Guitar Lessons in Silver Creek Valley, CA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been playing guitar for 21 years and teaching for 14 years.  I started taking private guitar lessons as a teenager for several years and played in my High School Jazz Band along with other original rock bands. While in high school, I was able to study with popular Chicago rock guitarist Kevin M. Buck where I first learned music theory, which inspired me to be more studious with the guitar. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with some basic chords and scales. 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

I'm a multi-instrumentalist, improvisor, composer and educator who takes great joy in teaching and sharing music with people of all ages. I've been deeply fortunate to have studied closely with multiple master musicians of various traditions. Perhaps the teacher who has had the deepest impact on my teaching methods is W.A. Mathieu, former arranger and bandmember of the Duke Ellington and Stan Kenton orchestras. I studied with Mathieu for three years. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For beginner's in piano and guitar, I generally use the Alfred's and Mel Bay methods as starting places. In every situation, I tailor and personalize the curriculum to individual student needs; as students progress, I employ more and more personalized curriculum which reflects the research I have done into cognition and learning, and which maximizes the creative learning of the student. For more advanced students, I will challenge them in targeted domains, with customized exercises that focus upon their musical growth, with an emphasis on realizing their maximum potential. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Ukulele

I like to emphasize fundamentals, especially if a student is just beginning. I believe a strong foundation makes it easier as they progress. For all instruments I always have my students prepare both technical exercises and solo material. I always emphasize historical context to bring the music to life. Read More

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

I am open to a wide variety of teaching methods! By not committing to one specific method, I allow myself to be flexible and respond to my student's needs. For example; if a student has limited eyesight, as a previous student of mine had, I will focus on teaching by-wrought rather than by using written notation. I take extreme care planning lesson plans for my students, and often find myself thinking what would best help my students in my off time. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have years of experience when it comes to teaching and performing musical concepts. During my time at Dominican, I became the designated music theory tutor for all music majors and minors. During my time as a tutor, I watched all of my student's grades go up multiple letters. For teaching guitar, I have learned from numerous accomplished teachers ranging in different styles and I have harnessed each of their successful teaching techniques. Read More