Music Lessons in Clarksburg, CA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I developed a very good relative pitch. Luckily, my old teacher had taught me how to read music. While in college I fell under the spell of flamenco music and studied briefly with a blind Spanish guitarist in Manhattan. I performed in rock and pop groups throughout college. When I moved to California I studied with Jon Harris, a classical guitarist who had studied under Segovia. I began to compose my own music and to continue a grueling practice schedule. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Seeing my students progress as musicians is the most rewarding part about teaching. Being a good musician does not only mean that an individual has good technique but it also means that they are able to portray their thoughts through their music and most importantly, having fun. I encourage taking things one at a time to ensure that my students are understanding and internalizing the musicality in each of the lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My expertise is in teaching modern guitar performance, vocals, music technology, songwriting, audio engineering, and music production.  I emphasize practicing and encourage students to have fun with music.  Every student learns at their own pace, yet I find that setting short term and long term goals help greatly in my students' progress. *** Travel Equipment *** I can provide keyboard and recording equipment. I expect my students to be able to provide their own guitar for lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trombone

I believe lessons should be fun and engaging. I believe the most improvement in a student comes from practice time, so my goal as a teacher is to show the student how to practice most effectively by applying what they learned in their lessons in their practice sessions. If it is all right with them, we can record the lesson so they can go back and watch. As a teacher, I believe it is important to be positive and supporting, giving constructive criticism guide the student to play better while also boosting the student's confidence. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

If you’ve tried and failed, or even if you’ve never touched a piano, Smiley can teach you. And, you’ll have fun doing it because with my easy approach to learning, you will start playing the songs you like from day one, not practicing endless scales all the time, and boring music language that would be difficult to understand the first day. With my easy learning how to play approach, you would lean your first song and be able to play it, over and over until you learn a new song to share. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Conga Latin Percussion

My teaching experience dates back to 1996, when I began teaching lessons to children in at-risk communities in dance and music, while going through school in Oakland. I then continued in Stockton, CA, where I developed music and dance programs in the Recreation Centers, and later developed my own non-profit organization. I began writing my own grants to teach classes in after-school programs, and in 2013, while attending my music program, I began instucting private music classes in classical guitar, beg. piano and beg. voice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute

Various styles: Big Band Jazz, R B/Gospel, Salsa, pop rock, ska circus pit band. Also extensive session work in Los Angeles; soundtrack and album projects. Read More