Guitar Lessons in Vista Del Mar, CA

Instruments: Guitar

The Carolli Method is the best method for the lower intermediate students. The Complete Carcassi Guitar Method is a wonderful reference book for intermediate level guitarists as well. Aguado has many fantastic ideas about playing techniques which I have worked with my of my more experienced students. As for experienced individuals, Pumping Nylon by Scott Tenant is a progressive method book for players who wish to further develop their guitar technique, which I suggest to all my experiences students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Ukulele Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

All lessons are customized to meet the individual needs and interests of each and every student. Instruction is open to everyone with a love for music and a desire to learn, regardless of age or previous musical experience. I teach fingerstyle playing on nylon and steel-string acoustic guitar. In addition, I teach beginning piano and ukulele. I don't use one specific method book. Over the years, I have developed my own method that I then tailor to each student, depending on their objectives and goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I use various methods and books depending on the style, age, ability etc. I always keep my eye out for new books and open to suggestions. A few examples. With classical guitar students who are over 10 yo I prefer to use Christopher Parkening Guitar Method and Frederick Noad "Solo Guitar Playing" The latter suits more mature (both mentally and physically) students. With younger guitar students , 6-9 yo, I usually start by using basic guitar methods such as Hal Leonard Essential elements or "Everybody's Guitar Method" and my own easy arrangements of popular songs before shifting to Parkening. Read More

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

My musical journey started at the age of 8. I took classical piano lessons for about 5 to 6 years and during that time, I learned about the fundamentals and building blocks of music theory as well as how to read, sight-read, and transpose music. My love for music though began when I picked up the guitar at age 13. I had always naturally gravitated towards the guitar because of its portability (compared to the piano) as well as the full sound it was able to yield despite being a smaller instrument coupled with the fact that there are some many interesting styles and ways to play it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching not only music but other subjects such as computer science, mathematics, English, and social studies since I was in high school. I have served as a teaching assistant through graduate school and have taught in both private and classroom settings. I am comfortable with all ages. My goal is to balance a musical education with other elements such as self-confidence, focus, concentration, and of course fun! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

After graduating cum laude with a degree in Music, Gabriel made his way to Chicago to work on a Masters in Jazz Studies at DePaul University, studying with Bob Palmieri (a student of John Scofield), trumpeter Dr. Robert Lark, and saxophonist Peter Ballin. While at DePaul he continued to play and record in several jazz combos and big bands, while also finding the time to jam at some of the great blues bars in the city.  Leaving Chicago behind in 2003, Gabriel traveled to Los Angeles to pursue his Doctorate in Musicology at the University of Southern California, where he studied Indian classical music, Jazz History, and 20th century Western art music, receiving a Masters in Musicology along the way and becoming a Doctoral Candidate. Read More