Guitar Lessons in San Rafael, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I can accompany the student with the guitar or piano. For beginners in piano, I will typically begin with the Faber workbook. If they have their own workbook that they would like to work from, I will work with that. I teach Circle of Fifths as an early tool to cultivate an understanding of harmonic language, and make it as simple and easy as possible, until the basics become engrained. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have performed dozens of shows with big bands, jazz combos, rock bands, and choirs. I have recorded both professionally and in my own practice space. I have experience teaching young children percussion, as well as general teaching experience with children ages 3-8. I love setting a good example for young people and sharing my love of music with them. As an intelligent, hard-working, and personable young man, I believe I am well-equipped to the task of instruction. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe in encouragement, fun and positive focus on the students progress at whatever speed that they progress. This makes each student look forward to each lesson with eagerness and actually accelerates their progress. I never push a student and instead encourage and edify the student and try to use their own favorite pieces of music to keep them excited about their next lesson. Acknowledging small progress is the key and I never let a student leave without celebrating their accomplishments no matter how small! 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

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I tailor my lessons to each students' individual needs. I have found the Hal Leonard Beginner Guitar Method Book to be a great introduction to guitar. I also create charts and diagrams tailored to the interests of my specific students. I teach my students how to read and write their own music. Nothing is more helpful than learning how to transcribe their favorite songs. You'll learn how to read, write, compose, analyze, transcribe - but most importantlyl - love playing guitar! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

My methods vary depending on the situation. I start by getting to know my students in an effort to learn their musical likes and dislikes only then can I design a lesson that will allow each student to get the best results. Of course, I always include the basics ie... sight reading, notation, hand positions and breathing but I think the most important aspect of music is focusing on the emotion and message in each note or phrase. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

I have been teaching privately since undergraduate college days. In addition to private lessons on guitar and piano, I have facilitated group workshops, directed ensembles, and tutored reading comprehension in some Oakland public schools. It's a profound joy to see young children have their first musical experiences as well as to see the fire of music be rekindled in those who have put an instrument down and have decided to pick it up once again. Read More