Arcadia, CA Bass Guitar Lessons

d motivated to perform on stage with confidence no matter what their skill level.

*** Lesson Details ***
My lessons focus on reading, technique and basic music theory. I always start my lessons with scales and exercises. This develops good technique and primes the student for music theory. The rest of the lesson is focused on reading and performance. I expose students to different classical composers like Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. Once they have mastered a few pieces, students are then encouraged to study the composers they enjoy the most. It is important for students to enjoy the music that they are learning as I expect them to practice everyday.

*** Travel Equipment ***
They must have a piano

*** Specialties ***
Classical Piano

rs of a founding member of Earth Wind & Fire & lead singer of group led by Marko Babineau (Aerosmith, G&R.) I've also sung & ministered with outreaches to try & comfort the homeless in Skid Row-downtown LA... and put on a special special presentation for my Grandmother in her nursing home before she went on to her eternal home...the most wonderful thing I've ever done.

I sing with the 3 Gospel choirs in North Hollywood- once informed that I had become president of my Men's Choir-arranging,directing-doing the deal-as learned from personal musical mentors, Anthony Janflone Sr. (the Nicola Tesla of Music) & Motown Songwriter writer/ director, Stafford Floyd.

I also perform as a solo artist while recording/ performing with various artists including Naomi Nektare, Jillisa Lynn, Tru Addiction, Rich Vacarro, Gary Allen, Kenny Freeman & Marko Babineau & more.

*** Lesson Details ***
To connect with, meet you halfway on the path with, teach & direct from a sound & experienced mind the shortest and most direct methods to unveiling one's musical dreams coupled with on-going personal support, guidance, empowerment training, accompaniment and honest advice.

*** Studio Equipment ***
1971 Lowry Theatre Organ, Vox Tone Lab amp, Fender bass, acoustic & electric guitars, various microphones and recording equipment.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Korg Micro Synth, Accessories

*** Specialties ***
Pop, Rock, R&B, Soul, Funk, Hip Hop, Music Theatre, Blues, Hard Rock, Gospel, Psychadelia, Acid Jazz, Metal, Country, Comedy, Free Jazz, Spoken Word

y to play percussion in the school symphony while at the same time developed an intense interest in the instrument that would become my true love, the guitar.

During 1996-98 I studied jazz guitar at the New World School of the Arts music program under the direction of J.B. Dyas and Dr. Roby George. Upon graduation, I was immediately accepted to the University of Miami jazz guitar program under the direction of Randall Dollahan. It was during this time that I also refined my skills as a classical guitarist and as a composer/arranger. In addition, I began passing my knowledge onto friends and eventually began working as a teacher.

My ability to play almost any genre of music is the fruit of past experience playing with an impressive variety of music groups, including jazz combos, symphony orchestras, Andean world music ensembles, and several rock and pop groups as well. As a studio guitarist I have recorded for various artists including Jaci Velasquez, Carlos Ponce, Alexandre Pires, and Noelia.

*** Lesson Details ***
Now also available to teach online video chat lessons through Skype.

Every one of you is unique and there are many possible paths to reach your goals in music.

With my background and music industry experience, I am able to customize my lessons for you so that you can reach your desired goals. We will take some time to find out where your passion lies in music and I will use my experience and knowledge to create a customized lesson-plan that will allow us to focus on reaching your desired goals and at the same time maintain a well rounded music education.

I find this to be key in making the lessons and your practice sessions very enjoyable, fun and laid back - knowing that everything we practice, play and talk about is in line with your goals as a student.

I will also be playing along with you and demonstrating everything that we're working on - music is meant to be shared and played with others and it is important to have that experience of interaction from early on in your lessons.

So whether it's learning to accompany yourself or others, write songs, read music, understand harmony, solo, or just jam out to your favorite songs, you will be well on your way to reaching your goals within 6 months of my lessons.

Look forward to making music with you!

Want to learn a quick exercise for mastering the fretboard on your guitar? Check out my article on the TakeLessons blog here: http://takelessons.com/blog/guitar-fretboard-chart

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room w/ grand piano and seating for parents.
Room/studio with professional recording equipment - Logic Pro X recording software, Mackie HR824 Studio Monitors, Miktech C4 Tube Microphone, UA6176 Preamp/compressor, Apogee Duet D/A converter.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide my instrument and teaching materials.
Students provide their instrument, music folders.

*** Specialties ***
All styles - pop, rock, classical, jazz, blues, folk, ethnic, latin, soul

ialties ***
I specialize in jazz improvisation on piano and guitar.
I also teach recreational guitar and piano for adults, including classical and blues styles.
I coach bass players and drummers in playing stylistically correct grooves for jazz, rock and latin music.

ate long term constructive relationships. Worked as a Music coach with kids in the spectrum (Asperger Syndrome).

Oles (Brad Mehldau), and Erika Duke-Kirkpatrick.

He is a frequent performer of new music and has premiered works for solo double bass by contemporary composers including Sean Hayward and Chuck Gloria. His own music explores his influences of folk and the blues and has included collaborations with electronic, avant garde, bluegrass, and jazz musicians.

flexibility, endurance, speed, song writing, ear training, improvisation, and much more!
In addition I also help students with their music for band at school, or for any other type of ensemble they might be playing in. I have been a professional musician for several years and I have backed groups like The L.A. Swing Barons, The Inland Empire Swing Orchestra, Sonora Santanera groups, Willie and The Road Tramps, Irie Nationz, The Goodlow Company, Domestic Imports, Buddha Bomb, Angry Babies, Space Camp Stowaways, The Debonaires, and more! I am currently in a few different groups playing all over Southern California and beyond.
I will bring the best out of your playing, take a lesson with me and you will get better! I have years of experience that you can tap into; in order for you to reach your musical goals. My education philosophy is student focused and I draw from a lot of different teaching concepts like Kodàly method, Orff method, Susuki method, and more. I am much more than just an instructor, but your also getting a mentor and a life coach. Sign up for a lesson today!
To reserve a spot just look for the box that says "Reserve your spot with Stephen," then go ahead select the instrument you want to learn, then the location, and a time that works for you. Then I will get in contact with you as soon as your sign up and we can go over all the details. I love new students, and I cannot wait to hear from you today.

a dean's list honoree while attending the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music (NYC) I have been awarded with the America-Israel Culture Fund's "Exellence in Jazz Guitar" award as well as many scholarships for various prestigious musical institutions around the world.

I'm happy to teach at both my apt. in West Hollywood or the student's home.