Lawrence Orf

    Music has been my passion from an early age. Originally inspired by the Beatles, I started playing guitar at the age of 10. I started on acoustic guitar and got my first electric at age 12. Some older boys who were already playing taught me my first chords and from there I learned by ear. As time went on I started to get into many different guitarists: Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jerry Garcia, Duane Allmand, Dicky Betts and many more

    I started playing in bands in my early teens and played in numerous bands up to age 27, playing all kinds of rock and Top 40 music. As time went on I realized that I wanted to know how to read and understand music. I had become more interested in jazz music and realized that it required a higher knowledge of music theory than I had needed to play rock. When I was 27 I got the opportunity to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston, one of the country's top jazz schools. After 6 semesters of extensive study(I already had some previous college credit) I graduated Summa Cum Laude.

    After graduation, I returned to Falls Church, VA, where I grew up. I started teaching guitar at that time and got back into the music scene. My band Banzai Plains released an album of original material in 1988. I have continued performing in various bands and currently play with Mike Kelly and Friends, Tripleroc, OMG, and the Josh Allen Band.

    I believe that my background has prepared me well for teaching music. I enjoy teaching students of all ages and interests. I try to fit the student's interests whether it is learning to read music, basic strumming, learning songs of the student's choice, or improvising lead guitar. I teach all levels from beginner to advanced and all styles of music.

    If you are interested in lessons for yourself or your child I want to work with you.