Guitar Lessons in San Rafael, CA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When I first meet a student I ask them to tell me what kinds of music they love to listen to and what strikes a chord in them about this particular music. Then I assess their level, if they have played for awhile. If they are a beginner, I start with correct posture, hand position, and elbow position as these are very important ergonomic considerations any of which can cause stress on the joints and additional tension in both the hands and wrists. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a classically trained clarinet player who learned every Rock instrument along the way and some other instruments. I'm currently in multiple bands including a Classic Rock cover band and a Latin band (Rock, Funk, Reggae, Ska, Cumbia). I write music in a variety of styles as well, such as singer/songwriter, Rock, EDM/trance, and even wrote a piece for the Diablo Valley College Philharmonic Orchestra. I'm also a big music theory geek which adds to my teaching ability. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a very supportive and encouraging teacher who loves helping students reach new achievements. To me, there is no better feeling than seeing the light bulb click for each student as they learn new concepts. It gives me so much joy seeing a student do something they thought they could never do before. I understand that each student is different with different learning curves so I do make each lesson different for every student's needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ

It is important that each student progresses at their own pace with reasonable and realistic goals that they can reach. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to achieve even greater challenges. My desire is to find what motives the student and create a curriculum that will refine them based on their desire. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar

I always begin with an informal conversation to get to know your interests and music goals are. Depending on the instrument and objective, I might follow traditional curriculum, such as Hal Leonard or Alfred Music. In reality, every student has a different way to approach the music. My job as a teacher is finding out what makes you tick, and use that to cultivate your passion and develop a study practice. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Double Bass

I try to cater my lesson style to the individual students desire and needs. I like to always incorporate the fundamentals of music and technique while exploring the material at hand.  Some key points I try to incorporate into my teaching are an understanding of:  rhythm, technique, playing from ear, improvisation, theory, and most importantly making music! I usually encourage my students to seek out music they like and specific songs they want to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Conga Latin Percussion

He has also studied voice with Jane Sharp and piano with Ellen Wasserman.  Jake has been teaching music since 2001. He was Music Program Director at Mission Hills Middle School, in Union City, for 3 years. He was also the guitar and percussion teacher at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Oakland. Jake has also been a music instructor with COVA, Art and Soul Music Studios, Hayward Music Center and ALMA. Over the years he has performed with musicians such as Josh Jones, Michael Aaberg, Dayna Stephens, Ambrose Akinmusere, Jonathan Finlayson, Geoff Brennan, and Ray Brown. Read More