Ken W.

General Info

• Certified Music Teacher

  Certified Music 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 for the duration of each teacher's employment with us.

  
• 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

• In-Home Lessons: No
• In-Studio Lessons: Yes
• Ages: 5 & up

Subjects Taught

Guitar, Piano, Classical Guitar, Music Theory

Education

Diablo Valley College - General Education and Music - 2001-2004 and 2008-current (Associate degree received)
The Conservatory Of Recording Arts and Sciences - Audio Engineering - 2005-2006 (Associate degree received)

Cal State East Bay Music Major 2011- Current

Specialties

I mostly specialize in classical and jazz guitar and have taught blues, rock, metal and latin American guitar. All ages and all levels. I also teach western music theory (classical and jazz) from the baroque period to modern day. I teach beginning piano which consists of the basic fundamentals (i.e. scales, posture hand positions etc.).

Lesson Details

I have 17+ years experience as a musician and have taken self taught route and the lessons route. I believe 100% that being taught by someone who has sufficient experience really provides the roadway for a solid foundation whether you are planning on being a pro, just for fun and all levels in between. The combination of self-discipline and a good teacher are a must to have as a musician.

Amongst many other approaches of teaching music, I try to instill the 3 most lacking areas most ... musicians usually have to begin.

1. Sight reading: Unfortunately most common with guitarists! Tablature is a somewhat useful way to start but should be left behind soon after.

2. Collaboration: A teacher provides one way of collaboration as well as a band or an ensemble at school or in the community.

3. Improvisation: I provide a music theory background and I have a method plan for chord progressions, and help with learning the entire guitar.

I take step-by-step approaches towards giving a student encouragement and instilling music appreciation. I am very organized so every lesson will be documented and we will work on specific areas of fundamental development. Most of all have fun! That what gets us playing music in the first place!

I have an audio engineering degree and a recording background so I provide a recording of performances at certain lessons for progress marks. Usually after a piece is complete that we’ve worked on for a while.

I look Forward to meeting you!

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About

At age I 12 picked up a guitar and fell in love with the instrument. I began with an obsession with Metallica and related bands, which really inspired me to play along and learn that genre of music. That later evolved to a big interest in classical and jazz music as well as an interest in music theory. I believe the pitfall of a lot of musicians learning music theory “limits” you as a musician, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether you want to write, play in a band or just ... noodle around there’s a spot for you!

I have studied under Mark Simons of the San Francisco Guitar quartet from 2008 -2010 and completed the music program at Diablo Valley College in June of 2010, which includes extensive coursework in Music theory, Piano and Guitar and recently been accepted to Cal State East Bay where I will complete and receive a BA in music.

Music has many different levels and the beautiful thing is there is a place for everybody. I have spent a lot of time throughout my music career going “back to basics” in order to become a better musician. We are all capable of becoming great musicians and just because someone can play faster than you doesn’t necessarily make them better. Music provides everything from healing power to just plain fun for the human spirit so I always encourage students to go at there own pace and work within their abilities.

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