Manhattan Beach Music 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

ted) in a normal class session.
*Simple body exercises
*Vocal warm ups
*Vocal range development exercises
*Practice songs of student's choice(or suggested by the instructor)
*Develop vocal interpretation through practicing songs

Languages:
English
Mandarin Chinese
(Both fluent)

Education:
Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music - Hollywood, CA
Professional Certificate: Music(Vocal Performance)

Cal State Fullerton - Fullerton, CA
Bachelor of Arts: Communications/Advertising

*** Studio Equipment ***
88-Key Digital Piano
Microphone Set
Vocal Booth & Ambient Reflection Filter
Amplifier
Recording Interface
Music Stand
Sofa
Chair
Mirror
TV/DVD
wifi

*I do have a cat at home. If you are allergic to cats it's better to book In-Home lessons(I'll drive to your place for lessons).

*** Travel Equipment ***
I do have a 88-key digital piano at the studio. Piano students need to have at least a 54-key keyboard at home.

*24 hour advance cancellation notice is required to change or reschedule lessons.

and castles in England, France and Germany, such as the Bristol Cathedral, Mont St. Michel, the Chambord Castle, and St Nikolai Church. Music is my passion and gives me an outlet for expression no matter how I'm feeling. Aside from music, school is very important to me, and I am proud to say that my GPA is a 3.9. I also enjoy video games such as Kingdom Hearts and Overwatch, I love learning new languages and studying science, and I love taking care of my three rabbits!

a violin student of Gail Lilja-Kirkeeng from a young age, and was taught guitar by Rex Carroll of christian heavy metal band, Whitecross, and later when on to study rock and metal guitar with Joe Stump and Jon Finn at Berklee College of Music. I have opened for acts such as Five Finger Death Punch and Rob Zombie, and even accompanied Dream Theater onstage as the principal second violinist for their live DVD release, Breaking the Fourth Wall. My musical background is mostly based in classical music on violin, and rock music on guitar, although I consider myself very well versed in many different styles. Topics I generally like to begin new students with are scales and modes and how to apply them, basic posture and correct pick/bow technique and left hand placement, and the note names as they apply to the instrument and basic sight reading. I firmly believe that every student is unique with different styles, voices, and goals and that any lesson plan should reflect that. Whatever you want to learn, I’m here to help!

f Alex Russell. He has been playing in the Azusa Pacific Symphony Orchestra since 2015 and played for the University Choir and Orchestra for two years. Ryan is currently active in the studio orchestra and serving as the assistant section leader in APU Chamber Singers. Ryan plays in different occasions, such as weddings, APU school events, or recitals, and collaborate with different musicians, such asL.A. based pianist J. Michael O’Neal.

ongs!

I hope to share my passion with you and help you to create your own music!

ining and Solfege. Since I am a pianist, I accompany my vocal students on their chosen repertoire and technical warm ups.

- Guitar/Bass: I'm a pianist but I work with my Guitar and Bass students in the areas of Jazz Improvisation, Music Theory, Ear Training, Solfege, Sight-Reading, Groove development and contemporary repertoire.

- Songwriters/Producers: Over the years I worked on giving shape to the songs and ideas of many songwriters and producers. With my songwriting and production students, I work with their melodic development, chord progressions, Hit-Song deconstruction and modeling, and how to create your own music drawing from the best contemporary resources.

I would love to work with you!
Please send me a message to talk about your musical goals and needs.

gramming and I use real life metaphors to relate to writing efficient code. I have over 6 years experience tutoring in Computer Programming. Some of the languages I have tutored students in include Javascript, Python, and Ruby. I have worked with several students to provide training in Microsoft Office - Excel, Word and Access.
I have also taken courses on Lynda and obtained certificates in various computer science topics including Swift Essential Training, HTML Essential Training, JavaScript Essential Training, Relational Database Fundamentals and Foundations of Programming.
I provide high premium quality tutoring and training services for Computer Science and IT students and also assistance in the completion of software projects for clients(individual or small business). Additionally, I provide training material and guidance for aspiring tech professionals undergoing a career change. I have tutored students in Java, MySQL, JavaScript, Python (as well as Microsoft Office platforms such as Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint). I experience tutoring students in math, reading, and writing as well.