Music Lessons in Menlo Park, CA

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I like to use familiar songs as vehicles to teach. In my UCSC class, I start with Beatles songs because everyone knows them and they're well-liked. I always like students to suggest songs they want to learn as well, since they will be more likely to practice and be more engaged in practice if the song is something they enjoy. I use these as vehicles to teach chord voicings, theory, intervals and technique. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass

The approach to the violin with the orthodox method can be particularly frustrating. The technique is important but equally important is to develop the ability and taste of playing together right away. For this reason, regardless of the styles you want to deepen, I play as much as possible together with the student whether it is classical duets, folk songs or jazz. For the more advanced students a part of the study of the accompaniment is reserved as well as for soloists Calibrating the objectives based on the abilities of the age and the talent of the students is an attention that can avoid frustrations and lead everyone to the common goal of the musicians: to express and continuously improve. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I began my musical journey with piano lessons at the age of six. In 2003 I received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from U.C. Santa Barbara and received of Master of Arts in Teaching from National University in 2012. My pedagogical experience includes teaching piano performance in my private studio as well as at the Crowden Music Center in Berkeley and at the French American International Music Conservatory in San Francisco. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I prefer tailoring my teaching approach to suit the individual's interests. When I initially began taking lessons, my primary focus was on learning how to play Death Metal. However, my instructors were unable or uninterested in guiding me through that genre. Unfortunately, this led me to discontinue formal lessons for a while. It was only years later, through my own musical experiences, that I started recognizing the close relationships between different genres. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

My methods vary depending on the situation. I start by getting to know my students in an effort to learn their musical likes and dislikes only then can I design a lesson that will allow each student to get the best results. Of course, I always include the basics ie... sight reading, notation, hand positions and breathing but I think the most important aspect of music is focusing on the emotion and message in each note or phrase. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Hi, My name is Alan and I look forward to meeting you and playing music together. I have been teaching guitar for 30 years at my home. I play classical and popular music and am very familiar with blues, rock and jazz. Most of my students have been beginners whether children or adults. I am particularly patient with beginners and love to instill the beauty of playing guitar. My teaching style incorporates patience, theory and most of all, fun. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I believe that any student is capable of learning any type of music with the right attitude and carefully guided instruction. Also if a student wants to develop his or her ear training on the guitar, I can help unlock the secrets to developing relative or even perfect pitch. Since the ear is perhaps the most important factor to anyone's musicianship, this will be an immense help to any student. Read More