Monrovia, CA Classical Guitar Lessons

, developing mastery of rock guitar and blues performance and improvisation. Brian went on to complete a Bachelor's Degree in Classical Guitar Performance from California State University, Los Angeles.

Passionate about all kinds of music, Brian's studies include choral music and conducting, Gregorian chant (at the Monastery of St. Pierre de Solesmes, France), and Master Classes with Andrés Segovia and Christopher Parkening. In 1984, he participated as a member of the Honor Choir for the ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, which included recording of original music by Philip Glass for the Olympic Games under the direction of David L. Wolper and Mr. Glass.

As a jazz guitarist, Brian continues to grow musically in association with his colleagues of the Naomi Jazz Group, and other close musical friends who include students of the late, great Ted Greene.

*** Lesson Details ***
METHOD BOOKS:
FOR PIANO: Faber & Faber Method Series
Dozen A Day Technique series
FOR GUITAR:
STEEL STRINGS: Mel Bay, Alfreds Method Book
CLASSICAL: Fredric Noad
Julio Segraras Method
JAZZ: Stanford Jazz Workshop
The National Guitar Workshop's Jazz Guitar Method Series
Real Easy Books: Beginning & Intermediate Levels

MY APPROACH:
I focus on four areas that I think are essential to being a good music teacher:

• the uniqueness of each student;
• the fact that enjoyment (fun!) maximizes learning;
• the importance of proper technique and an understanding of music theory to build self-confidence;
• the development of musicianship through performance.

EACH STUDENT IS UNIQUE:
My first interest with each new student is to discover how he or she learns, and then to apply appropriate teaching techniques to maximize their potential. I gear my lesson plans to the individual and strive to optimize the learning potential of the student.

ENJOYMENT MAXIMIZES LEARNING:
In a lesson with me you can expect to never be bored, to laugh a lot, learn a lot, be positively engaged emotionally and challenged intellectually. I believe that learning is maximized when the student is enjoying the experience, and is faced with challenges appropriate to their skill level. I aim to make learning music fun, choosing musical selections to learn in the style and genre that relate to the student's interests and aspiration.

TECHNIQUE & UNDERSTANDING OF MUSIC THEORY TO BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE:
When my students perform in concerts, recitals, juries, auditions, recording sessions or simply for friends and family, they have self-confidence because they know precisely the "how" and "why" of everything required to perform well. My goal with students is to build a solid foundation in instrumental technique and thorough understanding of Music Theory at their appropriate level.

PERFORMANCE:
On a monthly basis, all my students practice performing pieces they are working on during the lesson time, with family/friends as an audience if desired and appropriate, and/or using digital recording to help the student develop a critical ear for their own playing.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music stands, guitar/s and guitar stands, Dynarelle cushion, footrests, Korg 88 fully--weighted digital keyboard, Zoom H4 digital recorder.

As well, I have guitars and equipment both for teaching and performance of various styles, as below. Students will have the opportunity to learn about, play and become familiar with any of these instruments/equipment according to their interests and skill levels.

GUITARS:

CLASSICAL: Ramirez Model 1A Classical (professional concert level instrument)
Cordoba (teaching/practice instrument)
Hohner Acoustic (electric)

ROCK: Fender Stratocaster (pre-CBS)
Shechter Omen6
Shechter Elite Series C1

FOLK: Martin (steel string)
Dobro

JAZZ: Oscar Schmidt by Washburn (hollow body electric)
Gibson SG (electric)

OTHER EQUIPMENT:

AMPS: Fender Twin reverb
Pevey practice amp
Rock amp

Boss GT8 Effects Pedal

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitar stands, guitar/s, Zoom H4 digital recorder. Generally I do not transport my Korg 88 keyboard to the student's home for lessons, but I can if necessary. However, I do require that piano students have their own piano/keyboard or at least reliable access to one for practice between lessons.

Guitar students should also have their own guitar. I can advise on appropriate instruments and can help students find a suitable guitar for their learning level and price range.

s and princes, Francesca has high expectations and is skilled in helping her students reach their goals.

Now performing in the Donald Brinager Singers, a studio choir for-hire, Francesca can often be seen performing with orchestras throughout Southern California. While mentoring through her award-winning teaching studio, Francesca also manages to perform several showcases featuring her original music with her amazing back-up ensemble.

With a constant effort to maintain a professional studio learning environment and with a focus on reading skills and solid technique, Francesca's students enjoy lessons packed with information and light-heartedness. The one on one experience you will have the moment you walk thru the door promises to be unmatched. Francesca's students can be seen on major television networks, radio stations and performing around town in various projects. With a passion to give back, Francesca reserves a small number of spots in her schedule for the youngsters and seniors of her community. She teaches beginning through advanced guitar, piano, and voice.

