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23 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Guitar lessons in San Francisco . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Guitar
I usually come in pretty relaxed, but can be a drill sergeant if needed. I find that every student has their own learning pace and style and will never get needlessly angry. If a student is doing particularly well or seems invested in the material, I will always acknowledge it and the lessons will become very much enjoyable for everyone! Every single student has the potential to unlock some truly unique musical capabilities. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Voice
I have taught guitar throughout my career, working with beginners through advanced students, teaching both finger-style and flatpick techniques as well as why the chords fit together (music theory). I like to teach lessons that move step-by-step, with each lesson building on the one before, so that the student can see the improvement as they move ahead. I recently published the guitar instruction manual "Sounding Good on One Guitar". In college my singing won scholarships and awards where I helped singers develop character for their roles in opera productions. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Ukulele
I have studied and performed music for over 30 years. I graduated from California State University, East Bay in 2010, and have completed 1 year of my M.M. in Trombone Performance from the University of North Texas. I am currently based in the SF Bay Area and plan to continue my studies here. I have extensive experience playing in many ensembles in many different styles, such as: orchestra, brass quintet, jazz band, rock band, horn sections, chamber music, as well as numerous others. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Drums Ukulele Recorder Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar
The key ingredient to learning is interest. I believe that my students need to have an interest in what they are playing so that they can keep their minds and spirits engaged. Rudiments require attention and practice, but there is much more to learning an instrument than just technique; passion also needs nurturing. If a student is really in to Star Wars, for example, I will gladly incorporate the 'Imperial March' into their rudimentary studies. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar
For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. 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 Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
I believe the more practice the better... but it may be a good idea to not put too much pressure on yourself (or your student). Instead of thinking you need to practice 30-60 minutes every day, just think about sitting down and up picking up your instrument for 10 minutes... 10 minutes of focused practice of lesson material will be beneficial. And there is a pretty good chance 10 minutes turns into 15, 20, 30, or more... And this will be easier to achieve without the overwhelming pressure of having to practice for hours, and hours.
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If your child can sit still, be attentive, and try his/her best to do what the teacher is showing, they can be ready and able to do lessons. But the child has to be interested and excited about learning to play the instrument. Students and parents should realize it takes hard work and dedication to become proficient on an instrument such as guitar. There will be pain in the finger tips, mental fatigue and self-doubt... The student must have the mental strength to overcome such obstacles. And the desire must come from within.
When will I start to see results?
Typically every student is different and rate of progress is directly proportional to the amount of time spent practicing. If the progress is coming slow take a look at how much they are practicing. If week nights are busy and they don't have enough time to practice, parents should help students manage their time so they have enough time to finish school homework and get at last ten minutes of focused practice per day. You really have to treat music class like any other class you take in school. Study and learn and practice everyday and you will see progress. It can often take 1-2 years to become proficient and adept at playing songs well. But again it depends on the students' determination, perseverance, and desire to pick up the instrument. The desire cannot be forced and must come from within.
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I suppose my Father inspired me to play by having guitars and playing while I was growing up. I saw how much fun and enjoyment he had when playing music alone or with friends. I began taking guitar class in Junior High School and playing along with my Dad and his friends. I think it was the challenge of mastering guitar itself that inspired me to keep working and learning. I didn't even think about it. It seems I was naturally drawn to it. I had the determination to learn what to do and then practice it until it sounded good.
I also learned that playing songs over and over for fun is also good practice. The repetition will help you master chord fingering, chord changes, and rhythm patterns. Studying the composition of a song will give you insights to what chords sound good together and what kind of dynamics can be used over the course of a song. With a general understanding of the basics, you can take what you've learned and begin to create your own sounds. The sky is the limit for musical creativity and that's what truly inspires me.
23 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Guitar lessons in San Francisco to students of all ages and abilities.
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