Guitar Lessons in South Gate, CA

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

I am an internationally touring guitarist and songwriter based in Philadelphia, PA who is as passionate about teaching as I am about playing. In 2002 I received my BFA from the prestigious conservatory at SUNY Purchase where I studied jazz guitar performance, studio production techniques and songwriting. Since then I have made a name for myself as a full-time guitarist, bandleader and music educator across all music genres with performances throughout North America and abroad. Read More

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 Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I try to get to know the students as best as I can. I will ask them about their interests in music and outside of music. I also will learn what their weaknesses and strengths are and push them to improve all around. I have a pretty laid back style of teaching. My goal to encourage them, rather than make them feel bad or frustrated. I will simply tell them if they are sounding good, or I will tell them what they can do to sound better. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

My approach to teaching music is guided by my deep passion for the art form. I focus on individualized learning, building strong foundations in theory and technique, and encouraging creativity. Patience, positive reinforcement, and setting goals are key elements in my teaching. I believe in holistic learning that encompasses history and culture. Performance opportunities boost confidence. I emphasize lifelong learning, hoping to instill a lasting love for music in my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Drums Mallet Percussion

Teaching the most basic concepts in how to build a chord or a scale by using formulas is my favorite way to approach the lesson. An individual's understanding of music is always changing therefore I feel it is better to change with them. Using methods which are proven is important, but the idea of improvisation during a lesson always keeps the interest for me and the student. Of course this depends completely on the age and the experience of a student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone

Forrest gained traction throughout the Bay Area as a lead player and soloist for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Tito Puente Jr., Momotombo, Luis Enrique, Tito Puente, Jr., Mendocino Music Festival Big Band, and Transcendence Theater Company. Additional recording and live performance credits include The Queen Latifah Show with Karmin, Center Stage Opera, Southern California Brass Consortium, Louie Cruz Beltran, Latin Sol, Son Mayor, Jungle Fire, Echo Park Project, For The Record: Scorses, 3D Theatricals, Musical Theatre West, Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley, Steve Huffsteter Big Band, Dirk Fischer Nonet, Bruce Lofgren Big Band, Skip Spiro Little Big Band, Urban Renewal Project, Jens Lindemann, Golden State Pops Orchestra, and Philip Lassiter. Read More