Guitar Lessons in New Almaden, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Drums Ukulele Recorder Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

The key ingredient to learning is interest. I believe that my students need to have an interest in what they are playing so that they can keep their minds and spirits engaged. Rudiments require attention and practice, but there is much more to learning an instrument than just technique; passion also needs nurturing. If a student is really in to Star Wars, for example, I will gladly incorporate the 'Imperial March' into their rudimentary studies. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet

With young students, I teach using the Royal Conservatory method. These books provide a good balance of technical development and quaity music. Once technical foundations are estabished, I will add ear training as well as theory and improvisation. For older students, I generally let them be the guide- whatever you want to work on is fine with me. Regardless of style, I try to make each lesson musical and fun. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like to "cross-train" my students. By this, I mean that it is important to work all of our musical muscles in order to become well-rounded musicians. Lessons could include anything from ear training, solfege, sight reading, song learning, and much more. Through this exploration, I can find what excites the student and work that into the lesson, and the student can find what inspires them while exploring it more and working on it with me. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For any student, I want to know what their goal is. I have been in many lessons where I was learning information that I never actually needed to know so I would like to teach my students whatever they need to grow as a better musician. For beginner students, I start with chords, chord structure, music theory, rhythm, etc. From there, I will expand their repertoire and introduce songs, improvisation, and sight reading/listening. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For beginner's in piano and guitar, I generally use the Alfred's and Mel Bay methods as starting places. In every situation, I tailor and personalize the curriculum to individual student needs; as students progress, I employ more and more personalized curriculum which reflects the research I have done into cognition and learning, and which maximizes the creative learning of the student. For more advanced students, I will challenge them in targeted domains, with customized exercises that focus upon their musical growth, with an emphasis on realizing their maximum potential. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is completely focused on making music fun. I believe every person has innate ability to learn the fundamentals of an instrument, so working through the initial anxiety of learning a new skill is necessary. By letting the student set the pace and offering an array of modalities to tackle students' goals, we will create an environment in which the pure joy of music can shine. Each lesson will include warm-ups, goal-setting, and free expression, with a specific curriculum (either out of a book or customized) guiding us always. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Double Bass

I began teaching music in 2004 while working in a guitar shop in nothern California. While I have mostly focused on writing music and performing, I am a passionate teacher and use the many great teachers I have had as a backdrop to my teaching style. I like to explore many aspects in music which include songwriting production and analysis. I currently teach privately in my Pacifica home and studio. I hold a BA in music from San Francisco State University with a focus in jazz studies on guitar. Read More