Guitar Lessons in Santa Monica, CA

Instruments: Guitar

For beginning students, I typically start with some exercises for the left hand and right hand, easy arpegios, scales, melodies and chords. Once the student progresses to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For advanced students, I start with intermediate and advanced studies and pieces like 12 Studies of Fernando Sor, studies of Leo Brower, 12 studies of Villa Lobos or some famous spanish reprertoire for guitar such as Rodrigo, Turina, and Torroba. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

This helps ensure that the student can thrive musically and in life. Also I do a lot of "visualizing" while teaching my students. Often, if they are struggling, I'll tell them to say something like, "I can do it" aloud a few times. I also have them close their eyes and really listen to me playing so they can visualize what it's like to play the chord or song before they even start to actually play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Additionally, some other books that I use with my drum set students are Syncopation by Ted Reed, The Art of Bop by John Riley, The Essence of Afro-Cuban Percussion, and The Essence of Brazillian Percussion by Ed Uribe. For more advanced students, I work on trancriptions of their favorite drummers, chart reading by playing with recordings or live musicians, improvisation over musical forms, and developing indivdual exercises for each student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have played guitar for about 11 years now ever since I was started high school. I taught and performed classic rock music and I played in various blues/rock bands around my hometown of Berlin, MD. I wanted to develop my skills even further and take my career to the next step so I learned classical guitar while in high school from a professor at Salisbury University and continued my studies with a graduate from Peabody. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For all students from beginners to adults I use Alfred's Piano books as they are very transparent and easy to follow. I also strongly believe that even beginner students as early as 4 can learn scales and chords even though many teachers don't introduce such things until they reach an older age and have more experience. It is very apparent to me that many teachers under estimate how truly brilliant children are and how they can soak up material much more quickly at a younger age. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Cello Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Acoustic Guitar

I am a 32 year old musician. I grew up playing the cello, starting at age 5. I picked up other instruments as I grew older and eventually went to a conservatory. I have performed in a wide variety of contexts throughout my life including professional symphonies and popular music ensembles. I have taught private lessons for 10 years in schools, my studio and in students homes. I have taught all ages and am comfortable with young children. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods are geared toward the individual. Oftentimes I might start with a methods book for a beginner, but supplement it with musical choices by the individual. In selecting these choices, I find ways to simplify the music so that the student is able to be able to play it. My method is also based on questions that the student might ask. So while we will have an approach that is organized and structured, I find that addressing seemingly unrelated musical questions, can actually be incorporated into the tasks at hand. Read More