Guitar Lessons in Piedmont, CA

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching method for complete beginners is to take examples from method books such as the Aaron Shearer method book, and apply it so that the student can become accustomed to using their fingers to pluck and frets strings. After they get a sense of how to use their hands on the instrument, I would automatically start teaching pieces. I believe that pieces are the most practical way to learn an instrument because first, playing pieces is the goal that we want to achieve in the first place and second, I believe that all of the techniques that are needed when playing an instrument are all included in pieces. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am an exciting young Mexican-American guitarist and composer, began playing guitar at the age of 13. In 2014, won the international, Lowden Young Guitarist of the Year competition for performers and composers under 25, organized by the Irish guitar company of guitars, Lowden. As the winner, I traveled to Lowdens Northern Ireland workshop to pick out a guitar (choosing a Richard Thompson signature model) and to perform alongside Lowden signature artists, Jon Gomm and Thomas Leeb, at the Lowden 40th Anniversary Concert. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

I have been teaching privately since undergraduate college days. In addition to private lessons on guitar and piano, I have facilitated group workshops, directed ensembles, and tutored reading comprehension in some Oakland public schools. It's a profound joy to see young children have their first musical experiences as well as to see the fire of music be rekindled in those who have put an instrument down and have decided to pick it up once again. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe in encouragement, fun and positive focus on the students progress at whatever speed that they progress. This makes each student look forward to each lesson with eagerness and actually accelerates their progress. I never push a student and instead encourage and edify the student and try to use their own favorite pieces of music to keep them excited about their next lesson. Acknowledging small progress is the key and I never let a student leave without celebrating their accomplishments no matter how small! Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I usually come in pretty relaxed, but can be a drill sergeant if needed. I find that every student has their own learning pace and style and will never get needlessly angry. If a student is doing particularly well or seems invested in the material, I will always acknowledge it and the lessons will become very much enjoyable for everyone! Every single student has the potential to unlock some truly unique musical capabilities. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

My biggest satisfaction when I teach is seeing my students getting better and maintaining their interest, passion, and desire. Once in a while I like to push them or tell them to push themselves, find new challenges, and dare a little more. New challenges bring new goals, and new goals make them keep their eagerness to learn. Since my key point is "be open-minded", I always try to make their interest and needs parallel with my instructions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I've been playing music, teaching, and performing over a variety of ways across the bay area for over 12 years. I received a degree in Jazz Studies and Composition from Sonoma State University in 2006 and have been utilizing my degree as a creative artist and sharing my knowledge with students since 2002 where I grew up in the foothills sound of Yosemite National Park. I play Saxophone, Clarinet, and Flute, along with Piano and Guitar for deeper ways of relating music to my life. Read More