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Cliff R.

Cliff R.

“Learn to play the music you love from a passionate, fun-loving, and knowledgeable instructor!”

  • Located in

    San Francisco, CA, 94116

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Call us at

800-252-1508
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  • About
  • Photos & Videos
  • Student Reviews 5
  • Availability
  • How It Works
  • Map
  • General Info
    • TakeLessons Certified Teacher

      TakeLessons Certified Teacher

      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.
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    • 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.
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    • Levels: Beginner to Advanced
    • Ages: 5 & up
    • In-Home Lessons: No
    • In-Studio Lessons: Yes
    • Online Lessons: No
    Subjects Taught In Person
    Drum, Guitar, Music Theory, Songwriting
    Education

    St. Ignatius College Prep - - 09/2000-06/2004 (High School diploma received)
    Gonzaga University - Education, English, Music - 09/2004-05/2006
    Santa Clara University - Music, English - 09/2006-06/2009 (Bachelor's degree received)
    Walden School - Music Education - 8/2009 (Degree received)

    Specialties
    I'm trained in the Walden School method of music education, which is used at the Peabody Conservatory and Santa Clara University. The method utilizes sight singing, aural dictation, and piano fluency. Not only was I trained in this method, but I also attended the Walden School in August to learn how to instruct students in this method.

    As a guitarist, I specialize in metal, rock, blues, and other pop styles. My education has also provided me aptitude in jazz and classical. I have ...
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    Lesson Details
    As an experienced educator, Cliff believes that music should be FUN! As a result, Cliff divides his lessons into three sections: Technique, Theory, and Repertoire. If a student wants to be the next great virtuoso, we will focus on playing techniques that foster speed, improvisational skills, and facility with the instrument.

    Would you rather learn more about how music works? Then lessons can focus on sight reading, exploring groove, harmony and, melody, and examining how different ...
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    About
    Cliff started his musical career as a young boy, taking classical piano lessons from the age of 4 until the age of 12. Discouraged by the strict format of his musical education, he picked up the guitar, and vowed never to take another music lesson. However, upon entering college, Cliff enrolled in drum lessons on a whim, and he has never looked back.

    After discovering this new found love for music, Cliff earned not only a degree in English, but also a BA in Music from Santa Clara ...
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    Equipment
    In-Studio: I have a guitar, amplifier, a practice pad and teaching materials, such as sheet music, drum charts, and iPod, and song books. I expect students to supply their own instruments, and they are welcome to supply any material they want to learn, such as CDs, songs from their iPod, guitar tabulature or sheet music.

  • Cliff's Photos

    • Cliff R.
    • Cliff R.
  • Rated 5 out of 5 by 5 reviewers.
    Rated 5 out of 5 by Cliff is the man! Before my time with Cliff I had been playing guitar for a few years and was entirely self-taught. I had reached a major plateau in my playing which in turn affected my overall enthusiasm to picking up my guitar. After some debate I decided to find a relaxed lesson setting that would help me learn and progress. My girlfriend said she had heard of TakeLessons.com so I checked it out and found Cliff. What a great investment it turned out to be! In about 8 months of lessons I'm amazed at how much I have progressed under Cliff's tutelage. All along, our lessons have been fun, informative, and very relaxed. I have rediscovered the enthusiasm that I had seemingly lost. Outside of his vast knowledge of music, Cliff is a great guy and I am very happy with my overall experience. Thanks TakeLessons and Cliff! April 18, 2013
    Rated 5 out of 5 by Outstanding. Patient, supportive, goal oriented, flexible. March 31, 2012
    Rated 5 out of 5 by Amazing guitar teacher and player! Cliff was my first music teacher and I've learned so much theory and technique in just a year. How he snuck in so much information while keeping lessons fun is a mystery to me. I looked forward to every lesson, as I'm sure any student of his would. August 8, 2011
    Rated 5 out of 5 by Cliff is a wonderful teacher! Very patient, kind and knowledgable. March 20, 2011
    Rated 5 out of 5 by Absolutely a Great Teacher Cliff is an awesome teacher! ! He is very patient with beginners like myself, but his knowledge is so vast that I'm sure he could teach the most experienced guitar player. He was always very flexible with us for lesson times and what not which was nice. He would even go over our alloted hour because he was so involved in teaching something. He's funny, easy to talk to and get along with, his studio is very comfortable, and he can accommodate any type of guitar student. Cliff is just a downright great teacher and great guy. March 3, 2010

  • 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.

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