Guitar Lessons in Trabuco, CA

Instruments: Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Studying music and a specific instrument is not a straight line. There are multiple lines that cross and support each other's continuation. As mentioned previously, "Theory, Application and Technique" sums it up. We can't focus on everything all at once, so we have to prioritize what makes sense to emphasize now so that it will help us prioritize something else later. We set tangible goals when focusing on technique ("play A major scale in 8th notes at 120 bpm, for example), and can do this with music theory to an extent as well ("write out the notes of the B minor scale"). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Conga Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with CAGED System. 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 looking into different genres such as RnB, Blues, Rock, Pop, Jazz. 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. 5 minutes of warm up, 25 of theory, 20 of repertoire and 5 of talking about the next class. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Double Bass Music Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When receiving a student I first like to get to know the student by friending them. Asking question as to what their likes are and just getting to know them. For the beginner we start of with a Method book that fits their age and personaity and go from there. For the student that already has had past music experience I like to hear them play at first and see at what level they are to be able to place them on the correct method. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginners, I like to either start by asking their favorite kind of music, bands, etc. I can also try showing them cool, guitar friendly music that they may be interested in. From there, I develop a personalized syllabus for the student based in their preferences, strengths and weaknesses. Also, slowly but surely I introduce and explain music theory and start working with basic books such as A Modern Method for Guitar by William Leavitt. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music

Emily Retsas is a musician who currently based in Los Angeles. Since 2018 Emily has been playing bass for Phoebe Bridgers as well as having played for artists such as Kim Gordon, Boygenius, Better Oblivion Community Center, Shirley Manson(Garbage), Fiona Apple. Emily recorded bass on the four time Grammy nominated album Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers. In her young career Emily has become a regular on the international festival circuit, playing on huge stages including Glastonbury, Coachella Lollapalooza and Primavera as well as appearances for Saturday Night Live, Ellen, Conan OBrien, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Last Call with Carson Daly, KEXP Radio, Tiny Desk NPR, Google and Spotify. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

For novice players, I generally start with a simple song, usually one by the Beatles but most importantly, a song that the student loves and will feel a great accomplishment learning in order to gain confidence. Then I delve more specifically into technique. Each song should teach a technical lesson! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I let you show me how you play your instrument so I can evaluate your weaknesses. I will work with you on your weaknesses so that you can achieve the goal you have for your instrument. I can make you aware of what you CAN learn so that you can tell me what you WANT to learn. There are many things in guitar that require a lot of focus. The fundamentals are very important to my teaching style. Read More