Guitar Lessons in Portola Valley, CA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

My methods vary depending on the situation. I start by getting to know my students in an effort to learn their musical likes and dislikes only then can I design a lesson that will allow each student to get the best results. Of course, I always include the basics ie... sight reading, notation, hand positions and breathing but I think the most important aspect of music is focusing on the emotion and message in each note or phrase. 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 Voice Synthesizer Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I believe that encouragement, practical positivity, different learning styles and realistic short term long term challenges can aid in you or your child's musical success. I emphasize developing positive down to earth relationships with my students so that they feel like they can be themselves and learn in a safe environment. Developing relationships also aids in understanding what you or your child's learning style is and in creating realistic short term and long term goals lesson plans. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Ukulele Acoustic Guitar

I firmly believe that, as the Latin derivation of the word "Educate" would demonstrate, the key to teaching is NOT in the pouring of information into a student, but in the "Drawing Out" (E Ducere) of the student's interest and instincts... While lesson plans are very helpful as tools, I prefer to PERSONALIZE my instruction by first assessing the innate desires of the student and their initial acumen--and THEN devising a plan that COMBINES what THEY want with what i know as an educator will lead them to THEIR goals... Read More

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

All of my lessons are built around songs to teach technique and I add materials to teach theory and musicianship if the student wants and needs it. I always interview each student to find out their interests and desires and and build a custom curriculum eight lessons at a time to insure satisfaction and success on the students terms. I have student assessments at the end of each eight lessons block to make sure that the student knows how they have improved and where they need more work. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I love all types of music, but especially jazz. I attended Sacramento City college from 2003-2006 majoring in recording studio engineering but with a minor in jazz performance. I moved to NY in 2006 where i regularly played jazz and rock gigs with up and coming young musicians. I had the opportunity of playing on a jazz album, as well as playing for some studio sessions. I love learning all types of music and just having fun playing. 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