Guitar Lessons in Encino, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Drums Conga Latin Percussion Music Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I am motivated to keep students constantly engaged and passionate about their instrument! As a multi-instrumentalist I always play different instruments with students to give them a sense of playing in a group, which is what music should be all about! I also do my best to acknowledge the students strengths and weaknesses and take some time aside in class to speak to them about them. I believe it is important to have positive feedback but also to recognizes areas in which students can improve. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

There is no single method that fits every student. We all absorb and process new concepts differently some are visual learners, some rely on physical and muscle memory, others have a natural sense of rhythm or strong analytical skills. Each student deserves an approach tailored to the way they learn best. For me, every new student is a new creative journey. Together, we explore the fundamental concepts that allow us to speak the language of music, using the methods that resonate most with them. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music

Emily Retsas is a musician who currently based in Los Angeles. Since 2018 Emily has been playing bass for Phoebe Bridgers as well as having played for artists such as Kim Gordon, Boygenius, Better Oblivion Community Center, Shirley Manson(Garbage), Fiona Apple. Emily recorded bass on the four time Grammy nominated album Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers. In her young career Emily has become a regular on the international festival circuit, playing on huge stages including Glastonbury, Coachella Lollapalooza and Primavera as well as appearances for Saturday Night Live, Ellen, Conan OBrien, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Last Call with Carson Daly, KEXP Radio, Tiny Desk NPR, Google and Spotify. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Iencourage students learn what I find is important for them to progress and eventually teach themselves,but I make sure not to exceed the pace of the individual student. At the same time, I make sure that the students are learning something that they consider enjoyable. I might ask if there is a particular song or style they are interested in learning. Though scales and exercises are important, the benefit of practicing these things is often not experienced until long in the future, causing the student to lose motivation. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I would like to use my passion and experience to lead students in becoming more confident musicians. For example, I want them to progress musically throughcommunication, guidance, practical exercises, and an understanding of music theory and proper technique. In addition, I am a strong believer in positive reinforcement. Challenges are always going to surface. When this happens, it is important to focus on the student's achievements, and build on this progression with patience and understanding. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Studying music and a specific instrument is not a straight line. There are multiple lines that cross and support each other's continuation. As mentioned previously, "Theory, Application and Technique" sums it up. We can't focus on everything all at once, so we have to prioritize what makes sense to emphasize now so that it will help us prioritize something else later. We set tangible goals when focusing on technique ("play A major scale in 8th notes at 120 bpm, for example), and can do this with music theory to an extent as well ("write out the notes of the B minor scale"). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Ukulele Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been playing the guitar for well over 30 years performing and touring extensively throughout all years. I am a founding member of Triada Guitar Trio and Four of a Kind Guitar Quartet. With these groups, I have performed at well over 800 concerts throughout Europe and the United States. I have played guitar concertos with prominent Symphony Orchestras such as the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, South Coast Symphony, and Huntington Symphony of West Virginia. Read More