Irvine, CA Banjo Lessons

ow to 'play well with others' in informal as well as more structured gatherings every few months, with no pressure, only compassion & encouragement.

For those wishing to join in the fun of playing bluegrass music, we will start out with technique exercises, scales, basic melodies & accompaniment patterns to prepare you to learn this unique & exciting style of American music. There are many gatherings in the area called 'Pickin' Parties' that I want to get you ready to participate in as soon as is humanly possible.

If you are one of those brave souls undertaking the lovely but challenging fretless instrument, the violin, my main focus is to get you started with the all the necessary basic techniques - holding the instrument & bow correctly, getting the best possible tone & pitch using efficiency & accuracy, mixed with a great deal of ear training & heart.

Specific songs you'd like to learn? Your reward for accomplishing what I deem necessary on whichever instrument you've chosen will be for us to then listen to & analyze your desired piece, & I will then write it out in either tablature or standard notation.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lesson studio contains music stand, tuner, metronome, & there is easy parking in the well lit front lot.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Student must have own instrument & be willing to purchase necessary tools as recommended at their first lesson for their instrument & playing level, such as music stand, tuner, pick, book, strap, etc. at a local music store or on line.

*** Specialties ***
Bluegrass, Country, Country Rock, Contemporary Christian, Americana, Ragtime Blues Guitar, Fingerstyle, Flatpick, Accompaniment, Ear Training, Theory, Harmony

Dominic Castillo, a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, who was a student of Jerry's as well. After studying under these talented musicians, I went on to pursue my education in music and received my BA in Music from San Jose State University in 2004. I started teaching music privately during my time with Jerry and Dominic and continued to teach during college up until the present, and have taught hundreds of students since. I now live in San Diego where I teach, work as a freelance musician, and play in local funk/jazz/rock group Science Fiction Jazz and gypsy/kickstomp outfit Quel Bordel!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a very easy going, friendly individual who believes that learning music is built upon a strong relationship between teacher and student. This relationship involves good communication, honesty, open mindedness, and most importantly the desire to LEARN and have FUN. I approach teaching music by knowing and understanding the student's musical goals, and teaching fundamentals, theory, and technique through the style(s) of music that the student wants to learn. For beginners, I tend to teach basic techniques and chords through simple songs to get the student playing music as quickly as possible.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living Room: couches, table and TV, music stand, student can borrow instrument for first lesson, parents can sit in on lesson

*** Specialties ***
My main musical styles that I perform and teach are rock, blues, jazz, funk, R&B, and reggae. I studied jazz in college so I also have extensive knowledge of jazz theory.

r other styles, we will find the best avenue to progress toward your goals. At the same time I believe it should always be a fun thing to do!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitars - Drums - Banjo - Amplifiers - Piano - Accordion - Ukes and other assorted instruments

*** Specialties ***
Depending on student interest, I teach numerous styles (Rock, Blues Jazz improvisation) by reading music or by ear. Some students are more visual while others are auditory learners. Whichever is best for the student.

co Bay Area.

Since 2006 I have been an active teacher. This profession has taken me everywhere from working with classical guitar classes in New Mexico high schools to Elementary students in Japan to a variety of private students of various musical instruments and genres everywhere I've been. Since relocating to the Bay Area in 2010, I've had the pleasure of working with lots of great students from kids to adults with a wide range of ambitions. Since 2012 I've been running my own full time studio.

Philosophy of Learning

Lessons are generally designed to work towards giving students the tools to accomplish their goals and become increasingly independent over time. While all students will study similar fundamentals regarding technique, theory, and performance, every lesson is as different as every person. What kind of music do you want to make? I'll tell you what you need to do to get there, and help you take the steps to achieve your aspirations.

I also love to help students put together a song, record, and produce it for them so that they can have a recording to share with their friends and family.

I also hold events for my students. (Check out our pictures and videos below!)
Younger students have opportunities to perform for friends and family at my studio every few months. Once or twice a year we'll also stage a larger event off site for more individual students and bands classes to perform.
Adult students also occasionally have events where they get a chance to get together and play music as well.

