Guitar Lessons in Glendale, 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: Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I typically teach using Frederick Noad's Solo Guitar Playing I. We eventually progress to Andres Segovia's Diatonic Major and Minor Scales then Scott Tenant's Pumping Nylon. For more advanced students we would often jump into simple pieces by Ferdinando Carulli followed by Opus 60 by Matteo Carcassi and Estudios Sencillos by Leo Brouwer. Students who are dedicated and consistently practice are playing pieces by Sor, Guliani, Tarrega, Villa-Lobos and the like usually with in six months. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Conga Latin Percussion Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Some of them have graduated from Berklee, Musician's Institute, and others just see music as a hobby and I respect and encourage them all equally. I've had adult students just picking up an instrument for the first time and seasoned pros that need some new perspective. My teaching has been a massive part of my career, including private lessons, working at School of Rock for 9 years, and masterclasses in my native Venezuela and The Netherlands. Read More

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

The student and I will begin to develop a relationship right away. Trust and communication are key. We'll see where the student stands in his or her current playing. They will usually play for a minute or so and talk out loud about their feelings on their playing. This will include thoughts like where he or she starts to get bored, gets stuck, wants to explore more, has trouble, etc. Read More

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

Every student progresses at their own pace. I write out the homework for the week on a piece of paper for both them and the parent to see. When their expectations are written out, it's easier to see how far they've progressed. Most of my lessons start out with asking how their week went and how much practice they were able to get in. We then review the material from the week before and talk about the progress or any difficulties they may have come across during the week. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have taught quite literally all ages. 5-75. Styles and lesson books used varied depending upon student and school. I usually taught Suzuki for violin, viola and classical guitar (tend to prefer Scott Tennant Pumping Nylon book for classical guitar though). And usually Faber Piano Adventures for young piano students. Eventually going to Clementi Sonatinas and Chopin Preludes. Also Mel Bay Modern Guitar for beginning rock/jazz guitarists. Then eventually going to Mickey Bakers Jazz Guitar books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Euphonium Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When I see a smile on someone's face in the presence of a musical accomplishment, the spiritual reward for that service is something I live for! To be able to help a student attain their goals requires a flexible teaching style, that can cater to every type of person. Positive affirmations are a key ingredient to helping a student feel good about they mile stones, but remaining realistic for the student at the same time allows them to make progress at their own pace, and feel good about it nonetheless. Read More