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, Classical Guitar, Music Performance, Music Recording, Music Theory, Songwriting, Acting
Education
University of Souther California - Music (guitar performance) - 8/87-5/91 (Bachelor's degree received)
University of Southern California - Music (guitar performance) - 8/93-5/95 (Master's degree received)
Specialties
My training is heavily in jazz guitar and to a lesser degree classical. Of course, I make most of my living performing other styles including rock, blues, funk, pop, country, and metal.
Lesson Details
I tailor your lesson to your needs and learning style. I use the songs and music styles YOU love as a way to teach you solid music skills. Some students just want to learn a few new chords and to play their favorite songs. That's totally fine. Others want an intensive curriculum that gets them playing all sorts of scales, learning the fretboard, improvising. learning advanced techniques, reading notation and lead sheets. That's great, too! We can be as laid back or as intense as you want to
...
get. Either way, it's always fun. We'll set goals for our lessons that are both realistic AND challenging.
If you're looking for fun lessons from beginner all the way to advanced, look no further.
Learn guitar, songwriting, bass, theory, eartraining, how to learn songs by ear, music reading, strumming, fingerstyle, picking, shredding, you name it. All styles. All levels.
I have both Masters and Bachelors degrees in music (guitar performance) from the University of Southern California, have written hundreds of songs with 3 solo albums to my credit, have played thousands of live and studio gigs,
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and have been teaching privately for 20 years and in the college classroom for over 12 years.
I love working with kids and adults, hobbyists, students, and professionals! ALL ARE WELCOME!
In-Studio: keyboard, recording equipment w/ seating for parents
In-Home: I usually bring my acoustic guitar
Doug's Photos
Rated 5 out of 5 by 1
reviewer.
Rated 5 out of 5 by JamesS Great Bass Lessons
Doug is an excellent instructor. I feel myself progressing with each personally tailored lesson. Highly recommended.
May 26, 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.
