Guitar Lessons in Almaden Valley, CA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I tailor my lessons to each students' individual needs. I have found the Hal Leonard Beginner Guitar Method Book to be a great introduction to guitar. I also create charts and diagrams tailored to the interests of my specific students. I teach my students how to read and write their own music. Nothing is more helpful than learning how to transcribe their favorite songs. You'll learn how to read, write, compose, analyze, transcribe - but most importantlyl - love playing guitar! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ

For beginner students who are pursing music on the tonal instruments, I typically start with learning the names of the notes on the instrument and the major scale in every key as it relates to the piano. For the bass guitar I start of with basic finger strength techniques and exercises while incorporating the major scale fingering form and Nashville numbering system for all tonal instruments. For voice, I start off by finding the range of the individual and then teaching warmup techniques while building the individuals technique through finding a song and learning how to sing along.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My primary goal as a teacher is to develop a love of music within the students. I'm more interested in developing Artists than I am developing "Performers". Perfection is not something that I aspire to as an Artist. Sometimes perfection, and striving for impeccable technique can become on of the biggest hinderances for a Musician to truly embody the stage, and show their passion. While I do have a focus on technique, I tend to find it within the student through their artistry, and I try to allow for that artistry to be the catalyst. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I prefer to let the student's personality and general skill level dictate the pace and style in which I teach. The greatest detriment to a student's progress is a lack of interest, so I try to give the students as much say as possible when deciding what piece of music they will be learning. Every student develops their skills at their own pace, so my key concern is keeping the students motivated and interested in everything we do during our lessons. 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 Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods for teaching are very adaptive depending on your experience, skill level, and what you'd like to learn. For beginner students, I usually go over basic knowledge of the guitar and a bit of music theory, and guitar finger exercises. For students more interested in playing songs, I will aid them in reading guitar tabs and also how to set up an amplifier to achieve the right tones, i.e. reverb, distortion. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always say that rhythm is more important than the notes. Play the right rhythm and the notes will come instead of playing every right note while sacrificing rhythm. I encourage students to make their mistakes loud, proud, and in rhythm so everyone has a better idea of what needs to be worked on most. I also emphasize isolating parts to practice and working backwards. Example: play the last two bars of the song until comfortable with it, now play the last 4 bars, last 6, last 8...etc., whole song. Read More