Bass Lessons in Livermore, CA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Double Bass

In my teaching style I ask students to explore specific aspects and material that they would like to learn. As I cater to this approach, I compliment it by incorporating fundamentals, theory and improvisation into my lessons. I am a competent teacher and enjoy teaching and continually learning through music. I also enjoy helping students with song writing, arranging and singing as their interest warrants. The lessons are usually guided by the interests of the student based on his or her goals. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For absolute beginners, I like to take some time in the beginning to teach the fundamentals of music which will allow for students to more easily learn songs of their choice while studying which me, and after they have studied with me. For beginners, I use handwritten tablature, online tablature, and Hal Leonard Instructional Books. For those interested in classical guitar, I use selected pieces from the Christopher Parkening Method Books. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I developed a very good relative pitch. Luckily, my old teacher had taught me how to read music. While in college I fell under the spell of flamenco music and studied briefly with a blind Spanish guitarist in Manhattan. I performed in rock and pop groups throughout college. When I moved to California I studied with Jon Harris, a classical guitarist who had studied under Segovia. I began to compose my own music and to continue a grueling practice schedule. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Despite my young age, I've had extensive experience in Early Childhood Education as well as one-on-one music lessons. I gave my first lesson as a high school graduate to a neighbor who wanted to learn drums and start a band. I was able to provide a technical foundation for him to feel comfortable playing with others. In no time I was working with his band on learning songs to play at a school performance. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

For beginning students, children or adults, the first thing is to work on body position: the hands, arms, wrist and shoulder to avoid having the wrong positions of the body which could lead to physical problems in the future. Then it is important to learn the basic music skills: scales, arpeggios, basic harmony, and finger techniques. Once the students have progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals we can follow two parallel lines, studying advanced techniques and varied bass repertoire and at the same time focusing on what the student is interested in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always say that rhythm is more important than the notes. Play the right rhythm and the notes will come instead of playing every right note while sacrificing rhythm. I encourage students to make their mistakes loud, proud, and in rhythm so everyone has a better idea of what needs to be worked on most. I also emphasize isolating parts to practice and working backwards. Example: play the last two bars of the song until comfortable with it, now play the last 4 bars, last 6, last 8...etc., whole song. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When I begin with any student, I like to ask what they love, what they wish, and what they'd like to do during their lessons. Depending on the answer, I may start the student with tape on the fretboard, under the strings, outlining the chords for a guitar player. Or I may start with a book outlining the fundamentals of music and focus on sight reading. I like to have the lesson be a mix of what the students want, and what I believe to be useful information. Read More