Long Beach, CA Flamenco Guitar Lessons

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 - Amplifiers - 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.

chniques, I can teach you! From playing as a hobby or to entertain friends and family to advanced college-level topics, we can cover whatever your specific goals are. Also, with student interest, I like to focus on music theory, and a deeper understanding of how songs/music work - in other words, rather than just teaching a student a song and being done with it, I like to focus on how and why the music works as it does, to enable students to put their own spin/style on it, play it in different keys, etc. I teach all skill levels, from brand-new beginners to advanced players.

Several of many possible topics of study include:

• Lead and rhythm styles and techniques -- both are essential to learn!
• How to play solos and how to improvise
• Styles and techniques of your favorite musicians/songwriters
• Playing by ear and how to learn songs just by listening to them
• Playing to accompany yourself or someone else singing
• Developing parts and techniques to play with other musicians
• Songwriting, and how to create riffs, hooks, and chord progressions
• Reading chord charts
• Music reading -- Optional, not at all essential to playing music, but a good skill to have

My teaching style is friendly and good-natured, I believe in positive encouragement and feedback, and don't believe in "guilt-tripping" or any other negativity toward students - playing music should be fun! I also love when students ask questions - I operate under the old saying that "there are no stupid questions!"

*** Studio Equipment ***
Amplifier, music stand, computer with internet connection (for playback of songs from the internet or CDs)

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide blank manuscript/chord chart/tab paper. I expect the student to provide their own instrument (along with any related things such as amplifiers, guitar picks, strings, etc.) and to provide study books that we agree upon (if necessary). I am able to supply books if the student reimburses me at the time they receive them.

*** Specialties ***
I tailor my teaching style to each student's aptitudes and interests. All music students learn differently, and it's my challenge as a music teacher to figure out what works best for each individual student to inspire them and to keep them excited and motivated about learning an instrument.

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!

gthen their technique or finally begin that piece they have always wanted to learn.

ram with honors from USC in 2005.

After graduating, Donovan has been active as a professional musician in the Southern California area, with several recording and live credits, including some of the top venues in Southern California.

In 2010, Donovan completed a master's degree in Guitar Performance (Jazz Studies) from the Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach, studying 7-string guitar with Ron Eschete. While at CSULB, Donovan wrote his master's thesis on the life of music of Michael Hedges entitled "Michael Hedges and the Re-Invention of Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar"

Donovan has been very active as an educator, and currently holds faculty positions teaching guitar at Concordia University, Irivne and Golden West College in Huntington Beach. In 2008, Donovan self-published a guitar method book entitled "The Practical Guitar Method: Real-World Instruction for the Beginning to Advanced Guitarist"