Jeffrey is a patient, calm instructor with a wealth of knowledge and experience to impart. You walk out of his workshop with a definite reboot.
—Bill “the Kid” Claiborne
One of the most rewarding parts of my life as a professional writer and musician is helping others tell their own stories and create their own music. Over 30-plus years, this teaching has taken many forms—magazine articles, books, videos, workshops, private lessons, university courses, and more—as detailed below.
Free lessons
Check out these online lessons on chord progressions, guitar tunings, rhythm and lead techniques, songwriting games, and more. Many include videos, tab, and companion playlists.
Songwriting guide
Recently published by Backbeat Books in an expanded second edition, The Complete Singer-Songwriter is the definitive guide for the modern performer.
“The most creatively valuable book on the subject.”
—Ben Harper
Grateful Dead guitar
Bring Grateful Dead songs to life on your acoustic guitar with this best-selling video series from Homespun.
“Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers can sure play the music. Better still, he can teach it.”
—Dennis McNally
Songwriting Basics for Guitarists
This multimedia guide—with text, video, and tablature—from the publishers of Acoustic Guitar magazine includes lessons on getting started with songwriting, on free writing games, and on chord progressions.
Workshops
I’ve taught workshops at festivals, music trade shows, schools, and music stores—and in people’s homes—around the country.
“Your ideas were inspirational for all who attended. Accessible, fun, and pretty darn exciting things to do on acoustic guitar.”—Chris Broadwell, Ithaca Guitar Works
Private lessons
I teach individual, customized lessons for guitarists and songwriters, in person or online.
Teach Yourself Guitar Basics
Essential info for beginners, with six lessons and a CD.
“So you have in your hands this piece of crafted wood with six strings and wonder how to get started making those beautiful sounds you’ve heard? Get this book.”
—Pete Seeger
University teaching
Since 2009 I’ve designed and taught courses in the Honors Program at Syracuse University on songwriting and creative nonfiction writing. Before that, I taught magazine editing and writing at Syracuse’s Newhouse School of Public Communications.
