Our rigorous hiring process requires a completed application; an interview with
our professional recruiting specialists; personal and professional reference
checks; and annual criminal background checks.
Background Check Complete
Criminal Background Check
In order to ensure the safety of our students, all teachers undergo a thorough
criminal background check, which includes: Social Security number trace,
multi-state criminal search and a nationwide sex offender registry search.
Levels: Beginner to Advanced
Ages: 5 & up
In-Home Lessons: No
In-Studio Lessons: Yes
Online Lessons: No
Subjects Taught In Person
Bass Guitar, Guitar, Singing, Classical Guitar, Flamenco Guitar, Music Performance, Music Recording, Music Theory, Songwriting, Speaking Voice
Education
Musicians Institute - Performance and Guitar - Fall 2008 (Associate degree received)
Specialties
I am a very style-flexible musician and guitarist. Some really great books I've used in my own studies and lessons include: Pepe Romero's 'Guitar Style and Technique,' Ted Greene's 'Chord Chemistry,' George Russell's 'The Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization for Improvisation,' Peter Magadini's 'Polyrhythms,' et al.
Lesson Details
I am a GIT graduate and will teach you everything they teach at Musicians Institute, one-on-one. Whether you want to learn scales, arpeggios, chords, music theory, harmony, arranging, reading music, writing music, ear training, rhythm guitar styles (rock, pop, jazz, funk), soloing techniques (rock, metal, pop, fusion), songwriting (on acoustic and electric), live performance (pre-show preparedness, eliminating stage fright, developing a professional stage presence), using fx pedals, ideal
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amplifier settings, finding your signature guitar tone, music production (recording, mixing and mastering), music business (creating your press kit, marketing your music, negotiating payments and contracts)...you name it, I've studied it and will teach it to you!
If you want to learn what they teach in the guitar program (GIT) at Musicians Institute here in Hollywood, but don't want to spend $30k on tuition and living expenses to do it... Or, if you are planning to attend GIT yourself and want to get way ahead of the curve early, so you too can graduate with top honors... Schedule some lessons with me, at a fraction of the GIT price-tag!
Beginning, intermediate and advanced guitar players will all benefit greatly from the vast wealth of guitar- and
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music-related information and experience that I have to offer (no brag, just fact).
My influences include, but are by no means limited to: Frank Zappa, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Sting, The Cure, Duran Duran, Prince, Lady Gaga, Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Miles Davis, Christina Aguilera, Jimi Hendrix, Queen, Béla Bartók, Igor Stravinsky...and nearly everyone else making interesting music in the world.
In-Studio: When I'm not touring and doing sessions, I spend the majority of my time in Hollywood, where I keep a small but full-featured music studio on a nice, quiet little street just off Hollywood Blvd. It's great because it contains all of the necessary items I need to maintain my skills, improve my abilities, and expand my knowledge (sofa, chair, office desk/chair, several amplifiers, guitars, fx pedals, metronome, etc). And in terms of the lessons I teach, while there
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isn't an on-site waiting area, there are several shops, restaurants and a small Fresh & Easy grocer with a nice, quiet alfresco seating area just a block or so away. What's more, the Hollywood & Highland mall is only a few blocks away. Parking is very convenient in the LA Fitness subterranean garage, the entrance to which is located on North Sycamore Ave. The fee for parking is free for one hour, with easy, no-hassle validation from Fresh & Easy. Note: street parking is permit-only and you will be ticketed...so DO NOT park on the street!
In-Home: Please bring your instrument, a notebook, pencil, and, if you would like to record your lessons to have and review afterward, a pocket-size recording device. I will typically record moments when a student performs an example of something s/he has been working on, or an improvisation regarding the same. I do this strictly for the purpose of (a) having an example to which to compare and measure the student's progress and improvement over time, and/or (b) to capture a 'magical moment' of musical inspiration that might prove useful to the student's artistic/musical development, etc. At the student's request, I will provide a copy of said recordings (if any) on a CD. All such recordings are kept 100% confidential, are not distributed nor disseminated for any reason whatsoever, and are deleted at such time that the student discontinues his/her lessons with me.
