Guitar Lessons in Berkeley, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin

These books are designed to have students start off with easier pieces and gets harder as we move on. It is up to the students to practice in order for them to get better! From here, the next part is to find songs that students want to learn. Many people prefer teaching students classical music, because it is rigorous, well respected, and will allow them to excel. However, I am a person that prefers a student to pick songs that they enjoy or a songs that they are motivated to practice! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Conga Latin Percussion

I like my students to work on their performance personas, as well as technique and repertoire. I want my students to be engaged and excited about the music they are working on and to practice performing it like the rock star they are! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

There are many great method books out there for young students. Typically, I use whatever material the school provides, be it Standard of Excellence or Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. I like to incorporate other methods for more advanced students, such as the Conservatory Method by Jean-Baptiste Arban, Michael Davis's many offerings, and/or any of the great etude books out there. I feel it is best to use a well-rounded approach, especially considering the students needs as it pertains to their goals. Read More

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

I am a San Jose music instructor specializing in voice, songwriting, beginning-intermediate guitar, piano and violin. I have extensive training and experience in music, theater and dance, on and off stage - I have written and recorded albums and live performances, I know what works and what doesn't. It's my objective to cultivate a healthy sense of artistry in my students and inspire the same in everyone who is interested. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Drums Ukulele Recorder Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

The key ingredient to learning is interest. I believe that my students need to have an interest in what they are playing so that they can keep their minds and spirits engaged. Rudiments require attention and practice, but there is much more to learning an instrument than just technique; passion also needs nurturing. If a student is really in to Star Wars, for example, I will gladly incorporate the 'Imperial March' into their rudimentary studies. 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: Guitar

Whether you want to dig into learning the history of the blues or you want to get starting on learning some jazz standards or even just picking up some Metallica riffs/solos, I can get you started from whichever starting point you choose. From there I always make sure to assess a student's needs and tastes, then try to apply music theory along with nudging the student into new musical territory. Read More