Guitar with Jacob J.

As a teacher, my years of experience and study with a wide array of teachers has given me a unique perspective on the process of music making and how everyone can benefit from the act of music making. As a professional musician with a diverse background, I have years of performance and teaching experience to offer my students and to help them overcome any musical difficulties with ease. Positions in professional orchestras I have held include Principal Bass with the Amedeus Operenensemble in Salzburg, Austria, Assistant Principal Bass with the Northern Symphony Orchestra (MN) and St. Peter's Chamber Orchestra (Redwood City, CA) as well as with the Boise Philharmonic. I am also an avid chamber musician, composer and improvisor, a founding member of the San Francisco Bass Quartet and the Argentine Tango group Tangonero. I have also worked as a session player at San Francisco's Hyde Street Studios and recently collaborated with Third Eye Blind and Jherek Bischoff. I studied the double bass at the University of MN with Christopher Brown of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and earned my B.M. at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music studying with Scott Pingel and Steve Tramontozzi of the San Francisco Symphony. I have also studied electric bass with Steve Hanson, and drum set with Pete Hennig and Dan Rheinhardt. *** Lesson Details *** In my years of private teaching experience, I have found that it is most important for the student to have a clear goal or idea of what they want to get out of the lessons. This way both myself and the student have a clear understanding of what we want to accomplish and how I can help make the musical dream a reality. I have found that every student has different musical strengths and tailor my lessons to help the student overcome their specific challenges and strengthen the skills that come naturally. After several months studying with me you can expect to have better understanding of how your instrument works and developed basic skills to play simple tunes by ear and play some of your own music. But most importantly music is FUN! My ultimate goal is to share my love of music with all of my students and help them develop the same love for it that I have. *** Studio Equipment *** Comfortable and clean private teaching studio w/ drum set, keyboard and amps w/ seating for parents *** Specialties *** As a professional freelance musician in the San Francisco Bay Area I perform regularly in a variety of groups that encompass many genres, including: Symphony orchestras; jazz combos; Argentine Tango groups; folk, rock and funk groups; Bluegrass and more. I place an importance on nurturing students to become lifelong learners in a safe atmosphere that allows the student to feel comfortable making mistakes and to eventually help them find their own "voice" without negative constructive criticism, because after all, music is supposed to be fun. When starting lessons with a new student I make an effort to learn what kind of music they want to play, in order to establish a place to start and to ultimately give them the tools they need to create their own music in any style that they wish.