Aside from in-studio lessons, students also have the option to sign up for online lessons via Skype.
(*Online lessons offered during different times than in-studio lessons.)

*Unfortunately due to scheduling issues, I'm not currently accepting students for bi-weekly lessons. I can do regular weekly lessons, or occasional drop-in lessons, but bi-weekly appointments make it really hard for me to give the best scheduled times to my existing weekly students. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.

My studio is equipped with:

*Music Stands

*A P.A. System

*Vocal and instrument microphones

*Guitars, Basses, Ukulele, Banjos, etc

*Two guitar amps and a bass amp

*Various percussion including a fully equipped acoustic drum set

*A Roland V-Drums electronic drum set

*An electric piano console and Yamaha organ

*A MicroKorg Synthesizer

*A Tuba, Trombone, Cornet, Saxophone, and Flute

*An extensive physical and virtual music library

*A recording system that students are not only welcome to use but encouraged to

*HD Webcam and condenser microphone for high fidelity online lessons via Skype

d electric guitars, as well as ukuleles, mandolins, bass guitars, and lap steel guitars. I'm personable and patient, and my lessons include songs, techniques, and instruction for improving your musical skills. I look forward to meeting you and having fun learning and playing music together.

-Glenn

*** Lesson Details ***
I'm big on teaching songs and techniques learned through scales and chords, which will enable you to improvise, solo, and write your own music. I can teach either traditional note reading or tablature, and can transcribe your favorite songs and solos. The lessons are fun, with new material to learn and play every week. I hope every time you pick up a guitar, it will be a creative experience!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home studio: front room turned into music studio. recording gear, all instruments listed, additional seating for parents.

Morey's Music: Music store setting, small practice room, additional seating for parents.

*** Specialties ***
I've done it all-like theory, all styles of music.

ts. Basically I've done a little of everything and I believe that it is this diversity of experiences that makes me a better teacher. Having worked in so many settings gives me a broad understanding that I use to help you reach whatever goals you might have.

I have also become adept at writing, recording and producing music, studying under Frank Wright of the legendary rock band Chicago. If you have an interest in creating and/or recording music I can definitely help you get there! Check out my chill/downtempo instrumental album 'Night Music'.

*** Lesson Details ***
I can teach you about playing several different instruments, how to write, how to record your own music, and how to get your music career off the ground! As a youth, I was largely self-taught so my inspiration was always to have fun. I never had to deal with the 'homework' style of practicing so I've naturally incorporated that approach to my lessons. My goal is to keep you (the student) inspired and having fun. When that happens you will become good at your instrument and feel as though you 'played' your way to success! As your teacher I will also provide almost all of the materials for free and show you great free apps to help you along with your learning and keep costs to a minimum! I know we will have fun together while you learn and I look forward to meeting you!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitars, piano/keyboard, drums, bass, banjo, mandolin, ukulele and a ProTools recording studio.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide the learning materials but I expect the student to have their own instrument, be that a guitar, drum set, etc.

*** Specialties ***
Commercial music is definitely my specialty, but I am also capable of doing various styles such as classical, bluegrass, traditional/folk. Just focus on what you want to learn and I can teach it to you.

bass, ukulele, banjo as well as write music.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am extremely patient and firmly believe that anybody can learn to play music.

I try to keep my teaching philosophy simple. We figure out your musical goals and aspirations and carve out a path to achieving them. Along the way I will try to illuminate how the path to attaining your goals and aspirations is best taken at an enjoyable, relaxed pace and with a strong work ethic.

I always prepare for your lessons based on your interests, integrating relevant books and videos, creating handouts tailored to what we are studying in order to maintain clarity.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitars, Keyboards, Ukuleles, Microphones, Amplifiers, Recording Equipment

*** Specialties ***
Any style you prefer (Rock, Pop, Folk, Country, Jazz, Bluegrass, etc.)

performed 223 shows and in 2017, the group perform 258 shows.