Long Beach, CA Flamenco Guitar Lessons

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Teaching Philosophy -

My teaching philosophy is built on well rounded communication, explanation and examples. So, that a student can truly understand and learn a topic, surrounded in a very humorous, light and supportive environment.
Along with being provided good information, a student learns better and feels more motivated to learn when there is a balance of positive support and confidence building accompanied by constructive criticism and examples/information that can help a student assess what ever walls they may be meeting in their musical growth.

I understand that all students/artists have different goals they wish to achieve. So it is very important to me to accommodate each individuals needs and wants to help them grow in the fields they wish too; However, In that I have played music for a long time, I understand there are certain things that a student may not have been exposed to yet; It is important that while focusing on a students artistic goals they respect and are open to the suggestion and guidance of their teacher.

I truly believe music has an amazing influence on the world and has the ability to change peoples way of thinking. Therefore, I try and keep an open awareness to all music, so that I can understand all different musical languages utilized to communicate to people, and I don't believe I will ever know them all. I hold it to attention to influence my students somewhat similarly so that they can shape the landscape of how we communicate musically in the future.

I also try and be very patient with my students. Knowing that when I feel rushed, it makes information more difficult to comprehend, remember and allocate. I love watching the gears run in my students head, so I try and provide information that pushes a student but is within their abilities.

HUMOR is very important. I like to break people out of their shell by telling a joke and hopefully getting one back, so they feel more comfortable and free. One of a Artists worst enemies are nerves. Keeping things light-hearted and maybe even a little small talk can be very helpful to a students development and growth on a topic. After all, Art is meant to be fun and we should enjoy every moment of it, in fact we should enjoy every moment in life period.

I understand music requires focus and discipline and I have certain expectation of a student to understand that and practice. You can't buy chops, you can't buy music theory etc. you can get help but eventually your the one who must understand it and play it.

I am here to help you. Based on what I know and what I have extensively studied, I will do all that I can to help you achieve your musical goals. I am here to answer your questions and help you grow. I love teaching because I love sharing knowledge; As long as your seek it, it is here for you. Otherwise, I'd still love to hear some jokes.

Education -

MUSIC
_Bachelors in Music - 2016 - Guitar Performance (Musicians Institute, CA)
_Associates in Music - 2011 - Guitar Performance (Musicians Institute, CA)
_Major in Music - (Academy for Visual and Performing Arts) - 2008
_Garden of Angels - 2003 - Performance Academy

DANCE
_Krump, Pop-n-Lock - 2012 - (Xtreme)
_Break Dancing - 2011 - (Fun.Krew)
_Traditional Brazilian Dance & Samba - 2014

MARTIAL ARTS
_Capoeira - Current - (Capoeira Batuque with Mestre Amen)
_Wing Tsun - 2013 - (Johnny from the Emin Boztepe School)

ART
_Graffiti - 2011 - (Fun.Krew)
_General Art - 2008 - (AVPA)
_Painting - 2003 - (Garden of Angels)

Much Love,
Azuri Zen M.

*** Lesson Details ***
I'm very disciplined but am also very light hearted. It's important for me to assess things seriously, so that one can understand a topic or piece of information.

I generate my lessons based on the individuals needs and therefore draw from various curriculums, sources and examples, such as : MI curriculum for ear training, Theory, Single string Technique, Reading, Rhythm guitar, Ted Greenes Chord Chemistry, Berklee Guitar Method, as well as The Real Book, other artist books(Eric Clapton, etc.) The Guitar Players Hand Book, Bach pieces and self developed curriculums, relative to the topic at hand and students personal goals, amongst many others.

-Beginning students within three months of consistent lessons should have the ability to solo and playing chords to songs that they are interested in and songs provided in the lesson along with a basic understanding of the major scale and its relationship to all of the diatonic music.

-intermediate students should have an elevated understanding of scale and chord patters along with the theory that explains modal relationships and use of these concepts.

-Advanced students should learn all of diatonic scale shapes and modes assuming they don't already know them in which case their specifically situation will be assessed

-Professional students I expect to have specific questions therefore where they grow should be largely subjective.

Overall, in a short amount of time on a scale of 1 - 10 I expect to in three months at-least elevate a students musical abilities one full point if not more.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio in home in private room with guitars, amps, piano, and seating.
Em's studio is family owned cafe with studio in finished basement with an office, recording equipment, and teaching space for acting and guitar.

