Lesson Payments

I'm currently available for private lessons (in person or Skype), clinics, and ensemble instruction. Please contact me at philesargent@verizon.net or at 617-306-0443.

Here are some teaching reviews:

In addition to being the most talented guitarist and musician I have ever had the opportunity to play with, Phil is an astoundingly good teacher. I've played guitar for 8 years and taken private lessons the entire time. Phil has been my teacher for the past 2 years and in that time I have progressed as a musician more than I could have ever imagined. Phil has been the biggest factor in my decision to major in music, due to his unrivaled musical talent, his kind, unassuming, (and funny) demeanor and his seemingly limitless knowledge of the fretboard. He is well versed in so many genres of music, and has such an effortless grasp on improvisation. Any guitarist, from immediate beginners to seasoned professionals, can learn so much from Phil. Need I say more? -Mike W (Current Student)

I am a student of Phil's in private lessons and group classes. For me, who's picked up a stringed instrument for the first time in decades (and who's studying with a family member at a different ability level), Phil's great knowledge of music, combined with his skill at instruction and contagious enthusiasm for playing music, has been a wonderful aid and inspiration. He is able to change pace on a dime to adapt to emerging strengths and weaknesses in my playing -- and in the playing of the group -- while at the same time keeping us on the path towards increased mastery and enjoyment of the instrument. I recommend him very highly.  -Tom Harwood (Current Student at Concord Conservatory)


Phil has visited my school to work with my guitar class students as well as my jazz ensemble guitarists. I also hired him as a clinician for the 2012 NHBDA Jazz Clinic. He was professional in his correspondance and his presentation, and the students remained inspired by his musicianship and teaching long after his departure. I have known of Phil as an exceptional performer for many years and am thrilled that he also approaches teaching with equal dedication. I enthusiastically recommend Phil to anyone looking for an expert on improvisation or guitar. --Dave Umstead, Hollis-Brookline High School (NH)

Phil has been teaching guitar to my son for over three years. As a beginner Phil sparked my sons interest in a variety of music and has inspired him to challenge himself and evolve as a musician. Phil's talent reaches beyond being a great musician, his passion of teaching is evident. He takes interest in my son as a musician and as a person. Their connection has been invaluable to my sons growth and confidence in both music and life. Shannon M-(Current Students mother)

Phil Sargent was my guitar instructor for five years. He has a vast knowledge of the jazz idiom as well as various other styles including odd-metered Bulgarian music and even metal, all of which he incorporates into his unique style. Phil is a great teacher for students of all abilities. I started lessons with him as an inexperienced player. Now I am going on to study music at the college level. He has a more modern approach to harmony, which makes him a great teacher for advanced players. During my lessons he was able to present information and guitar techniques in an accessible way. It is clear to me that he is not only a great teacher but also a great player. He is a guitarist that teaches, not a teacher that plays guitar. I would recommend Phil Sargent to any guitar student, especially students interested in jazz. -Max (Former student)

"I started learning guitar with Phil when I first got my guitar three years ago. I cannot even start to explain how much I have learned from having Phil as my teacher. I am only in high school, but I have accomplished so much because of Phil, from getting numerous gigs, preparing for Jazz All State and even helping other kids with learning guitar, but I could of never of done any of this without Phil. I started playing guitar without knowing what to do, and even being a little scared, but Phil's outstanding teaching and knowledge of music and students, allowed me to accomplish everything I have. Phil's musical ability allows him to incorporate music knowledge and theory into any style of music a student of his is interested in. Having Phil as a teacher has been great for me because I enjoy so many styles of music. Phil has been able to teach me the musical styles of classical, jazz, rock and even metal. I would highly recommend Phil as a guitar teacher to anyone no matter what musical taste they have or what level of guitar they are at.

-Reid (Current Student)

Phil is the best! He's an inspiring musician and composer, and has a deep love of music and seemingly limitless patience. Having had music teachers with neither patience nor an evident love of music, I can say with authority that Phil is a rare breed. He has great talent but never shows off, and he is wonderfully encouraging even to the most slowly progressing of students (that would be me). Any age, level of experience, or style of music (seriously--ANY style) --Phil's your guy!  

-Will M (Current Student)