Bass Lessons in Toluca Lake, CA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I let the student drive the lessons if they have some experience. If they like Led Zeppelin then I will find a way to use Zep licks and solos to teach them the basics of the instrument to the advanced understandings of solos. For beginner students I always start with basic chords, chromatics, and ways to warm up. I often use the CAGE system when starting with beginners so they will get the basic chords and understand how they are applied all over the neck of the guitar. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have various methods for different styles. For all students (classical and nonclassical), I will assess their abilites, skill level, and what their musical interests are. Beginning students will be given a list of hand picked lesson books and written notes based on each lesson focusing on technique, basic music theory and note reading, and learning how to play basic songs. Intermediate students will be given a list of lesson books based on their preferred playing style (Ex: Jazz-Hal Leonard Jazz Guitar). Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Bass Guitar Electric Violin Acoustic Guitar

Classes are customized per the student's individual needs. For some students, this means a standard repertoire: Schradiek, Scevcik, Hrimaly for violin. Hanon for piano. But for others, they would do better with a less formal approach. In all cases, the use of the ear is fundamental and primal. We will learn how to hear, and how to listen for timbres and intervals. (Basic interval training will be a part of everyone's lesson, as there's really no way around that.) Some students are intimidated by the classical repertoire, and the demands the classical tradition places on musicians. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

My objective as a teacher is to foster a positive learning environment for all students, and my expertise aligns with the qualifications needed for students of all skill levels. Since graduating eleven years ago with a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies I have worked in a variety of teaching settings including classrooms and one-on-one. I have developed many valuable skills while teaching diverse groups of students including both children with learning disabilities and gifted children. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Drums Bass Guitar Organ Accordion Ukulele Music Keyboard

My philosophy is to teach the student what they want to learn while including basic music theory so that they know what they are doing and why. I plan performance opportunities for the students every couple of months. I emphasize that music is another language we can communicate with. Everytime we practice we perfect our ability to communicate more fully. When our intentions are focused on communicating something valuable to the listener the musician playing begins to flow from the heart. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

After graduating cum laude with a degree in Music, Gabriel made his way to Chicago to work on a Masters in Jazz Studies at DePaul University, studying with Bob Palmieri (a student of John Scofield), trumpeter Dr. Robert Lark, and saxophonist Peter Ballin. While at DePaul he continued to play and record in several jazz combos and big bands, while also finding the time to jam at some of the great blues bars in the city.  Leaving Chicago behind in 2003, Gabriel traveled to Los Angeles to pursue his Doctorate in Musicology at the University of Southern California, where he studied Indian classical music, Jazz History, and 20th century Western art music, receiving a Masters in Musicology along the way and becoming a Doctoral Candidate. Read More