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Mark S.

Mark S.

“I make discipline fun, and complicated stuff easy to understand!”

  • Located in

    Las Vegas, NV, 89145

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800-252-1508
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  • About
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  • Student Reviews 6
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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.
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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, Classical Guitar, Music Performance, Music Theory, Songwriting
    Subjects Taught Online
    Bass Guitar, Guitar, Classical Guitar, Music Performance, Music Theory, Songwriting
    Education
    St. Mary's College of Md. - Music -Classical Guitar - 1981-85 (Bachelor's degree received)
    Specialties
    Jazz, classical, rock & blues -with a strong flamenco influence. My approach emphasizes learning/practicing knowledge & skill(s) at the same time, using many exercises to facilitate this. I prefer teaching advanced and/or highly-motivated "serious" students. I play/teach electric, steel-string, and classical guitar -both fingerstyle & pick. I also teach electric bass. I have less experience at playing and teaching woodwinds, and don't generally market myself as a teacher for these ...
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    Lesson Details
    My lesson approach is disciplined yet laid-back and supportive, emphasizing identifying and understanding the most basic musical and instrument-specific knowledge and skills upon which everything else is based. My approach is holistic, and emphasizes understanding the connections between everything; with new students who know nothing, I of course start from scratch; with students who do have some knowledge and/or skills, I'll emphasize reinforcing their knowledge and skill and "connecting" ...
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    About
    I just turned 49, and have been playing electric bass and guitar since I was 14. I graduated from St. Mary's College of Maryland in 1985 with a Bachelors degree in classical guitar, and have been teaching guitar and electric bass for over 25 years. I'm an eclectic player who has studied and integrated many concepts from varying styles including classical, flamenco, jazz, blues, and rock, and I've developed a unique and highly effective teaching method that draws from and builds upon the CAGED ...
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    Equipment
    In-Studio: Upstairs in loft or living room with bass/guitar amp, keyboard and seating for parents.

    In-Home: Students coming to my home can use my amps & cords (if applicable). I provide paper & printed lesson info. I expect students to have/use their own instruments. Of course, I also have a keyboard, for reference & use.

  • Mark's Photos

    • Mark S.
  • Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 6 reviewers.
    Rated 5 out of 5 by Great Teacher, Great Teaching Methods, I Highly Recommend Mark Mark S. is a great teacher that understands his students and knows exactly what to teach based on the students ability and goals. He is patient and encouraging. I have learned a lot in a short time. September 27, 2012
    Rated 5 out of 5 by Great teacher Mark really does care about his students and the way he teaches the guitar makes it feel easier to learn. He gives great explanations on the fundamentals he's teaching you and tells you how it relates to your overall understanding of playing the guitar. He has great communication and posts very helpful detailed lesson notes. He goes above and beyond to make sure you're understanding and getting the most out of each lesson. I highly recommend this teacher! September 9, 2012
    Rated 5 out of 5 by Very Pleased Father... We went through several instructors before Guitar Mark. He is reliable and great with my son who really doesnt want to practice or play on a daily basis. Highly recommended! My son looks forward to his weekly meeting with Mark. June 4, 2012
    Rated 5 out of 5 by Mark is an extremely personable, patient, motivating and highly accomplished guitar instructor. I throughly enjoyed his opening me up to the "CAGED" system which teaches you how to use all the frets up and down the neck of the guitar, but in a way that is most logical and easy to comprehend as well as making use of fingers 1-4 in a most facilitating way.I would highly recommend Mark for any SERIOUS COMMITTED guitarist. June 3, 2012
    Rated 4 out of 5 by maria Excelente teacher make student feel confident May 1, 2012
    Rated 5 out of 5 by Mark is great he has helped me alot April 9, 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.

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