Music Lessons in Hermosa Beach, CA

Instruments: Drums

The most important aspect, in my eyes, for developing as a drummer, is having an authentic and convincing 'feel.' To achieve this, one must have strong fundmental skills as regards technique, co-ordination, and time. My methodological approach therefore focusess strongly on technical development, musicality, in addition to numerous genre oriented developmental methods aimed to develop the drummer in areas of rock, jazz, latin, odd meter, etc. I also encourage artistic appreciation of the drummers and musicians/groups that have paved the historical trajectory from roots to modern, with regard to particular genres. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar

I have had the honor of studying with many great teachers, and also I'm a graduate of Berklee College of Music. I am able to use many resources and teaching material from many of the great teachers I have studied with. Being a Berklee graduate I use a lot of their teaching materials, from the Harmony 1- 4 books plus the arranging books, and many exercises to build up your technique and harmony knowledge so you can compose your own bass lines to any style. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Accordion

I want to figure out what inspires a student. We will hone in on personal goals and use that as a basis for instruction. Motivation is key! I typically use a style of traditional classical instruction. Including scales, studies, and repertoire. I teach sight reading and ear training. I use memorization, and critical listening skills. I can teach from the beginning levels all the way up to concert playing. I can also teach other genres of music if the student desires. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

Hi there! My name is Chris Sullivan. I am a professional musician and educator. I recently graduated from the University of Southern California with a doctoral degree in Jazz Studies and Music Education. I am a professor at two universities on the west coast - The California Jazz Conservatory and the Glendale Community College. I am a patient and methodical teacher who loves to inspire and foster the interests of my students. Read More

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

I find that the most effective method with beginners is to color code things in a way that makes sense. I have stickers for this and a chart of what each means. Music is similar to math, and once the student can make proper associations in their head when looking at music or playing an instrument, the rest becomes easier. I typically will have them give me a song they want to learn and make it my goal to teach it to them by the end of the first six months. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I start my beginning students off with technique. I like to get the strumming hand going and the fretting hand making chords as soon as possible. Soon after that we get into scales and songs! One of the best ways to learn is from your favorite songs. I customize my lessons for the goals the student has in mind. But for the most part I want the lessons to be fun and informative. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

For beginning students I like to get them to have proper technique when it comes to the right and left hand placement on the bass. I also like them to get familiar with a sense of time so I use a metronome and teach them about how the beat works along with playing the notes on the bass. For intermediate students I gauge their knowledge of music theory such as scales and arpeggios and work on those along with tackling songs that they might want to play. Read More