Guitar Lessons in Saint Helena, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet

The most rewarding thing for me in teaching is learning how to create with my student. Finding the best tools for growth with the student and accessing them is the crucial component to how I teach. Gaining trust, confidence, and joy in lessons produces the highest and most sustainable growth and development of the technique, sound, and musicality of the growing musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Keyboard

I am a very patient, knowledgeable and experienced music instructor who loves working with students of all ages. I graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education and a lifetime California state teaching credential. I also graduated from the Naval School of Music with top honors and I served in the Marine Corps as a bandsman playing the French Horn. I have taught music in many public, private and charter schools in California for over 30 years and am now retired. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For all of my students, I like to blend what they need to know and what they want to know. I find that especially teaching guitar, learning it is very goal oriented. My students and I always come up with their goals during each lesson so they can have something to work up to for each week. Practice does make perfect, so I do strongly encourage practicing at least a couple hours a day. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

My beliefs are very clear in regards to learning and the dissemination of information “ It is impossible to learn effectively in a bubble” learning requires interaction with all forms of life and keeping an open mind. As a teacher I also believe that “in order to teach you must be a student of and for life,” This belief has allowed me to be a good listener and a practitioner of setting new goals and creating new paths with my students  regardless of their particular backgrounds, disabilities, cultures or religions. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a lifelong lover of music and I started playing guitar at the age of ten. Almost 18 years later and I find myself attending Berklee College of Music, where I study an array of musical subjects. I am proficient in guitar techniques ranging from rock to jazz and even classical. I am also adept at music theory composition in both contemporary and classical practices, as well as songwriting, ear training and music production. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe that every student is different, whether it is their anatomy and how there body fits the instrument, or the amount of talent that one possesses. Therefore, my teaching style is to make entirely customized lessons for a certain student. As I mentioned in my methods, I would make the student play pieces, but I will pick them based on what I believe would improve what the student lacks in, such as certain techniques. 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