Bass Lessons in La Canada Flintridge, CA

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

My first emphasis is that you have to like what you're playing. I really try to focus on what music gets the student excited. For some of them, it comes quickly. Others it might take a while, and that is okay. Once I find the switch that engages the student's interest, that is my focus. I really emphasize getting students to read music and also understand the key components of music theory, so that they understand what it is they are playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When teaching beginners, especially kids, I find it easiest to have them learn songs that they already enjoy. This often involves learning the chords within the songs and allows us to start focusing on a strum pattern as well. If this seems daunting, sometimes we learn only the abridged or quick version of a song. I always like to start entry level students with the intro to "Come As You Are" by Nirvana. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Regarding the actual playing, I emphasize playing slow and steady while keeping the flow of the music, even when it may be tempting to play an easier phrase faster while stopping to play a harder one. I find that progress is fastest playing with that patience in mind, getting a great feel for the music. Also, it's essential to come up with a unique practice plan for the student, accommodating their weekly schedule to find a consistent amount of practice time at their own pace. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have taught for over twenty years to all ages and levels. I teach the fun way by teaching the student what they would like to know by tailoring each lesson to fit there personal goals, needs and questions. I've taught all genres and also teach special needs including autistic, handicapped, and blind. As well I've also taught a couple grammy winning musicians. I encourage good effective practice methods instead of long tedious hours I prefer the student to concentrate on quality above quantity. Read More

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

I find a balanced approach to studying technique, sight reading, theory and the students favorite songs to be the best recipe for keeping motivated and engaged. Beginning students will use Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method (Book 1) to get into the basics of these elements down, while learning basic voicings of the most common chords that will allow them to dive into playing some of their favorite songs almost immediately.  Lessons for more advanced students will be tailored to their individual needs, and can cover anything from improvising, to songwriting to learning complicated solos and advanced guitar techniques. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Synthesizer Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

Of course, everything depends on what you, the student, want to learn! For younger students that are just starting, I've found the Accent on Achievement books to be very helpful in developing the basics of playing. From there, Classically-focused players would learn solo repertoire, Jazz-focused players would learn standards and improvisation, and all the other genres would begin to narrow down their appropriate fields. Adults are certainly welcome as well and I'd love to help them learn whatever they are interested in. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar

I started as clinician, having workshops about my style, and I started teaching both in Academies and privately since 7 years more or less. Many collaborations in studio, included Pop, Rock, Fusion artists and around Boston and LA. Live experience as solo artist, as Band Leader for NBD and as session man all around Europe, Japan and USA, also opening from international artists (Planet Funk; Steve Vai; Fates Warning; ArtiMestieri; Doyle; Read More