Guitar Lessons in South, CA

Instruments: Guitar

I've been playing guitar for twenty-two years, and am a full-time professional musician in Los Angeles. I make my living playing live and studio sessions, teaching and composing music for tv shows and commercials. To date, I have placements with Honda,Pizza Hut, Got Milk, Banner Health, and a total of one million Spotify streams with my original music. I have a degree in Studio/Jazz Guitar from Thornton School of Music at USC. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harp Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Shakuhachi Oboe Bassoon English Horn Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Hello and thank you for having an interest in my teaching profile! My name is Derek, and I am a 24-year-old musician originally from Indiana. I am a passionate and motivated instructor and look forward to meeting you and sharing my love of music with you. I have been teaching students of all ages for 10 years now. If it would interest you, please take a minute to read my biography to find out more about me! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Lap Steel Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I find a balanced approach to studying technique, sight reading, theory and the students favorite songs to be the best recipe for keeping motivated and engaged. Beginning students will use Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method (Book 1) to get into the basics of these elements down, while learning basic voicings of the most common chords that will allow them to dive into playing some of their favorite songs almost immediately.  Lessons for more advanced students will be tailored to their individual needs, and can cover anything from improvising, to songwriting to learning complicated solos and advanced guitar techniques. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching since I finished my undergrad program. At the beginning of my lessons, I get to know the student, his skills and musical tastes. Later I try to encourage students to discover new music in order to develop their personal identity. I believe that the more music you know, the better you are going to find your own style. Depending on the student's goals I can provide some guidance on how to become a professional. Read More

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

I teach students of all ages and abilities from complete beginner to intermediate and advanced players. I have an easy-going, relaxed personality and I strive to create a fun and welcoming environment in lessons, while simultaneously encouraging my students to work hard and take their musical goals seriously. My aim in every lesson is to balance music theory and technical exercises with fun, hands-on guitar playing and performance. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I tailor my methods specifically to each individual student's goals and current skill level. My personal goal is to progress each of my students as quickly and confidently as possible in the direction that he or she wants to go, whether it be becoming a great lead guitar player on electric guitar, or getting chords and strumming down so they can play their favorite songs, or being able to improvise over backing music. Read More