Guitar Lessons in Portola Valley, CA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I have always found joy in teaching. For years, I've been sharing my knowledge with friends without charging. It all began by showing them riffs from our favorite bands and even some I had created. Gradually, I transitioned to teaching them broader musical concepts and guiding them in writing music across different genres. As word spread, my friends started recommending others to me, and I officially began teaching during my college years. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In 2014, I was also featured in the Acoustic Guitar Magazine May 2014 issue, as one of the "30 Great Acoustic Guitarists under the age of 30." I studied classical guitar performance with Bill Coulter at the University of California, Santa Cruz. There, I also received masterclasses with classical guitarists, Andrew York, Benjamin Verderi, and Grisha Goryachev. I have also studied with acclaimed fingerstyle players such as Alex de Grassi and Thomas Leeb at their summer workshops. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With beginning children I usually start with Mel Bay Children's Guitar Books to get familiar with some basics and some easy kids songs. But experience has showed me one size does not fit all. I try to find a suitable book for each student to work from to use as a structured plan or path of development. I often utilize other elements in addition to the initial book, such as theory, chords, scales, and ear training. 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: Piano Guitar Violin

I am an experienced musician who has a passion for music and a passion for teaching. I have performed playing the violin, piano, guitar, viola, bass guitar, and the drums. Even though I play many instruments, I am only interested in teaching piano, violin, and guitar. Outside of being a music teacher, I am currently earning my Master's Degree in Mathematics. I was formerly a high school math teacher, but I want to earn my Master's degree in math so that I could teach math at the college level. Read More

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: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always say that rhythm is more important than the notes. Play the right rhythm and the notes will come instead of playing every right note while sacrificing rhythm. I encourage students to make their mistakes loud, proud, and in rhythm so everyone has a better idea of what needs to be worked on most. I also emphasize isolating parts to practice and working backwards. Example: play the last two bars of the song until comfortable with it, now play the last 4 bars, last 6, last 8...etc., whole song. Read More