personalized instruction is the best way to go. I offer exactly the guidance and inspiration you’re looking for!

What do I offer?

My teaching style is known for its effective methods and clear, inspiring approach, which will motivate you to pick up your guitar regularly at home and practice. Dive into music theory, reading sheet music, tabs, jazz harmony, improvisation skills, solos, and guitar software/hardware.

What can you expect?

• You’ll learn proper posture
• How to read sheet music, chord symbols and tabs
• Chords and different types of chords and progressions
• Increased awareness of Rhythm
• Playing with fingers and/or a pick
• A relaxed atmosphere in class
• Targeted exercises
• Clear explanations
• Playing together
• Preparation for recitals
• Feel free to suggest your own songs

Where do I teach?

I teach at my home in central Delft, near Oostpoort, and also at a professional studio by the harbor in Scheveningen.

Discover the possibilities of the acoustic guitar

The endless possibilities of the guitar constantly challenge me to explore new styles and songs. Whether you’re interested in classical music with nylon strings or folk-style acoustic guitar with steel strings, I can offer advice. This can range from folk songs and pop songs to jazz, Latin, funk, rock, blues, R&B, singer-songwriter music, and perhaps even your own songs.

Want to write your own music?

By expanding your theoretical knowledge and starting to write your own music, a whole new world will open up for you! I’ll definitely encourage you to develop your creativity and write your own songs. As an experienced composer, I’ll give you all the information you need about chords and song structures, along with specific guidance on how to write a melody and choose chords to go with it. Writing your own music and possibly editing it with special software on your laptop is a rewarding experience and who knows where things can lead!

Classical Technique

Developing a variety of playing techniques is fascinating and opens up many creative possibilities. Playing with your fingers is very different from playing with a pick and strumming chords. The acoustic guitar is great for solo arrangements and accompaniments across various genres. Songwriter and folk songs, as well as classical and Spanish pieces, are all worth exploring.

A Passion for Jazz

At the renowned Berklee College of Music, I developed a deep passion for Jazz and related styles and was taught by various great artists. Jazz is at the root of many other styles of music and a solid understanding of Jazz improves your playing of other styles as well. Drawing on that background, I’d love to help you discover how legends like Jim Hall, Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, George Benson, Pat Metheny, John Scofield, Bill Frisell, and Peter Bernstein play their solos. Curious? Then you’ve come to the right place! I've studied the Jazz repertoire thoroughly and can suggest excellent repertoire for Jam sessions and recitals.

Trial Lesson

A trial lesson is a nice way to get to know each other. I’d love to hear you play and am curious to learn about your goals and music styles you like to explore! You’ll immediately get a sense of my teaching style. We’ll discuss how the 5- or 10-lesson packages work and which location is most convenient for you.

Don’t have a guitar, yet?

I know the good local guitar shops and can help you find a good guitar and am happy to provide unbiased advice on whether to rent or buy.

Electric Guitar - Effects, Pedals, DAWs

Of course, I can also help you dive deeper into playing the electric guitar. I’m an expert in music technology—including synthesizers, audio interfaces, PA systems, effects pedals, MIDI, DAWs, and more—and can give you great advice on how to use them in the best and most creative ways!About MeI was born and raised in the U.S., but I’ve been living as an expat for a while now (including in Armenia, Germany, and Belgium), and I really enjoy living and working in the Netherlands. I earned my bachelor’s degree in guitar performance at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, where I specialized in jazz. I also hold master’s degrees from the Yerevan State Conservatory and the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp, where I specialized in composition and electronic music. I have performed at major festivals such as the Washington DC Jazz Festival, Boston Beantown Jazz Festival, JEN Jazz Conference, and Morgenland Festival Osnabrück, as well as at venues like Bimhuis Amsterdam and A-Trane Berlin, Scullers Boston, Music Village Brussels, and Hotclub Gent.