After decades of trying to learn guitar on my own, I started lessons with Lawrence in August 2020. Four years later, I've learned to play both pop and classical music, and I have confidence to look at other pieces at my level and work them out on the guitar. This is due not only to Lawrence's ability to share his deep knowledge of music in ways I can understand, but his approach to teaching in general. Like many students, I bring a strong tendency to criticize myself (despite equally strong evidence that this doesn't actually help me learn). Lawrence gives gentle, useful feedback that tells me that he sees a complete picture: He does notice my mistakes, but he also tells me what went well and specific ways in which I'm getting better. I trust his perspective, and I keep improving. In this manner, Lawrence has helped me become a better student - more open and relaxed, and more attentive to the process rather than focusing on the failures. I am able to view "failures" now as steps toward competence. This is not just a guitar lesson, but a life lesson. In fact, I have found that much of Lawrence's teaching, while specific to guitar, also applies well to real life. His philosophies have enriched my day-to-day experience. Whether or not I practice. :) I highly recommend Lawrence. He's an amazing guitar player, and he knows how to teach. His measured approach is calming and steadying, and his compassion and kindness is very supportive. He does his best to accommodate scheduling needs, and he is super reliable. Work with him. You'll get better at guitar, and you won't stress about it. read more

Our 6th grader has been studying guitar with Mr. Paul since he was in kindergarten and just loves it. Totally agree with the reviews of Mr. Paul; he is kind and patient with youngsters and also adapts his style as the child grows. We recommend him whole heartedly. read more

I have been taking lessons from Lawrence Paul for over 15 years now, and highly recommend him as a teacher and guitar mentor. He has extensive experience playing/performing, and has been teaching for many decades. Though I am not a youngster, he is quite good at teaching all age groups, and has extensive experience teaching kids who are first learning, elementary school classes, teens/college age, and adults up to retirees! He takes his teaching and his students seriously, with a structured approach to lessons and instruction - not just jamming. He is a very competent professional musician who plays rock/blues, classical, flamenco styles, on acoustic and electric instruments and bass. In my preferred style of rock/blues, Lawrence has helped me to learn the basics of 6-string guitar then build beyond that foundation in my own interest areas of sight reading, music theory, rhythm, lead and improvisation, flat pick and finger style, developing repertoire, playing with others in a band, and has arranged other local vocal teachers to assist with vocal instruction. Highly recommended. read more

Mr Paul is reliable, and has been able to instill deep interest in music in our son, starting from only 3 years old. He also has significantly older students and I'm impressed by his ability to work with such a variety of ages. He is very patient and gentle, and knows how to make music appealing and fun for kids. read more

I have been learning guitar from Lawrence Paul for almost three years. It has been an excellent experience. Lawrence definitely has the expertise. Even after so many many years of teaching Lawrence is still dedicated in studying and polishing his teaching approach. Lawrence caters to different people's needs and skill sets, and has always been kind, patient, and encouraging. Lawrence is also very organized in scheduling and is very responsive on any request. read more

My son has been taking lessons with Lawrence for more than a year. In that time he has grown tremendously. Lawrence is patient, supportive yet firm when needed. He is very knowledgeable and plays beautifully. I highly recommend this amazing guitar teacher. He's outstanding! read more

I've had the great pleasure of learning from Lawrence over the past few months. I've always been a huge music fan, but I had never taken a guitar lesson before. Lawrence is a great teacher who believes in his students. He is kind, patient and always encouraging. I always look forward to our weekly guitar lesson. He's taught me so many wonderful songs, and we even learn some of my favorite songs each week. I highly recommend Lawrence. I've learned so much from him in just a few months. If you're passionate about music and want to learn from an amazing guitar player and teacher, then definitely reach out to Lawrence! read more

I've been noodling with the guitar close to a decade now and gotten nowhere. After two class with Lawrence, I can already start to see a foundation being built. All those years bad habits are slowly melting away. My impression so far is that he takes the time to understand his students needs, and tries to teach with that in mind. I can't ask for more. :) read more

This review for Lawrence is from the perspective of a beginning guitar player. In choosing Lawrence, and compared to other teachers I spoke with, he took the time to understand my experience level and musical background before we started the lessons. After three months of private lessons, I also appreciate how Lawrence has helped me keep advancing as a beginner, including how to read and understand music. read more

I took private lessons with Lawrence in the early 90s. Yes, he has been teaching over 25 years. This was back when he was off Great Highway. I did a few recitals with him. I got pretty good at Etude #5 lol. I happened to Google him just to see what he was doing and I saw that he now teaches at St. Finn Barr. My daughter graduated from St. Finn Barr 2 years ago and Lawrence was not the teacher then but this caused me to write a review. Lawrence can be dry and tough at times. He was always punctual about appointments, almost like a therapist. But that is what the classical teachers did. I don't know if he has changed but I hope not. Everything today is to "hands off" or "pc" I'm glad he got married because I'm sure that mellowed him. If I still lived in the City, I would resume lessons with him. Keep on rockin Larry read more

Lawrence Paul has been playing guitar for decades and has studied with some of the great guitarists in the world. He is a dedicated musician and excellent teacher. read more

My 9 year daughter has been taking guitar lessons for a year now. Not only is she learning how to play the guitar, but she is learning how to read music. I know that when she starts learning the piano and what ever else she decides to do musically that all she has learned from Lawrence will put her miles ahead. I have also notice that Mady's ability to concentrate has been positively effected by her studies with Lawrence. I couldn't give a Lawrence a higher rating and I highly encourage you to start your child learning music and playing guitar with Lawrence. read more

My eldest son has been having electric guitar classes with Lawrence Paul for 3 years, and my younger son for 1 year. They both have fun and rhythm. They love it. read more

Lawrence is a highly professional and versatile guitar instructor who connects very well with beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. He is very adept at teaching the essential skills of sight-reading music and playing in-time. He also offers additional group lessons to encourage students to perform in duet, trio, and rock band settings in order to provide a fun and engaging positive learning experience and promote a better appreciation of musicianship. He offers private music theory instruction as well to those who might be interested in learning the mechanics of four-part harmony and chord progressions. I have studied classical, rock/blues guitar and music theory with Lawrence for over 13 years and have greatly improved my musicianship and understanding of musical concepts. He is a very good teacher who knows how to help students build their musical skills and impart confidence. read more

Lawrence was my guitar teacher many years ago--and an exceptional one at that. He was very good at what he did--in terms of training me on the instrument--and I also felt that I had a friendly ally in my corner throughout the process. I ended up becoming a teacher myself and have done a lot of songwriting for children. I think that my experience with Lawrence enriched me both as a player of the instrument and as a composer of songs. His technical skill combined with his warm, kind manner really helped me along my musical way. read more

My daughter started taking guitar lessons with Mr. Paul when she was 8 yo after elementary school guitar piqued her interest. Four years later, she's still taking lessons and likes to say she's working on "my re-per-TWAH." I attribute Mr. Paul's gentle emphasis on consistency of practicing and weekly lessons to her ongoing interest in music that has expanded to other instruments. Another good life example that what you get out of something depends on the effort you put into it. Mr. Paul is patient and always encouraging, even when things can be frustrating. Besides working on technique, I appreciate his willingness to work on songs that my daughter is most interested in, including adapting songs that need changes to her level or singing range. We've met some of his other students and have always been impressed by their span of ages, years of experience and versatility of guitar styles. His own breadth of experience comes out in his teaching style and understanding the learner's perspective. He is strict with time, but as a busy parent, I appreciate that. I highly recommend Mr. Paul. read more