Guitar Lessons in Westlake, WA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Lap Steel Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Growing up in the Los Angeles area I started playing piano at age 8, guitar at age 11 and was working professionally as a musician by age 13 in local rock and acoustic acts. As a teenager I played in local college big bands, studied classical guitar at California Institute of the Arts and was invited to study at UC Santa Barbara to develop my other musical love, composing. Throughout my young adult life I studied classical and studio guitar, piano and composition at California State University Northridge and Javanese and Balinese Gamelan music at UCLA and Cal Arts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

No matter where the student starts from, I always spend a significant amount of time in the first lesson discussing with them what they want to gain, what they are interested in, and how much time and effort they want to put into this endevor. It is important to me to understand the student so that I can cater to their needs and desires, and hopefully encourage them to continue playing music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My motto is my students create their own lesson. I formulate lesson plans off of the styles of music you are most interested in. If my student has a more "just for fun" attitude, the lesson will inevitably be a more light hearted feel. If the student would like to focus on more technicalities, that as well is a different approach. However, I do have a more structured plan for younger students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I would like to listen a student on his or her level and let that guide the process, and then offer knowledge and suggestions that will help people discover or achieve their goals. It's all about the student and making the process fun to help with the challenge, and letting people see that no ones really knows for sure what they're doing so it's okay to wade in and try whatever you're interested in. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style can vary from student to student but I believe the most important element is that the student remains engaged and enjoys practicing their instrument, regardless of their individual level. If they are very young, I try to have them listen to as much music as possible when they are not practicing because listening to new music is just as important to musical growth as practice. If there is a particular song they are aiming to learn, we tackle it in class and have them practice it at home at least half hour a day. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Trumpet Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Acoustic Guitar

When working with younger children, I use the Children's progressive method for guitar and for the older students I use the Hal Leonard guitar method books 1, 2 and 3. As my students progress, I supplement the lesson with songs that my students enjoy and want to learn. I also focus on ear training to help students musically hear what they are playing. Whether it's voice, guitar, ukulele, trumpet or recorder, hearing the music inside and being able to internalize the music is very important to becoming a well rounded musician. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I've been teaching music lessons for about two years. I have worked privately with two students in the past for over a year. I believe one of the most important parts of teaching is to make it fun and encouraging. I emphasize the idea of seeing continuous progress on their instrument. This motivates students to set higher goals for themselves and achieve them giving them confidence and joy. I believe the student receives the most value when their instruction is effective and rapid in helping them attain their goals. Read More