Guitar Lessons in Almaden Valley, CA

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With beginning children I usually start with Mel Bay Children's Guitar Books to get familiar with some basics and some easy kids songs. But experience has showed me one size does not fit all. I try to find a suitable book for each student to work from to use as a structured plan or path of development. I often utilize other elements in addition to the initial book, such as theory, chords, scales, and ear training. Read More

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: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I typically perform an assessment with every individual during the first lesson. Depending on goals, I will recommend curriculum to achieve the desired results. If a classical approach is desired, I use the Alfred's Basic Piano series and the Hal Leonard method for guitar, along with scale and chord theory literature depending on the level of the student. I also teach jazz/pop accompaniment style improv playing so I print music out from various sources. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ

I resigned at the age of 19 at the E.o.y.d.c., to continue my pursue for an accredited degree in biblical studies, where I honed my skills as a scholar, musician, and vocalist. I have traveled throughout the states with different groups, encouraging and inspiring people of all ages with my passion for music through singing and playing for different functions. I just want to be able to impart and mentor the next and upcoming generation of musicians. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs.Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

I have for the past twenty-two years been working as a Music Educator, Administrator, Jazz composer and performer. The last eleven of those years have been in the San Francisco Bay area at Oakland School for the Arts, teaching and leading large jazz ensembles, orchestra, small groups and music theory classes for grades 6-12. As Chairman of the Instrumental Music Department, I was responsible for teaching and developing music curricula, developing new programs, recruiting and auditioning new students, presenting and speaking with incoming parent groups, writing and developing the school A-G requirements, and meeting with community schools and faculty to create meaningful collaborations. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For absolute beginners, I like to take some time in the beginning to teach the fundamentals of music which will allow for students to more easily learn songs of their choice while studying which me, and after they have studied with me. For beginners, I use handwritten tablature, online tablature, and Hal Leonard Instructional Books. For those interested in classical guitar, I use selected pieces from the Christopher Parkening Method Books. Read More