Experienced teacher will help you discover the joy of music!

About Me

Though new to the TakeLessons team, I have been teaching piano and guitar for 8 years, and in that time I have seen students transform from absolute beginners to confident musicians. I teach music because it is one of the most important facets of our culture today, and one that everybody should at least try to understand. A Bay Area native, I received formal training in piano for 12 years at Vandellos Studios and guitar for 7 years at Wollmer's, and have been playing ever since. I ... recently graduated from Brandeis University in Boston, where I acted as songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist, lead singer, and bassist in various bands, as well as writing, performing, and recording many songs on my own. I am also currently studying for a Master of Fine Arts in Painting at the San Francisco Art Institute, and I see teaching as my route in life, whether music or visual art.

Lesson Details

I feel that music is easy to learn and that anyone can play an instrument if they want to, and I have yet to be proven wrong! My lesson plans are designed to show students how simple music really is, and to make playing an instrument 'easy' and fun. Everybody learns at their own pace, and I adapt my lessons to the strengths and weaknesses of each individual student. I always take time to explain every little detail, and I will not move on until I know you can play each song with ... confidence. By integrating Music Theory into the curriculum from day 1, I teach my students to recognize the fundamental elements that exist in all music, underneath the notes and complex patterns we hear. This is an uncommon approach, and it has allowed some of my students to skip over entire lesson books.

With a strong basis in theory and musicianship, there are lots of interesting routes students can take, depending on what truly interests them about music. I can help you become a better band player and performer, or if you are interested in creating your own original music, I can teach you the fundamentals of songwriting and composition and help you unleash your creativity. Most importantly, I am here to be your friend and enrich your life through the freedom and beauty of music.

Sam has been a San Francisco private music instructor for TakeLessons since 2010. Sam is a certified local music teacher.

How It Works

Lessons are paid for in advance and purchased through our monthly or quarterly plans. All plans come with our 100% Money Back Guarantee. We accept payment via credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover), debit card or electronic check.

Monthly Plan

Schedule and pay for lessons on a month to month basis. Lessons are paid for and scheduled on the 25th of every month.
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Quarterly Plan

Purchase 12 lessons upfront and receive your 13th lesson for free. Over the course of a year, you receive a month of free lessons!
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Pricing

Lesson rates vary depending on the length of the lesson (we offer 30, 45, 60, and 90 minute lessons), and the actual location of the lesson (we offer lessons in your home or our teacher's studio). Lessons are paid for in advance by Visa, Mastercard or Discover. Sorry, no cash.

Please call 877-231-8505 for details.

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Availability

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In-Home Lessons

Travels within 8 miles | Details »

Equipment:

Guitar/Bass, Practice Amps (if necessary), Lesson Materials.

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Avila Road

Teacher Studio | Details »

Equipment:

Multiple guitars, both Acoustic and Electric. Bass Guitar, multiple amps. Upright Piano at my studio location in San Mateo.

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