Guitar Lessons in Portola Valley, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Organ Ukulele Electric Violin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar

Each student learns at their own pace and it's important to understand that not everybody learns the same. Setting both short and long term goals with the student helps me understand what they want out of lessons. This makes it easier for me to engage with them and bring it back to something relevant to them at the end of the day. For example, no child understands advanced rhythm unless you disguise it in familiar terms e.g. using the phrase "run po-ny run" to describe two eighth notes sandwiched in between to quarter notes. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, and have been consistently teaching students ant homes and in my home studio in Antioch for the past 3 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. 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: Guitar Voice

I have always loved music and have sung many kinds of music throughout my life from choral and musical theater to folk, jazz, and even opera. I learned to play several instruments along the way but came to playing guitar as my primary instrument because of its versatility and portability. My clear tenor voice led to my becoming a member of two nationally known folk groups that toured the U.S. and Japan. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I started to teach during my studies at Eastman. With the help of my YouTube channel, I was able to have the opportunity to teach fans who had wanted to learn with me. Since these fans were all around the world, I had to teach them with the use of Skype. Then and there, I had started to teach fans of all ages online. I also had the opportunity to teach guitar to locals of my hometown in Texas where I met up with people of all ages and taught one on one private lessons. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is completely focused on making music fun. I believe every person has innate ability to learn the fundamentals of an instrument, so working through the initial anxiety of learning a new skill is necessary. By letting the student set the pace and offering an array of modalities to tackle students' goals, we will create an environment in which the pure joy of music can shine. Each lesson will include warm-ups, goal-setting, and free expression, with a specific curriculum (either out of a book or customized) guiding us always. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Double Bass

I try to cater my lesson style to the individual students desire and needs. I like to always incorporate the fundamentals of music and technique while exploring the material at hand.  Some key points I try to incorporate into my teaching are an understanding of:  rhythm, technique, playing from ear, improvisation, theory, and most importantly making music! I usually encourage my students to seek out music they like and specific songs they want to learn. Read More