Guitar Lessons in Rio Vista, CA

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 Violin Trumpet Fiddle French Horn Electric Guitar

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing my students develop a passion for music, so it's important that each student progresses at their own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I grew up in a household full of music. My Dad loved jazz while my Mother loved opera and classical music. They constantly played their respective recordings throughout the day. I began guitar lessons at 9 with a music teacher in the neighborhood who had a good reputation. However, I found his teaching style to be lacking warmth or any specific direction. So I quit and began teaching myself by learning melodies and chords from rock, pop and jazz recordings. 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 Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I prefer to use Mathew Hinsley's method "Guitar for Young People". All of the peers that I grew to admire growing up with guitar used this method and became very good very quickly. Once the student has outgrown this method of introducing guitar I like to dive into what interests them, any style of music, and anything that will push their passion for learning guitar. The first and foremost thing for students is allowing them to grow with the guitar, and anything that might help with that is something I'll do. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs.Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

For beginning to intermediate guitar players, I would suggest learning some of the fundamentals and basics from Hal Leonard's Guitar Method Complete Edition - Books 1 2 and 3 (bound together in one volume). As the student develops a better understanding of music and a better ability to play it, I would then work on finding them a piece of music that challenges their knowledge and technique, yet also a piece of music that they would want to play, and that they would be passionate about learning. Read More