Guitar Lessons in Portola Valley, CA

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 Bass Guitar Double Bass

One of the many things I learned that will always be a part of my approach to teaching music is how jamming or having a conversation with expert musicians is the most fundamental and important way to learn how to develop your voice and technique on your instrument. My approach at my studio is designed to allow students the opportunity to jam and learn. Making music can and should be as fun as learning to speak for the first time. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have years of experience when it comes to teaching and performing musical concepts. During my time at Dominican, I became the designated music theory tutor for all music majors and minors. During my time as a tutor, I watched all of my student's grades go up multiple letters. For teaching guitar, I have learned from numerous accomplished teachers ranging in different styles and I have harnessed each of their successful teaching techniques. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I love seeing my students grow in their knowledge and appreciation of music! Excellence is rewarding, and I teach the process to get there from whatever level we begin. I use positive reinforcement and notice what the student is doing right. Then, I give critique and an action plan to improve performance. It feels good for the student and teacher when they learn the methods to break down what is currently difficult into smaller pieces so that it is both manageable and possible to go further than they thought. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For beginner's in piano and guitar, I generally use the Alfred's and Mel Bay methods as starting places. In every situation, I tailor and personalize the curriculum to individual student needs; as students progress, I employ more and more personalized curriculum which reflects the research I have done into cognition and learning, and which maximizes the creative learning of the student. For more advanced students, I will challenge them in targeted domains, with customized exercises that focus upon their musical growth, with an emphasis on realizing their maximum potential. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Double Bass

In my teaching style I ask students to explore specific aspects and material that they would like to learn. As I cater to this approach, I compliment it by incorporating fundamentals, theory and improvisation into my lessons. I am a competent teacher and enjoy teaching and continually learning through music. I also enjoy helping students with song writing, arranging and singing as their interest warrants. The lessons are usually guided by the interests of the student based on his or her goals. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

For beginners, I typically focus on teaching straightforward open chords, along with scales and exercises to improve finger dexterity. Following that, I guide them in incorporating melodies or soloing over chords. We delve into strumming patterns and cover fundamental techniques for warming up. With intermediate players, my approach involves introducing chord inversions and delving into basic music theory. Topics include understanding how to stay in a key and identifying the diatonic chords within it. Read More