Guitar Lessons in Outer Sunset West Portal, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar

I'm a multi-instrumentalist, improvisor, composer and educator who takes great joy in teaching and sharing music with people of all ages. I've been deeply fortunate to have studied closely with multiple master musicians of various traditions. Perhaps the teacher who has had the deepest impact on my teaching methods is W.A. Mathieu, former arranger and bandmember of the Duke Ellington and Stan Kenton orchestras. I studied with Mathieu for three years. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

My biggest satisfaction when I teach is seeing my students getting better and maintaining their interest, passion, and desire. Once in a while I like to push them or tell them to push themselves, find new challenges, and dare a little more. New challenges bring new goals, and new goals make them keep their eagerness to learn. Since my key point is "be open-minded", I always try to make their interest and needs parallel with my instructions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a patient instructor that allows each person to grow at their own pace. We all have a goal of what we want to achieve and I guide you toward that goal. My primary goal is to create great musicians- people who are versed in many styles and have a handle on music as a language. I want to share my knowledge to help you find your musical voice and the creativity you seek through the guitar. Read More

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

I always say that rhythm is more important than the notes. Play the right rhythm and the notes will come instead of playing every right note while sacrificing rhythm. I encourage students to make their mistakes loud, proud, and in rhythm so everyone has a better idea of what needs to be worked on most. I also emphasize isolating parts to practice and working backwards. Example: play the last two bars of the song until comfortable with it, now play the last 4 bars, last 6, last 8...etc., whole song. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With beginning children I usually start with Mel Bay Children's Guitar Books to get familiar with some basics and some easy kids songs. But experience has showed me one size does not fit all. I try to find a suitable book for each student to work from to use as a structured plan or path of development. I often utilize other elements in addition to the initial book, such as theory, chords, scales, and ear training. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I typically perform an assessment with every individual during the first lesson. Depending on goals, I will recommend curriculum to achieve the desired results. If a classical approach is desired, I use the Alfred's Basic Piano series and the Hal Leonard method for guitar, along with scale and chord theory literature depending on the level of the student. I also teach jazz/pop accompaniment style improv playing so I print music out from various sources. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I use beginning guitar books such as Hal Leonard that show the basic layout of the guitar and are an introduction to reading. Also chord books, books on scales, jazz methods, fake books, classical books and such. I like to teach my own style,being creative and going beyond basics. I teach the student how to hold and place their hands properly on the guitar. How to develop a nice light touch and get a real nice sound. Read More