*** Specialties ***
As a Musician I try and play as many styles and be proficient in as many as possible and therefore can play most. However, in the fields of blues, jazz, funk, flamenco and Latin I excel.

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

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.

everyone else making interesting music in the world.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a GIT graduate and will teach you everything they teach at Musicians Institute, one-on-one. Whether you want to learn scales, arpeggios, chords, music theory, harmony, arranging, reading music, writing music, ear training, rhythm guitar styles (rock, pop, jazz, funk), soloing techniques (rock, metal, pop, fusion), songwriting (on acoustic and electric), live performance (pre-show preparedness, eliminating stage fright, developing a professional stage presence), using fx pedals, ideal amplifier settings, finding your signature guitar tone, music production (recording, mixing and mastering), music business (creating your press kit, marketing your music, negotiating payments and contracts)...you name it, I've studied it and will teach it to you!

*** Studio Equipment ***
When I'm not touring and doing sessions, I spend the majority of my time in Hollywood, where I keep a small but full-featured music studio on a nice, quiet little street just off Hollywood Blvd. It's great because it contains all of the necessary items I need to maintain my skills, improve my abilities, and expand my knowledge (sofa, chair, office desk/chair, several amplifiers, guitars, fx pedals, metronome, etc). And in terms of the lessons I teach, while there isn't an on-site waiting area, there are several shops, restaurants and a small Fresh & Easy grocer with a nice, quiet alfresco seating area just a block or so away. What's more, the Hollywood & Highland mall is only a few blocks away. Parking is very convenient in the LA Fitness subterranean garage, the entrance to which is located on North Sycamore Ave. The fee for parking is free for one hour, with easy, no-hassle validation from Fresh & Easy. Note: street parking is permit-only and you will be ticketed...so DO NOT park on the street!

*** Travel Equipment ***
Please bring your instrument, a notebook, pencil, and, if you would like to record your lessons to have and review afterward, a pocket-size recording device. I will typically record moments when a student performs an example of something s/he has been working on, or an improvisation regarding the same. I do this strictly for the purpose of (a) having an example to which to compare and measure the student's progress and improvement over time, and/or (b) to capture a 'magical moment' of musical inspiration that might prove useful to the student's artistic/musical development, etc. At the student's request, I will provide a copy of said recordings (if any) on a CD. All such recordings are kept 100% confidential, are not distributed nor disseminated for any reason whatsoever, and are deleted at such time that the student discontinues his/her lessons with me.

*** Specialties ***
I am a very style-flexible musician and guitarist. Some really great books I've used in my own studies and lessons include: Pepe Romero's 'Guitar Style and Technique,' Ted Greene's 'Chord Chemistry,' George Russell's 'The Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization for Improvisation,' Peter Magadini's 'Polyrhythms,' et al.

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.

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

instruction.

My experience as a guitarist in Southern California has led me to explore different genres of music, playing for various musical groups ranging from surf rock, concert band, and jazz. As a co-founding member of the band, Ballistico, we opened up for acts such as Dick Dale and the Del Tones, the Grandmothers of Invention (featuring members of Frank Zappa’s original band, “Mothers of Invention”), Avenged Sevenfold, and many others.

EXPERTISE

Having received first hand instruction from the some of the most sough-after professional Flamenco guitarists living and working in Spain (and touring internationally), I offer each of my students an unrivaled degree of authenticity in technique, tone, and style.

LEARNING MATERIALS

Each lesson includes tablature and audio recordings of the material that we will have gone over together. It is completely normal that only a day or two after a lesson—or even a few hours afterwards—the mind can (and will) quickly forget the material. Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. By having the accompanying written and audio material with you after each lesson, you will be well-prepared for a successful next lesson!

e song to a popular comedy podcast. Jared also produces electronic music under the stage name ‘Cyrus’ and has licensed recordings throughout the United States.

h at my studio or online.

As a teacher I will challenge you! I will give you multiple exercises and lots of homework. Over the years, my students have won guitar contests, gotten into successful bands, and are touring around the world. If you are willing to work hard, you will get better! You will see, hear, and feel the difference in your playing. I'll show you the way and will be with you step by step.

Looking forward to meet you!