Guitar
All ODU Community Music Division instructors are highly qualified individuals who not only posses the knowledge of the instrument, but also the passion for teaching it. Whether a novice or advanced, our instructors teach students the principals of their instruments that help build a foundation for the rest of their lives.
Below you will find information about instructors for this instrument. Contact us for information on how to contact these instructors and begin private lessons.
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JOSH LESSARD—GUITAR
Joshua Lessard received his Master of Music degree from Norfolk State University and Bachelor of Music degree from Old Dominion University. Mr. Lessard is currently an adjunct Music Professor at Old Dominion University and Orchestral Director at Ruffner Academy. He graduated with honors from the Governor’s School for the Arts majoring in guitar and music composition. As a composer, Mr. Lessard wrote music for "Pavel’s Chariot", a Regent University film that has been shown in Los Angeles, Norfolk’s Naro Theater, and on PBS. His guitar styles include classical, jazz, rock, and blues. He has served as a faculty member of the Governor’s School for the Arts and as former adjunct music professor at Norfolk State University. As an accompanist and a soloist, Mr. Lessard has performed for ODU Guitar Ensemble, Collegium Musicum, and original and traditional religious music at area Synagogues and Churches. Josh has been affiliated with the Community Music Academy since 1996.
STEVE LAZAR - GUITAR
Steve Lazar, guitarist and bass instructor, is an ODU college senior completing his degree in Music Education. Steve is proficient at electric and acoustic bass at all levels in classical, pop/rock, or jazz styles and has been maintaining a large private studio for the past few years. He is an active performer with ODU Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Jazz Choir, Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo, various area bands, and the local jazz trio “Moodswing.” He is a regular performer at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront at Virginia Legends/Beach Street USA . Steve’s private instructors are Dr. Anibal Acosta and Chris White.
KRISTI HARRIMAN—PIANO, GUITAR
Kristi Harriman has a Masters of Music Therapy from Texas Woman’s University, and her Bachelors of Music Therapy degree from Augsburg College, Minnesota, where she graduated Cum Laude. Since 1998 she has worked for the City of Norfolk Neighborhood and Leisure Services at Lakewood Dance and Music Center teaching piano and guitar in both group and private instruction to children and adults. Kristi was formerly a family counselor for Norfolk Social Services (1998-2000). As an employee of Norfolk Public Schools she has provided music instruction for St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children. Her teaching methods emphasize theory and the aesthetic benefits of music. Kristi has also taught piano and guitar lesson at the collegiate level.