Guitar Lessons in Berkeley, CA

Instruments: Guitar Voice Ukulele Acoustic Guitar

I firmly believe that, as the Latin derivation of the word "Educate" would demonstrate, the key to teaching is NOT in the pouring of information into a student, but in the "Drawing Out" (E Ducere) of the student's interest and instincts... While lesson plans are very helpful as tools, I prefer to PERSONALIZE my instruction by first assessing the innate desires of the student and their initial acumen--and THEN devising a plan that COMBINES what THEY want with what i know as an educator will lead them to THEIR goals... Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I design my lessons with the specific student goals in mind.For Beginner students: we will start by exploring rhythm concepts and understanding how to read music. Learning the physics of the guitar and exploring the notes in the first few positions. Learning open position chords, and simple chords progressions, major and pentatonic scales,etc.For Intermediate students: we will continue expanding our knowledge of the higher positions of the guitar, as well as develop better sight-reading skills. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

There are many great method books out there for young students. Typically, I use whatever material the school provides, be it Standard of Excellence or Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. I like to incorporate other methods for more advanced students, such as the Conservatory Method by Jean-Baptiste Arban, Michael Davis's many offerings, and/or any of the great etude books out there. I feel it is best to use a well-rounded approach, especially considering the students needs as it pertains to their goals. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

I have for the past twenty-two years been working as a Music Educator, Administrator, Jazz composer and performer. The last eleven of those years have been in the San Francisco Bay area at Oakland School for the Arts, teaching and leading large jazz ensembles, orchestra, small groups and music theory classes for grades 6-12. As Chairman of the Instrumental Music Department, I was responsible for teaching and developing music curricula, developing new programs, recruiting and auditioning new students, presenting and speaking with incoming parent groups, writing and developing the school A-G requirements, and meeting with community schools and faculty to create meaningful collaborations. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar

I always begin with an informal conversation to get to know your interests and music goals are. Depending on the instrument and objective, I might follow traditional curriculum, such as Hal Leonard or Alfred Music. In reality, every student has a different way to approach the music. My job as a teacher is finding out what makes you tick, and use that to cultivate your passion and develop a study practice. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I started to teach during my studies at Eastman. With the help of my YouTube channel, I was able to have the opportunity to teach fans who had wanted to learn with me. Since these fans were all around the world, I had to teach them with the use of Skype. Then and there, I had started to teach fans of all ages online. I also had the opportunity to teach guitar to locals of my hometown in Texas where I met up with people of all ages and taught one on one private lessons. Read More

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

I am a classically trained clarinet player who learned every Rock instrument along the way and some other instruments. I'm currently in multiple bands including a Classic Rock cover band and a Latin band (Rock, Funk, Reggae, Ska, Cumbia). I write music in a variety of styles as well, such as singer/songwriter, Rock, EDM/trance, and even wrote a piece for the Diablo Valley College Philharmonic Orchestra. I'm also a big music theory geek which adds to my teaching ability. Read More