Guitar Lessons in San Francisco, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Organ Ukulele Electric Violin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar

Music is something that takes time to understand. It clicks in some students, but most kids take a while to develop musically. Patience is the most pronounced characteristic in my teaching style. It's easy to tell the student what they're doing wrong and what to correct, but that doesn't mean it's the most effective practice. Some kids will get nervous and make the same mistake over and over again. This is where it's important to use positive reinforcement and give the student time and space to be able to understand their mistake and fix it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I typically perform an assessment with every individual during the first lesson. Depending on goals, I will recommend curriculum to achieve the desired results. If a classical approach is desired, I use the Alfred's Basic Piano series and the Hal Leonard method for guitar, along with scale and chord theory literature depending on the level of the student. I also teach jazz/pop accompaniment style improv playing so I print music out from various sources. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

My beliefs are very clear in regards to learning and the dissemination of information “ It is impossible to learn effectively in a bubble” learning requires interaction with all forms of life and keeping an open mind. As a teacher I also believe that “in order to teach you must be a student of and for life,” This belief has allowed me to be a good listener and a practitioner of setting new goals and creating new paths with my students  regardless of their particular backgrounds, disabilities, cultures or religions. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I have worked as a professional musician for over 25 years. I have performed with members of the Doobie Brothers, Grateful Dead, David Grisman Quintet, Galactic and many others. I have performed on guitar, bass, drums, mandolin and keyboards. I have performed across the country at festivals, theaters and smaller venues like cafes and restaurants. I also have 20+ years experience in the music "business," as radio deejay, music journalist for the New York Times, manager of a guitar store, sales rep for a drum manufacturer, and guitar instructor UCSC. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

Flowing between the presentation of new information and the actual active playing music is very important to the way I conduct lessons. Especially for the young, I place much more emphasis on facilitating musical experiences rather than the integration of musical nomenclature and conceptualization. When we learn to speak, our ears guide us first, and we imitate. Writing and reading comes later. I've found that this pertains to music as well, if not even moreso. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching styles revolves around the student and his/her needs. But above all, I love to see the joy of music speak through the students own earned skill through hard work. Achieving goals, and succeeding is the platform for building confidence and gaining great joy from the learning and playing of music. All students will be required to learn scales, etudes, solos, and other repertoire to bolster his/her musical goals abilities; but beyond that, I open to what the student wants learn, and what he/she is able to bring to the table. 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