Guitar Lessons in Berkeley, CA

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I prefer to use Mathew Hinsley's method "Guitar for Young People". All of the peers that I grew to admire growing up with guitar used this method and became very good very quickly. Once the student has outgrown this method of introducing guitar I like to dive into what interests them, any style of music, and anything that will push their passion for learning guitar. The first and foremost thing for students is allowing them to grow with the guitar, and anything that might help with that is something I'll do. 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

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 Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I start my beginning students with Alfred guitar method. If someone wants classical lessons I start them with the Fredrick Noad books and some Sor and Segovia studies. For people interested in improvisation we begin with Blues and then take it where you want to go. Advanced students I give more master class type lessons where we discuss more advanced music ideas. 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: Guitar Music Electric Guitar

Nothing is more rewarding than helping students strengthen their passion for music. We all have a talent or two, and to develop as an artist, a student must understand it takes time, and knowing how to keep yourself motivated when something is challenging. As a music teacher who's an active artist, song-writer, and educator, it becomes important to remind students to set kind, achievable goals. My style involves helping you keep track of your own progress, and realizing music is an ever expanding flow of sonic energy. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Synthesizer Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching private lessons a year ago and have been consistently teaching private lessons at students' homes and in my home studio since then. I've discovered that focusing on students' own interests and love for music generates fun, engaging and rewarding lessons for them. Repetition and a consistent practice schedule is easier for students to continue when lessons are focused on developing the aspects of music that they love, or building skills that take them closer to their interests. Read More