Private Guitar tutoring lessons El Cajon, CA.

A typical lesson begins with a warm up and review of last weeks' lesson, and then moves to a new concept or technique. Once this new idea is understood, we give it a practical application by using it a song the student is familiar with. We finish up by setting some homework and answering any questions the student my have.

My lessons are structured and goal orientated (I want my students playing songs they love as soon as possible to keep the inspiration and excitement going!) but I adapt each lesson plan to suit the student, accommodating different musical tastes and learning styles. Most important I keep the lessons fun and engaging - it's the best way to learn!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Fulling equipped, professional teaching studio.
Guitars, drums, amps, PAs, Pianos, Mandolins and much more!

*** Specialties ***
Very versatile both in preferred styles and my ability to adapt to students requests. Can cover anything from jazz to metal, or pop to blues, on guitar, bass or drums.

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I have three educations:
1) PhD in Musicology,
2) Master in Music Education and
3) Bachelor in Electrical Engineering.

I have about 20 years teaching experience and I am a California Certified Music Teacher

I speak english, german, swedish and farsi and love to work with people of all ages.

I teach:
1) Guitar
2) Piano/Keyboard
3) Drums
4) Singing
5) Bass Guitar
6) Music Theory
7) Violoncello

Welcome to My Lessons

*** Specialties ***
Classical, Pop, Rock

nstitute of Technology co founder Joe Diorio) pro touring guitarist Christopher Eck of the band Masterguru, former students of guitar virtuosos Greg Howe and Joe Stump and many other serious amateur and professional musicians.

*** Lesson Details ***
Heavily influenced by legendary virtuoso guitarists Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai and Yngwie Malmsteen, Nikola's goal as a teacher is to convey his knowledge and expertise of the guitar on to others while emphasizing his own style, which exemplifies speed, intensity and finesse. While his exploits in rock guitar gymnastics continue to attract and inspire new players, Nik's approach to teaching is simplistic, yet highly effective and suitable for young beginners and adults of all ages.

Nikola M's guitar lessons are professional, insightful, progressive and cover a wide and exciting spectrum including:

The Rudiments of Music

* Chords
* Rhythm studies
* Scales
* Warm up stretches
* Sight reading for beginners
* Theory
* Modes

Technique and Repertoire

* Lead improvisation
* Ear training
* Dynamics

Master Class

* Sweep picking
* Speed picking
* Arpeggios and pentatonics
* Two-hand tapping
* Chicken picking
* Blues improvisation

*** Travel Equipment ***
Amplifier (if needed)

*** Specialties ***
Heavily influenced by legendary virtuoso guitarists Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai and Yngwie Malmsteen, my goal as a teacher is to convey my knowledge and expertise of the guitar on to others while emphasizing my own style, which exemplifies speed, intensity and finesse. In addition to teaching various genres like pop, jazz, country and folk, I specialize in instructing virtuoso rock and progressive metal guitar techniques.

es. In 1982, I became interested in classic rock and founded my band, The Mar Dels. During my time with the band, I’ve learned and performed many classic rock hits. One of the best-known dance/party bands in San Diego, the Mar Dels continue to play at private and public events locally, nationally, and globally.

*** Lesson Details ***
I give my guitar students a solid background in right and left hand technique. This includes finger picking technique for the right hand as well as flat picking. It’s important for students develop a correct left hand position, if they wish to continue to play for many years without injury to the left hand. It’s also very important to young students who may wish to move into classical music. Most classical guitar music can’t be played well with a standard rock left hand technique, but all rock music can be played very well with a good classical left hand technique. 

Most of the studies I use with my students are songs, scales and arpeggios from my personal library, so it won’t be necessary for my students to buy any books right away. However, if students want some additional materials to review, I can suggest some titles.

I emphasize the quality of sound that the student produces with the instrument. Many musicians feel that playing a piece of music is like running a 100-yard dash. I prefer that my students play at a comfortable tempo and create beautiful sounds, rather than rushing through a song simply to show an ability to play fast. I feel that it’s very important to practice any new piece or exercise at a slow tempo till it can be played well with relaxed hands. When the tempo is gradually increased, one acquires beauty with speed.

