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Justine D.

Justine D.

“Learn your favorite songs (and more) on Bass or Guitar”

  • Located in

    San Diego, CA, 92103

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Call us at

800-252-1508
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  • About
  • Photos & Videos
  • Student Reviews 4
  • 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: Yes
    Subjects Taught In Person
    Bass Guitar, Guitar, Music Theory, Upright Bass
    Subjects Taught Online
    Bass Guitar, Guitar, Music Theory, Upright Bass
    Education
    Kalamazoo College - Music & Psychology - 09/2005-06/2009 (Bachelor's degree received)
    Teachers College - Music Education - 09/2009-08/2011 (Master's degree received)
    Specialties
    Jazz, orchestral, pop, rock
    Lesson Details
    I begin every lesson by warming up, maybe by playing scales or short melodies, or an excerpt from a piece we have been working on in previous classes. We'll work on repertoire you're interested in learning, and you'll gain an understanding of what makes the music work and why the notes, rhythms, and harmonies are what they are. We'll use the music we're studying as inspiration for creativity as well, and sometimes I'll ask you to come to the next class with a short composition of your own or ...
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    About
    I am a graduate of Kalamazoo College, where I earned a dual-degree BA in music & psychology in 2009, and Teachers College Columbia University, where I earned my EdM in music education in 2011. I teach upright bass, bass guitar, and guitar, and my number one goal is to make you feel as though your interests for your music study are always kept in mind as we work together. I like to incorporate composition and creativity into private lessons in addition to playing songs and repertoire, and ...
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    Equipment
    In-Studio: Living room with seating for parents, stands. I will have my own instruments present as well. I do not have amplifiers in my studio but do have cables and a tuner. Please note that I have two cats; they'll be in an enclosed room away from where we will have lessons, but if you have cat allergies this may not be a good fit.

    In-Home: I expect my student to provide an instrument of his/her own to play during the lesson and I will bring my own ...
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  • Justine's Photos

    • Justine D.
    • Justine D.
  • Rated 5 out of 5 by 4 reviewers.
    Rated 5 out of 5 by fabulous music teacher When I was looking for a guitar teacher for my 12 year old daughter I wanted someone who had a great background academically and also for that instructor to be approachable and kind and laid back. We gave Justine a try, with a little hesitation knowing that we're in NC and she's in CA, I thought this might be a big hurdle but soon any worries dissipated as Justine, not only has amazing professional and academic credentials but is absolutely the sweetest, most patient and caring teacher. Using skype to view her lessons my daughter is absolutely at ease and has learned the principles of guitar playing and started to play on her own and built enough confidence to the point that she enjoys and plans to continue learning the guitar. Thank you Justine for all your hard work and we highly recommend anyone searching for a guitar instructor to get Justine. Great investment! March 28, 2013
    Rated 5 out of 5 by Awesome! Justine is amazingly patient and great at breaking down the process for beginners. I like that she teaches using an app on her iPad - which I can use as a practice tool at home. She's flexible with my changing schedule and communicates in a timely manner with appointments. She makes learning guitar fun! June 7, 2012
    Rated 5 out of 5 by Justine is very patient but also careful to ensure that necessary capabilities are established before moving on. My coordination is taking awhile! In the meantime, a family illness has deferred lessons for awhile. March 2, 2012
    Rated 5 out of 5 by Justine is a fabulous teacher. In my previous attempts with guitar lessons, teachers would just show me how to play something and I got good at mimicking what the teacher was doing, but left to my own devices, I had no idea. Justine actually knows HOW to teach, in such a way as to create lasting learning and give me the tools to learn more on my own. She has stepped me through learning new chords and notes/scales and how they play out in music and even how a guitar is constructed. It makes so much more sense when you have a full picture of what's going on. I even hear music differently now. Thanks Justine! November 29, 2011

  • 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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