Become Positively Dangerous on the Guitar
I help you transform fragmented learning into a cohesive and fulfilling musical journey.
Unlock Your Musical Potential
Superstar-level perfection and flash on the classical guitar is a fine goal for a few, but learning how to practice in a way that feels enjoyable, builds technical security, and lets your music become moving and magical is something far more people can actually reach. I work with players at any level who want a more grounded, integrated way forward — one that brings ease, clarity, and expression back into balance.
Become Positively Dangerous on the Guitar
I help you transform fragmented learning into a cohesive and fulfilling musical journey.
Unlock Your Musical Potential
Superstar-level perfection and flash on the classical guitar is a fine goal for a few, but learning how to practice in a way that feels enjoyable, builds technical security, and lets your music become moving and magical is something far more people can actually reach. I work with players at any level who want a more grounded, integrated way forward — one that brings ease, clarity, and expression back into balance.
Is This You Now?
Do you care deeply about the music, and you’re willing to work — but you don’t want to spend the rest of your playing life chasing teachers, tips, and fixes, always wondering whether you’re practicing the right things. If you’re not a beginner, you may have learned a lot over the years and still feel unsure about how to move forward. What you’re looking for isn’t high-level advice that assumes you’re already near-perfect, or an endless hunt for fixes, but a way of playing where technique starts to make sense, practice becomes more reliable, and you can solve problems on your own with confidence.
Is This Where You Want to Be?
Do you want to fundamentally change how you listen, feel, and respond while practicing — so technique begins to feel easier and more obvious, rather than frustrating?
Do you want to:
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Become far less dependent on teachers, even if you still choose to work with one?
-
Learn how to use feedback to solve problems on your own, instead of guessing or collecting fixes?
-
Work with a small set of powerful steps that apply to every technical challenge, rather than juggling endless exercises?
-
Have your practice become simpler, more consistent, and less draining, without boredom or frustration?
-
Have your practice become focused, productive, and enjoyable, even with limited time?
-
Practice less, but better — doing fewer exercises and getting more from each one?
-
Learn how to avoid injury, especially when returning to demanding repertoire later in life?
-
Understand when and how to practice slowly, how to avoid practicing mistakes, and how to balance accuracy with flow?
-
Strengthen your musicianship skills gradually and without overwhelm, directly supporting memory, expression, and confidence?
-
Move steadily toward a level of playing that meets your own standards, in far less time than you expect — whether or not you ever perform publicly?
These are realistic goals, not pie-in-the-sky hopes.
This work is for players who want sufficient mastery as a strong base — enough clarity, ease, and understanding to move forward independently, sustainably, and musically, without burning out or starting over.
Is This You Now?
Do you care deeply about the music, and you’re willing to work — but you don’t want to spend the rest of your playing life chasing teachers, tips, and fixes, always wondering whether you’re practicing the right things. If you’re not a beginner, you may have learned a lot over the years and still feel unsure about how to move forward. What you’re looking for isn’t high-level advice that assumes you’re already near-perfect, or an endless hunt for fixes, but a way of playing where technique starts to make sense, practice becomes more reliable, and you can solve problems on your own with confidence.
Is This Where You Want to Be?
Do you want to fundamentally change how you listen, feel, and respond while practicing — so technique begins to feel easier and more obvious, rather than frustrating?
Do you want to:
-
Become far less dependent on teachers, even if you still choose to work with one?
-
Learn how to use feedback to solve problems on your own, instead of guessing or collecting fixes?
-
Work with a small set of powerful steps that apply to every technical challenge, rather than juggling endless exercises?
-
Have your practice become simpler, more consistent, and less draining, without boredom or frustration?
-
Have your practice become focused, productive, and enjoyable, even with limited time?
-
Practice less, but better — doing fewer exercises and getting more from each one?
-
Learn how to avoid injury, especially when returning to demanding repertoire later in life?
-
Understand when and how to practice slowly, how to avoid practicing mistakes, and how to balance accuracy with flow?
-
Strengthen your musicianship skills gradually and without overwhelm, directly supporting memory, expression, and confidence?
-
Move steadily toward a level of playing that meets your own standards, in far less time than you expect — whether or not you ever perform publicly?
These are realistic goals, not pie-in-the-sky hopes.
This work is for players who want sufficient mastery as a strong base — enough clarity, ease, and understanding to move forward independently, sustainably, and musically, without burning out or starting over.
Meet Jay Kauffman
With over five decades of experience in playing, performing, and teaching classical guitar, I focus on helping students integrate scattered techniques into a unified approach. My teaching philosophy centers around making music feel easier, sound better, and become a source of joy rather than frustration. I am passionate about sharing the music I love and the often-overlooked principles that bring it to life. Join me as we explore the depths of classical guitar together.
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What My Students Say
With Jay’s advice… I feel like I’ve gone from 1 and 1/2 pistons to a V8. And I’m not talking about tomato juice.
Taylor S.
Mai Mollman Student, Guitarist, Writer,Iowa
Jay’s approach to teaching is distracting me TO the music and away from the usual din in my head which disconnects me from both my hands and the guitar. I am feeling a direct connect between my mind, hands and back and shoulders and what sounds are happening. So I feel in control.
Morgan R.
Rachel M Guitarist, Guitar Student, New York
Jay’s course was transformative for me. It completely changed my approach to the instrument. Jay left an indelible impression on me. He not only possessed exceptional guitar skills but also had the patience and expertise of a seasoned teacher. His individual approach to instruction ensured that every student received the guidance they needed to progress.
Alex M.
Josip Budulica, Belgrade, Serbia
Jay’s gotten me even more enthusiastic about classical guitar and classical music in general. I’ve become motivated to practice more. He’s very conscious of every aspect of what he’s doing and can teach that clearly. I’ve become more emotionally engaged when I play. I’ve started listening more, I’ve started feeling more, and I’m more connected to the music. This is something I’ve been looking for, and and is hard to find.
Jamie L.
Magnus Gautestad Guitarist, Musician and Performer, Teacher, Kristiansand, Norway
Blog / Substack
Recordings
Archipelago for Guitar
Archipelago for Guitar is a story told through nine pieces of music. It’s illustrated by a painting for each piece, and each piece tells a new tale in the adventures of Amal, the song savant who leaves his Isle of Milonga in a guitar-powered boat, sails over the edge of the sea, and meets Maranya Ne, the beautiful musical mermaid. To read each part of the story while listening to the music and viewing the painting, follow the link to Bandcamp, where the recording lives.
Released October 1 2020
Fingerprint
Fingerprint is a musical tour of the world through the strings of my guitar. It is a collection of music inspired by folk and popular idioms from around the globe. It features Variations on a Mongolian Folk Song, Samba di Locomoco, and the Spooky Blues, as well as music ranging from Venezuela to Spain to Japan and Turkey.
Re-released December 23, 2016
Begin Your Musical Journey
Begin Your Musical Journey
Do I teach beginners, non-classical players, and children?
Yes to all three. If you’re a songwriter or fingerstyle guitarist who wants to go beyond chords and patterns, I can help you apply classical technique and musical principles in a practical, musical way. I also work with children, giving them a foundation that bridges popular guitar with classical musicianship.