Hot Licks Guitar Shop | Guitar Lessons

Mike Stacey is a Maryland native who started playing guitar at a very young age. While primarily self-taught, he has studied music theory extensively and is well-versed in multiple styles, including: jazz, blues, rock, funk and country. You can find him playing guitar, mandolin, banjo - pretty much anything with strings! Mike makes his living doing what he loves best, playing music and teaching music. In 2005, Mike celebrated his 20th year teaching guitar (bass, mandolin and banjo) at Hot Licks Guitar Shop in Waldorf, Maryland. Mike has contributed and co-written lyrics and music for numerous artists. He has recorded in studio sessions for CDs and national commercials, performed live on radio programs and produced several CDs. Mike has played with a number of great bands, including: Quade, Sheer Khan, Blu Nefu, Divine Static, His Boy Elroy, The Fatskeys, Austin Cody and the Crossroad Connection, and Fractious, as well as with many other local musicians and friends. Mike has performed on stages up and down the East Coast, in California, throughout England. Additionally, Mike has opened for many top recording artists, including: Trace Adkins, Kings X, 10,000 Maniacs, Bobby Blue Bland and Roy Ayers.
A veteran guitar player with over 23 years of playing experience, Todd Rhoades started teaching guitar lessons 18 years ago for Music and Arts. In 1989, Todd left Music and Arts to teach guitar lessons at Hot Licks Guitar Shop. Todd's musical influences include: Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, B. B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Randy Rhoads, Van Halen, Michael Schenker, Steve Morse, Al Di Meola, Gary Richrath and Mike Stacey. You may have seen Todd live on Southern Maryland/Washington D.C. circuit while performing with Captain Woody and Tyranny. Todd teaches beginner to advance students in a variety of styles which include: blues, blues rock, metal and acoustic, as well as reading and music theory, ith an emphasis on developing each student's individualistic style.
Joe Palchak is one of Southern Maryland's best kept secrets! Joe started playing guitar at the age of 13. He focused his studies on rock, metal, jazz, classical music and music theory. Joe has performed in recording studios, school and church groups, and has played live with a number of local artists in the D. C./Metropolitan area. Joe quickly developed a reputation as an incredible guitarist, and in 1996, he began teaching full-time at Hot Licks Guitar Shop. A versatile musician, Joe plays and teaches a variety of musical styles, including: rock, metal, blues, jazz, country and classical. He teaches over 70 students (beginners to advanced, children, teenagers and adults) every week. Joe loves children and is wonderfully patient with all of his students. Whether the a student is a novice or a seasoned pro, Joe is dedicated to helping each student develop his or her musical talent. Joe is also well-known for his ability to transcribe any music score, no matter how complex. Musicians who have influenced Joe's playing include Steve Vai, Satch, Malmsteen, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jason Becker, Jimi Hendrix and Randy Rhoads.
John Fortier began studying guitar at the age of 8 with Hot Licks Guitar Shop's own Mike Stacey. While other kids were playing video games, action figures and sports, John was passionately playing guitar. With the help of his wonderfully supportive parents and several years of private lessons with Mike, John was able to pursue a career as a professional working musician. John first began teaching guitar at Frederick Douglas High School as an assistant guitar instructor. In 2004, John began teaching guitar at Hot Licks. Well-versed in a wide range of musical styles, including: blues, rock, heavy metal, folk, and world music, John's live performing experiences and studio work enable him to assist each of his students to develop and achieve his or her guitar playing goals. Known for his patient and easy-going manner, John has received numerous letters of commendation for his ability to reach young children. Whether young or old, beginner or advanced, John makes any music genre come to life while tailoring each lesson to the student's individual needs and progress. John is currently a member of the band Recourse. John is also the guitar and bass repair technician for Hot Licks Guitar Shop.
Tom White began playing guitar in 1984 and has been influenced by John McLaughlin, Al DiMeola, Randy Rhoads, Alex Lifeson, Jake E. Lee, Tony Iommi, Yngwie Malmsteen, Vinnie Moore, and Joe Satriani. Tom started teaching guitar lessons in 1993 at Hot Licks Guitar Shop. He has also taught at other music stores in the local area. Tom teaches students of all ages - from beginner to advanced. He currently teaches lessons on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and is looking forward to expanding his schedule in the near future.