David L.

“Ready to stop practicing and start playing? Have fun learning the music that you like to listen to!”

Located in
Alameda, CA, 94501

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800-252-1508

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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.
- 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, Music Performance, Music Recording, Music Theory, Songwriting

Education

University of New Haven - Music and Sound Recording - 09/1995 to 05/1998 (Bachelor's degree received)

Specialties

I have experience playing and teaching:
Rock, Metal, Pop, Soul/R&B, Funk, Latin, Jazz, Country & Bluegrass, Reggae & Ska

Lesson Details

My goal as a teacher with a beginning student is to get them playing songs as soon as possible. I know how hard it is learning a new instrument, and how frustrating it is when it seems like what you play has nothing to do with the music you listen to.

The first thing I do with any student is have them bring in music they like to listen to. I want to know what you like, so I can tailor my lesson toward getting you there. I want to keep you interested in playing because music is supposed to ...

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About

I have been a musician for over 20 years. I have a BA in Music & Sound Recording, and am equally comfortable in the studio as I am on the stage. I currently lead my own band which plays all original music and I have released two CDs of my own music, in addition to playing and recording with many local acts. I also write, record and produce music for TV and movies. Let's just say I wear a lot of hats.

I love music, and surround myself with it at all times. There are very few styles that ...

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Equipment

In-Studio: I hold my lessons in my living room, and I have amplifiers for both myself and my student. My computer which houses my 20,000+ song music library and my recording gear is also there as a resource for us to use. I expect that each student provide his or her own instrument, but I do have spare instruments in case of emergency.

In-Home: I provide my own bass guitar/guitar and amplifier and the books. I expect each student to have his or ...

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David's Photos
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David's Videos
Rated 5 out of 5 by 1 reviewer.

Rated 5 out of 5 by RaeT Fun, supportive, entraining, educational Dave has such a good teaching style, I'm really glad I picked him. He is very approachable when it comes to me asking potentially stupid questions and he always makes the class's fun. He is very truthful about how difficult things will/can be and how frustrating, so approaching as a completely beginner I know what I was getting into. The thing I love most about the lessons is how flexible he is in his teaching, able to explain things is a number of ways so eventually even I can understand. He is very understanding of me heavy work schedule and even when I have had no time to practice I still leave the lesson learning something. July 23, 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.