Guitar Lessons in Liberty Farms, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar

It wasn't until I was 12 years old that I really started to play and learn guitar, being further motivated by my brother who was just learning guitar himself. We started out learning songs by Metallica and Led Zeppelin. Later, I took a deep interest in learning blues, classical, jazz, and more classic rock like Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Santana etc. After years of studying and practice, I believe I have a firm grasp of music theory, how to play different styles of music, and the ins and outs of guitar playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe in encouragement, fun and positive focus on the students progress at whatever speed that they progress. This makes each student look forward to each lesson with eagerness and actually accelerates their progress. I never push a student and instead encourage and edify the student and try to use their own favorite pieces of music to keep them excited about their next lesson. Acknowledging small progress is the key and I never let a student leave without celebrating their accomplishments no matter how small! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

I have for the past twenty-two years been working as a Music Educator, Administrator, Jazz composer and performer. The last eleven of those years have been in the San Francisco Bay area at Oakland School for the Arts, teaching and leading large jazz ensembles, orchestra, small groups and music theory classes for grades 6-12. As Chairman of the Instrumental Music Department, I was responsible for teaching and developing music curricula, developing new programs, recruiting and auditioning new students, presenting and speaking with incoming parent groups, writing and developing the school A-G requirements, and meeting with community schools and faculty to create meaningful collaborations. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I Love teaching music, and love helping others progress on their musical journeys! I've played music for as long as I can remember, and spent my childhood learning just about every instrument I could get my hands on. As a young adult, I rigorously practiced piano and studied music theory, eventually writing an 80 page thesis analyzing jazz piano improvisation in college. Now, I like to spread my love of music by showing others how much joy it has brought to my life, and helping them to experience that same joy. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. 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 Voice

Teaching people what they want to know and feeding their enthusiasm has been the best thing about teaching for me. Understanding what a student already knows, seeing where there may be gaps to fill and what new material they are ready for makes it a exciting experience for both the student and me. Using material that interests them and moving ahead in a way that encourages and rewards their effort gives them a true sense of accomplishment and heightens their enjoyment of the lessons and their own improved ability. Read More