Guitar Lessons in Elmira, CA

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 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 Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Upon this foundation, I would introduce own separate exercises and techniques, as well as favorite songs, so as to help keep the students motivated. In the case of students who do not wish to learn to read and would just like to learn to play, I would teach them using an emphasis on ear training as well as understanding of basic chord symbols for them to be able to associate and know what they are playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am open to a wide variety of teaching methods! By not committing to one specific method, I allow myself to be flexible and respond to my student's needs. For example; if a student has limited eyesight, as a previous student of mine had, I will focus on teaching by-wrought rather than by using written notation. I take extreme care planning lesson plans for my students, and often find myself thinking what would best help my students in my off time. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For someone with no experience on guitar I'll typically begin with scales, and familiarizing with the guitar. For bass; exactly the same as guitar to start, drums would start with with your basic 2,4 beat, and familiarization with parts (snare, hi hat, etc). Vocalist I would always start with a warm up, basics, and note reciting. For keyboard beginners I would show them their A,B,C's as far as how to access those, and we'd start messing with different shapes, and songs almost right away. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I'm an experienced and caring instructor who loves to see students empowered in their own creativity and excellence. I received my Bachelor's in Music Education from Ithaca College in 1988. I have recorded and released three projects so far that have received radio play internationally and been on the charts on college public radio. My travels performing music in the U.S. and beyond have enriched my life immeasurably and I love sharing the spark of imagination with my students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In 2015, she was a recipient of the Plantronics Creativity Innovation Scholars Award 2015 (presented annually by the UCSC Arts Division,) and in 2017, she was awarded both the UCSC Chancellors Award and the Deans Award for her Senior Recital and composition project for the UCSC Guitar Ensemble, "Endless Journey." Later in 2017, I won the international Fretmonkey Guitar Solo Contest, an online contest organized by Fretmonkey Records, a record label of Progressive Fingerstyle guitar based in Arkansas, CA. Read More