Guitar Lessons in Orinda, CA

Instruments: Guitar Voice

I have taught guitar throughout my career, working with beginners through advanced students, teaching both finger-style and flatpick techniques as well as why the chords fit together (music theory). I like to teach lessons that move step-by-step, with each lesson building on the one before, so that the student can see the improvement as they move ahead. I recently published the guitar instruction manual "Sounding Good on One Guitar". In college my singing won scholarships and awards where I helped singers develop character for their roles in opera productions. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Ukulele Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style flows from my teaching philosophy: Whole-heatedly meet a student where they are, and THEN, respectfully lead them to where you as the educator know that they need to go...Establishing a true RELATIONSHIP with a student, where they know that you have THEIR best interests in mind is absolutely fundamental. As in any relationship, trust and respect are essential, and establishing a firm foundation in those areas should be just as important as the academic and skill development aspects of teaching. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet

With young students, I teach using the Royal Conservatory method. These books provide a good balance of technical development and quaity music. Once technical foundations are estabished, I will add ear training as well as theory and improvisation. For older students, I generally let them be the guide- whatever you want to work on is fine with me. Regardless of style, I try to make each lesson musical and fun. Read More

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

I am open to a wide variety of teaching methods! By not committing to one specific method, I allow myself to be flexible and respond to my student's needs. For example; if a student has limited eyesight, as a previous student of mine had, I will focus on teaching by-wrought rather than by using written notation. I take extreme care planning lesson plans for my students, and often find myself thinking what would best help my students in my off time. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a dedicated and passionate musician who loves spreading the knowledge of music to students of all ages. I have been playing guitar for twelve years and got my bachelors degree in music at Dominican University of California. Over these years, I have studied various styles of music such as rock, metal, prog, jazz, blues, and classical. I have harnessed numerous techniques and concepts over the years that I hope to share with all of my students. 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: Guitar

I've been fascinated with the guitar since I was about 10 years old, having been influenced by all the great rock guitar gods of the sixties and seventies. As I got into high school I became interested in jazz, and started to study jazz guitar. I enjoy many styles of music. I like music that is very passionate and moves and grooves you in various ways. I'm very creative and innovative. Read More