Adam Polk

I actually began my first lessons with Dick Gordon, Jr. at his father’s studios back around 1988. I took lessons for about 2 months, but as a 12 year old, my competing interests in other areas prevented me from committing to the dedication it takes to become a successful player.

I returned to Tulsa in 2005 and at that point had been playing (not to be confused with studying) guitar for 3-4 years. I was learning how to play some songs and felt I was improving as a guitar player. I made the decision to begin taking formal lessons in an effort to build upon my “self-taught” level of playing. So, in February of 2007, I returned to taking lessons with Dick Gordon, Jr. about 19 years later. Dick actually remembered me and my father, who would bring me in for my lessons at that time!

When I began working with Dick as an adult, I quickly remembered his “no nonsense” teaching approach to learning to play. He makes it very clear, up front, what his expectations are of your commitment level and will also deliver on his threat to “fire” you as a student if you cannot commit to those expectations.

In turn, he also understands that many of his students are working adults with competing priorities in life that limit the amount of time that can be spent playing each week. He will challenge you and work to pull the best out of you as well as breaking down any mental barriers that may be preventing you from progressing. His unique background in music theory and psychology make for an outstanding teacher of a complex instrument.

After the student commits to his approach, Dick begins the working relationship with his proven methodology of teaching in-depth music theory followed by your desires in the areas that you wish to progress, whether it be lead, rhythm, or a particular playing style.

As a result of the past three years of working with Dick Gordon Jr., I have become a much more technical, confident, and knowledgeable player. Dick is truly a technician. He will correct every “bad habit” that you may have developed as a player to increase your efficiency in your changes or movements.

He is of the belief that you “practice like you perform”, so he also works with you as a performer, not just a guitar player. He is strict and precise with his corrections because that is what a good teacher does: accepts nothing less than your absolute best, every time, even if it is more than you even realize you are capable of.

Dick’s success as a great teacher and mentor can be attributed to his passion for excellence, his care of his students, and his love of music.

I went from viewing guitar as a hobby that I wanted to get better at doing so I could enjoy it more, to being well on my way to being a legitimate performer with a deep understanding of music theory. I am a much better player and singer thanks to Dick Gordon, Jr. and I hope that I continue to have the opportunity to work with him and have a friendship with him for many years to come.