Guitar Lessons in Pleasanton, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Conga Latin Percussion

For beginning guitar I start out with Chris Parkening: classical guitar book...learning finguring styles, rudiments, and notes. We then go into various techniques and develop song repetoire and chording and strumming styles. For beginning piano I start with level one Hal Leonard book for beg. piano and various beginning classical composers: Beethoven, Mozart, Tchakovisky, Jazz, etc. . I split this class into musicianship-learning notes and reading music, fingering and scales, and theory. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I like to use familiar songs as vehicles to teach. In my UCSC class, I start with Beatles songs because everyone knows them and they're well-liked. I always like students to suggest songs they want to learn as well, since they will be more likely to practice and be more engaged in practice if the song is something they enjoy. I use these as vehicles to teach chord voicings, theory, intervals and technique. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Despite my young age, I've had extensive experience in Early Childhood Education as well as one-on-one music lessons. I gave my first lesson as a high school graduate to a neighbor who wanted to learn drums and start a band. I was able to provide a technical foundation for him to feel comfortable playing with others. In no time I was working with his band on learning songs to play at a school performance. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When I first meet a student I ask them to tell me what kinds of music they love to listen to and what strikes a chord in them about this particular music. Then I assess their level, if they have played for awhile. If they are a beginner, I start with correct posture, hand position, and elbow position as these are very important ergonomic considerations any of which can cause stress on the joints and additional tension in both the hands and wrists. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe that every student is different, whether it is their anatomy and how there body fits the instrument, or the amount of talent that one possesses. Therefore, my teaching style is to make entirely customized lessons for a certain student. As I mentioned in my methods, I would make the student play pieces, but I will pick them based on what I believe would improve what the student lacks in, such as certain techniques. Read More

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

I think of two things as being central to my teaching style: Fun, and Growth. I think too many music lessons dry out the material, and suck the fun out of something that should be inherently joyful! I try to make every music lesson interesting, and keep my students engaged by giving them material that gets them hyped. Second, I think music is a great chance for people to experience the joy in Growth. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet

I have played and taught a wide range of styles throughout my life. I graduated from the University of Washington in 2010, majoring in Guitar performance. I have had the opportunity to play in rock bands, jazz ensembles and as a solo performer. I am currently getting my music ed credential at SJSU. I still play frequently in town with my jazz ensemble. Read More