Guitar Lessons in Gilroy, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Organ Accordion Recorder Conga Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I played my first paid gig at age 11 on the accordion. As 2022 rolls by, I look back on 58 years of study, performance, writing and teaching. I am currently the musical director for the Monterey Comedy Improv. Ive worked in the theater, on stage, and in clubs most of my life. Teaching music theory, songwriting and composition are a particular interest for me. I have also been mentored in Slack Key guitar by Keola Beamer in the Hawaiian islands. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet

I have played and taught a wide range of styles throughout my life. I graduated from the University of Washington in 2010, majoring in Guitar performance. I have had the opportunity to play in rock bands, jazz ensembles and as a solo performer. I am currently getting my music ed credential at SJSU. I still play frequently in town with my jazz ensemble. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I like to start off with a book called, Beginner Guitar Level 1 by: Tom Hess. It goes straight to learning how to just play! None of that waiting around, I want you to learn right away! As each lesson goes by, my students will progress from single melody lines, to two string melodies, to chords, and then arpeggios. Some pros don't even have this kind of practice! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience began right after I graduated from college in 2009. I have worked full-time as an elementary school music teacher where I focused on introducing music theory, music history, basic rhythms, and reading music. Soon after, I turned to private lessons where I primarily taught acoustic and electric guitar. I have primarily taught students beginning and intermediate guitar and can certainly help other experienced musicians grow in their musicianship. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like to "cross-train" my students. By this, I mean that it is important to work all of our musical muscles in order to become well-rounded musicians. Lessons could include anything from ear training, solfege, sight reading, song learning, and much more. Through this exploration, I can find what excites the student and work that into the lesson, and the student can find what inspires them while exploring it more and working on it with me. 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: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For beginner's in piano and guitar, I generally use the Alfred's and Mel Bay methods as starting places. In every situation, I tailor and personalize the curriculum to individual student needs; as students progress, I employ more and more personalized curriculum which reflects the research I have done into cognition and learning, and which maximizes the creative learning of the student. For more advanced students, I will challenge them in targeted domains, with customized exercises that focus upon their musical growth, with an emphasis on realizing their maximum potential. Read More