Guitar Lessons in San Rafael, CA

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 Voice Synthesizer Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching private lessons a year ago and have been consistently teaching private lessons at students' homes and in my home studio since then. I've discovered that focusing on students' own interests and love for music generates fun, engaging and rewarding lessons for them. Repetition and a consistent practice schedule is easier for students to continue when lessons are focused on developing the aspects of music that they love, or building skills that take them closer to their interests. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginner students who are children (or for students who are looking for a more traditional curriculum involving reading standard notation), I typically begin with Hal Leonard's Guitar Method books to develop a foundation and familiarity with reading notes and handling the instrument with correct posture and technique. For students who simply want to play the music they enjoy and prefer using tab over standard notation, I like to jump right in by learning first-position chords, which is usually followed by common finger-picking patterns/strumming patterns, and playing songs of the student's preference. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching styles revolves around the student and his/her needs. But above all, I love to see the joy of music speak through the students own earned skill through hard work. Achieving goals, and succeeding is the platform for building confidence and gaining great joy from the learning and playing of music. All students will be required to learn scales, etudes, solos, and other repertoire to bolster his/her musical goals abilities; but beyond that, I open to what the student wants learn, and what he/she is able to bring to the table. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I think of two things as being central to my teaching style: Fun, and Growth. I think too many music lessons dry out the material, and suck the fun out of something that should be inherently joyful! I try to make every music lesson interesting, and keep my students engaged by giving them material that gets them hyped. Second, I think music is a great chance for people to experience the joy in Growth. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Drums Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

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: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

I have worked for many years teaching, counseling and assisting students with their love and joy of music. During my teaching career I have also helped students with conflict resolution, coping skills, issues with and surrounding pride and culture, college selection, application processes, financing and preparation for college. I have taught a very diverse group of students, which has allowed me to learn various approaches to communicating and working with students from all walks of life. Read More