Guitar Lessons in Napa, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Flute Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar

I always use variety of method books depending on the capability of each student in grasping the instructions. I have a syllabus that I am following base on the Music Teacher's Association syllabus in preparation for a Certificate of Merrit examination. And for those younger students that are not ready yet in taking the Statewide Music examination, a Royal School of Music syllabus is what I am using in order for our studies to be on track. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My primary goal as a teacher is to develop a love of music within the students. I'm more interested in developing Artists than I am developing "Performers". Perfection is not something that I aspire to as an Artist. Sometimes perfection, and striving for impeccable technique can become on of the biggest hinderances for a Musician to truly embody the stage, and show their passion. While I do have a focus on technique, I tend to find it within the student through their artistry, and I try to allow for that artistry to be the catalyst. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When I first meet a student I ask them to tell me what kinds of music they love to listen to and what strikes a chord in them about this particular music. Then I assess their level, if they have played for awhile. If they are a beginner, I start with correct posture, hand position, and elbow position as these are very important ergonomic considerations any of which can cause stress on the joints and additional tension in both the hands and wrists. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is tailored to however the student learns best. I am very adaptive to the student's focus and will constantly check to see if the current topic we're going over makes sense or if they'd like to move on to something else. I also believe that positive reinforcement is very important and that one should always think positively about every accomplishment big or small. My philosophy is that you are only competing against yourself and that if you are better than you were yesterday, then it is a success. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In 2015, she was a recipient of the Plantronics Creativity Innovation Scholars Award 2015 (presented annually by the UCSC Arts Division,) and in 2017, she was awarded both the UCSC Chancellors Award and the Deans Award for her Senior Recital and composition project for the UCSC Guitar Ensemble, "Endless Journey." Later in 2017, I won the international Fretmonkey Guitar Solo Contest, an online contest organized by Fretmonkey Records, a record label of Progressive Fingerstyle guitar based in Arkansas, CA. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I approach teaching in a way that encourages students to learn at a pace that's comfortable for them. Since the lessons are one -on-one, there is no need to keep up with a herd like you're in school. So I try to give a healthy balance of goals that are attainable only if the student practices and reviewing material from the past to see what has been retained while also showing how certain musical material is not like riding a bike... you will forget without some upkeep. Read More

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

I think of two things as being central to my teaching style: Fun, and Growth. I think too many music lessons dry out the material, and suck the fun out of something that should be inherently joyful! I try to make every music lesson interesting, and keep my students engaged by giving them material that gets them hyped. Second, I think music is a great chance for people to experience the joy in Growth. Read More