Guitar Lessons in Winnetka, CA

Instruments: Guitar

For beginning students, I like to teach simple and fun tunes that get them excited. I focus on single-note licks/melodies, and will gradually add open-chord progressions and songs to the curriculum. It's best to practice everyday even for 5-10 minutes, rather than every other day or few days for a longer period in my opinion. Once they start improving, I'll gradually teach more challenging songs that'll keep them engaged, but not overwhelmed. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Cello Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Acoustic Guitar

I am an experienced student, teacher and performer so I do my best to observe the student and suggest whatever technical knowledge I have regarding positioning and methods to approach certain musical passages. I love to improvise and always enjoy sharing my understanding of that process. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I usually start with technique exercises that will help develop the foundation of their playing. I do not introduce music notation usually until the fifth or sixth lesson. I believe that kids learn faster when they beginning learning by call and response or like many call imitation. By developing first the ability to listen and play by instinct a student can develop a stronger foundation in developing the beat and noticing high and low pitches. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar

For every student I try to evaluate what they already know about music or at least what their musical interests are. For beginners I usually start them out with the Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book series to guide them through the fundamentals of a guitar and music theory. For those that already have some playing experience I focus on the areas that they are weak on and break it down for them so that they can see it in the most simplest step by step approach. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My style is to be open about the types of music my students can learn rather than forcing Mozart on them from day one. I create a relaxed environment without stress and complicated assignments that can feel like schoolwork. Music should be enjoyable for everyone involved. As a composer and arranger, I find it simple to take an established song and create an easier version for my student to learn. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums

For beginning students who aren't quite sure what path they'd like to take in drumming, I like to start by teaching out of Joel Rothman's Basic Drumming, which will help build a solid foundation of the fundamentals that will be essential for being any style of drumming. But my ultimate goal is to let you guide your own journey, and we can focus on diving deeper into more advanced exercises, fine-tuning your technique, improving your pocket, time, and feel, learning to play your favorite songs and why the drums make them so good, composing your own parts, songs, or solos, and truly any aspects of your drumming you'd like to improve! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is generally laid back. I believe that a student will only work as hard as they want to, and I have little control over that. I focus more on finding out what will make the student want to work hard, rather than forcing them to study something that does not interest them. It's all about getting the student to have a positive musical experience. That being said, I do my best to hold my students accountable, but try to do so in an encouraging way vs. a nagging and controlling way. Read More