Guitar Lessons in Soma, CA

Instruments: Guitar Voice

Teaching people what they want to know and feeding their enthusiasm has been the best thing about teaching for me. Understanding what a student already knows, seeing where there may be gaps to fill and what new material they are ready for makes it a exciting experience for both the student and me. Using material that interests them and moving ahead in a way that encourages and rewards their effort gives them a true sense of accomplishment and heightens their enjoyment of the lessons and their own improved ability. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

I have for the past twenty-two years been working as a Music Educator, Administrator, Jazz composer and performer. The last eleven of those years have been in the San Francisco Bay area at Oakland School for the Arts, teaching and leading large jazz ensembles, orchestra, small groups and music theory classes for grades 6-12. As Chairman of the Instrumental Music Department, I was responsible for teaching and developing music curricula, developing new programs, recruiting and auditioning new students, presenting and speaking with incoming parent groups, writing and developing the school A-G requirements, and meeting with community schools and faculty to create meaningful collaborations. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have performed dozens of shows with big bands, jazz combos, rock bands, and choirs. I have recorded both professionally and in my own practice space. I have experience teaching young children percussion, as well as general teaching experience with children ages 3-8. I love setting a good example for young people and sharing my love of music with them. As an intelligent, hard-working, and personable young man, I believe I am well-equipped to the task of instruction. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I tailor my lessons to each students' individual needs. I have found the Hal Leonard Beginner Guitar Method Book to be a great introduction to guitar. I also create charts and diagrams tailored to the interests of my specific students. I teach my students how to read and write their own music. Nothing is more helpful than learning how to transcribe their favorite songs. You'll learn how to read, write, compose, analyze, transcribe - but most importantlyl - love playing guitar! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar

I always begin with an informal conversation to get to know your interests and music goals are. Depending on the instrument and objective, I might follow traditional curriculum, such as Hal Leonard or Alfred Music. In reality, every student has a different way to approach the music. My job as a teacher is finding out what makes you tick, and use that to cultivate your passion and develop a study practice. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a very supportive and encouraging teacher who loves helping students reach new achievements. To me, there is no better feeling than seeing the light bulb click for each student as they learn new concepts. It gives me so much joy seeing a student do something they thought they could never do before. I understand that each student is different with different learning curves so I do make each lesson different for every student's needs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I prefer to use Mathew Hinsley's method "Guitar for Young People". All of the peers that I grew to admire growing up with guitar used this method and became very good very quickly. Once the student has outgrown this method of introducing guitar I like to dive into what interests them, any style of music, and anything that will push their passion for learning guitar. The first and foremost thing for students is allowing them to grow with the guitar, and anything that might help with that is something I'll do. Read More