Rated 5 out of 5 by RobertB2 Robert B.
Andrew wan an excellent teacher. He was very talented and easy to get along with. I would definitely recommend him.
May 7, 2012
Getting Started
Excited about jumping into music lessons? Before you can get to the
guitar tabs, violin concertos, and vocal riffs, take a moment to think
about the logistics of your lessons.
Lesson Length
There are a few things to consider when choosing between 30-, 45- or
60-minute lessons. First and foremost, take your age and experience
level into account. You'll also want to think about your long- and
short-term goals, and the time you'll need to reach them. Most
importantly, consider how long you or your child is able to stay
focused.
Lesson Location
Teachers have the option to display availability for in-home,
in-studio, and online music lessons. In-home lessons take place at
your house, in-studio lessons are conducted at the teacher's home or
professional studio, and online lessons are taught over the internet
via live video chat.
Book Your Lessons Online
Scheduling your lessons is simple and quick! The prompts will guide you
through each step, from securing your lesson time to selecting the
payment plan that works best for you.
Scheduling Lessons
After you've selected your teacher, click on the Availability tab to
see which time slots and days are open.
Booking Options
Click the "Book Online" button to get started. Enter in your contact
information, and the prompts will guide you through payments, program
options, and confirming your schedule. Learn more about our booking policies.
Payment and Billing
We make paying for your lessons convenient and hassle-free! Prices
vary based on several factors, including the city you live in, the
length of your lessons, and whether you're taking them at home, in
your teacher's studio, or online. Lessons are paid for in advance,
which locks in your time slot.
Signing Your Customer Agreement
Signing your Customer Agreement and completing your Student
Questionnaire is the last step! The questionnaire will give your
instructor valuable information about your goals and experience level,
and give him or her time to create a customized lesson plan right
from the start.
Start Your Lessons
Now the excitement can really begin! Consider the following to ensure an
exceptional first lesson...
Prepare for Your First Lesson
Once you've completed the last step, your teacher will call you within
the next couple of days to confirm your first lesson time and provide
you with directions to their studio, if needed. We also encourage you
to discuss your goals and any other questions you may have.
What To Expect
Every teacher is different, but most first lessons begin with an
assessment of where you are in your studies. At a beginner level, you
might review the basics of your instrument, such as the different
parts, how to hold it correctly, and proper care and maintenance. For
voice, this may be the time you learn about breathing and posture.
Reach the Goals You Set
Every TakeLessons student is unique, and so is your lesson plan!
You'll work with your instructor to develop a plan suited to meet your
specific goals. Most TakeLessons instructors will also keep track of
your progress with a lesson journal.
Programs & Pricing
The billing management tools in your online account help you keep track
of your upcoming payments. And with several lesson programs available,
you can select the one that fits your individual needs.
100% Money Back Guarantee
If you're not completely satisfied with your first lesson, we'll
gladly find you another instructor or refund your entire lesson
purchase.
Can I pay when I get to the lesson?
In order to reserve your time slot, we require payment at the time of
booking, which must be at least seven days before your first lesson
takes place.
How does billing work?
Lessons are paid for in advance, which reserves your time slot and the
teacher that you want. Your specific billing date will depend on the
lesson program you select.
What forms of payment do you accept?
At this time, we accept payments via Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and
American Express. You also have the option to pay with a debit card.
We do not accept payment via cash, check, or money order.
Do you offer a free trial lesson?
We don't offer a free trial lesson; however, we're so confident that
you'll love your lessons that we offer new customers a 100% Money Back
Guarantee. If you take your first lesson and decide that you don't
want to continue, we'll refund the amount you paid INCLUDING the
lesson you've already taken. To request the Money Back Guarantee,
simply notify us within 72 hours of your first lesson.
Do you offer any discounts?
At this time, we don't offer any discounts. However, if you are
booking two students for consecutive in-home lessons, you'll only be
charged one travel fee, instead of one fee per lesson.