Within the first three months, the average student should be able to play some open position chords, bar chords, and arpeggios, and be able to improvise over a chord progression using four or more notes from at least one pentatonic scale. I like my students to learn at least one guitar solo (a piece that features guitar either solo or with accompaniment) within six months that they could play for their friends or parents. If the student’s goal is to use the guitar to accompany their voice, they can learn to sing and play at the same time. This is a special skill that takes time to master, and is something that I have done for years. I’m happy to share my ideas on how to develop this skill with my students.

Ultimately, the progress of the student depends on their talent level and their desire to acquire skills. If a student is interested in only one style of playing, I am happy to focus on it; however, I have a very broad skill set on the guitar and I like my students to develop as many techniques as possible.

*** Equipment ***
Depending on the student’s interest, I bring either a steel string or a classical guitar, and I prefer that the student also have an appropriate instrument. If it’s an introductory lesson for a beginning student, I can bring an instrument for them to use for the lesson.

*** Specialties ***
Since 1982 I have played guitar in The Mar Dels, a popular dance and party band so I am familiar with most pop, blues & rock styles of playing.

I have always loved the classical guitar and I am especially interested in good technique and tonal quality.

amplifiers and cables if applicable. If I am teaching recording then they should have their own workstation with computer, interface, and either monitors or 2 sets of headphones. I expect students to have their own copies of any relevant books/materials as instructed.

I will bring my own writing materials and guitar if necessary.

*** Specialties ***
Piano - classical and rock/pop.
Guitar - rock/pop, classical, and jazz. I prefer to start students with classical when possible as a means of getting hands to start finger-picking early.

d LA. We then expanded the scope of the band by adding a second sax and more exotic percussion as well as incorporating elements of reggae and rock into our original music. This helped us land jobs at clubs like the Troubadour and larger venues like the Shrine Exhibition Hall. We played together professionally for five years.

After at stint at the Dick Grove School of Music I joined an eight piece cover band playing popular dance music. We toured Western Canada for six months, riding in a converted city bus and taking turns driving a large panel truck with our equipment. When I returned I met a talented female singer who also played flute. We formed a pop/rock quintet and played professionally in the LA area for several years.

I’ve continued to take lessons along the way and have taught trumpet, piano and guitar to both young people and adults. I believe my rich musical journey and my experiences both teaching and performing can help you to achieve your musical goals!

*** Lesson Details ***
Listening to music is fun. Playing music is fun. Learning to play a musical instrument should be just as much fun. The first step toward a solid musical education is to find out what type of music the student likes and what particular musician or artist he or she enjoys. From there we can choose material that the student will have fun performing as they learn.

Each session will involve a brief review of previous material covered and a preview of ideas to work on going forward. In between, the student and I will play together and discuss how best we can each improve, and have a little fun along the way!!

I will work with a variety of methods and concepts customized to fit each student. My experience has shown me that no two students are alike, but every student will enjoy playing more, and more often, if they like the study material.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have my own instruments but would expect the student to have their own instrument for lessons and practice.

*** Specialties ***
Pop, rock, reggae, R&B, blues.

experienced players. Ben also offers Lap Steel, Pedal Steel, and Banjo lessons for beginners.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Breedlove AC25/SR Plus Acoustic Guitar
Gibson Les Paul
Fender Telecaster
Goldtone Dojo (Banjo/Dobro)
Emmons Pedal Steel
Gretsch Lap Steel
VOX AC-30 amp
Fender Bassman amp
Fender GDEC amp

ster in-law learned piano, guitar and music theory with me. My late father in-law had a left leg amputation and was blind. We taped rice on the back of the guitar neck so he would have a tactile reference to his frets. It felt so good to bring a dream of his to life and to prove to naysayers that anyone can play, even if the challenges are far greater than average.
Within a year, I had enough referrals to fill 2 days of the week with students. I have held 3 recitals and plan on having a holiday recital this year.
I will never stop sharing music with others and look forward to meeting any new students granted via this platform.

technique is good technique, and a proficient musician should and can jump from one style to another with ease.