*** Lesson Details ***
Voice and Instrument Coaching

~Develop skills and techniques for top notch practice and performance
~Study theory, composition, ear training, arranging, improvisation
~Discover music technology and performance techniques
~Study melody, harmony, song form and lyric writing

Artist Development

~Voice and Instrument Coaching
~Song Writing and Selection
~Demo Recording
~Image / Art / Photography Consulting
~Finding your signature sound and style
~Live Performance 101
~Branding / Career Planning and Strategy
~Song Analysis and Consulting
~Booking gigs

A Note From Francesca:

My official bio is listed below, but perhaps more important than the things I have done are the things that I am doing. I am now approaching my 15th year of teaching. I love to teach! I carry a minimum of 30 students, but have carried more then 80 at one time, and have never once complained. My waiting list cycles based on my performance schedule and recording schedule. If you don't see a time that works for you, feel free to reach out and see if we can find something that works, as an artist, my schedule can be quite full but also quite flexible. I love my students, I get to do what I love all day and I am sure it shows. I have a blast discovering new ways to experience music with "my kids." I call all of my students kids even though most of my studio consists of young adults. I try to have a young air in my classes at all times as it just makes the process so much more fun for everyone.

I've seen it all in through years: kids, adults, beginners and advanced students. I am personally very interested in being the most versatile musician possible and I love being able to share my knowledge with my students. We can study anything and everything from Classical Guitar to Electric Guitar Shredding; from Opera to Kelly Clarkson; from Tchaikovsky to Little Richard! I love getting students to dabble in little bits of all genres, often getting even the most skeptical student singing and playing comfortably in a matter of just a few weeks. My students will be able to read music for their favorite tunes and understand how to improvise from the start. Once you come in, you'll be hooked. You will have fun because I am having fun!

I encourage all of my students to share their favorite music with me. It affords me the opportunity to learn more about what they desire to learn and what types of music they enjoy. We will learn with your music often. After all, isn't that why you are coming to see me? I will introduce you to new sounds and styles, but will foster your love for music, and do my best to never force my music on students. I feel I learn as much from my students when I truly listen to them and their music as they do from me.

On site lessons are available for artists recording demos, rehearsing bands and setting up their own studios.

On a side note, I love seeing students at my shows! I am a full time musician and can be seen playing with my band, in my own solo project and in various choral settings. Check out my website and see what I do outside of the classroom. My students get a kick out of the idea that they can buy a CD with their teachers face on it, and to be honest, so do I. Many of my students have their own music out on iTunes and YouTube. Many more can be seen performing around town in solo projects and professional ensembles.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Pianos, Guitars, Basses, Amps, Computer, Monitors, Music, Recording Software, Drum Kit, Studio and Performance Mics, everything we need! Its like Disneyland for musicians!

*** Travel Equipment ***
Varies

*** Specialties ***
Francesca on Artist Development:

I feel obligated to share my joys and experiences-

Not many people have been blessed to sing alongside as many renowned musicians as I have - I've been lucky to be welcomed in both the commercial and classical worlds and they have both afforded me venues to use my voice and express the most vital corners of my soul. To find your purpose through art is one of the greatest gifts you can receive. And to be able to do that in front of thousands of music lovers live or over the airwaves is a surreal experience.

It'€™s funny, my classical cronies are impressed to hear my stories of packed rock gigs at the House Blues and national touring festivals like Warped Tour and my rock buddies ask to hear my stories of Disney Hall performances with the LA Phil. To be honest, Iâ'm impressed to be there too. Sometimes, I look around and think, how did I get here? How did I get lucky enough to live the dream, to find a home in music?

I've been luckier than most. I've had GREAT mentors who have always pushed me forward and shared their wisdom freely with me. Part of the classical musician's central goal is to educate. That'€™s a value I carry into my rock projects and production studio. Work smarter, not harder. Take the needed skills, create art, teach others how to do the same thing, move forward together to live happier, more productive lives filled with purpose.

I have come to be known as one of the top Musical Mentors & Artist Development Experts on the west coast. A behind the scenes- diva of dream building with the skills to push artists to the next level- the ace up the sleeve of many of today working talents. In my award winning studio, I spend time coaching the young voices and faces of today hottest TV shows seen on ABC, Nickelodeon, and the Disney Channel, but I still have a soft spot for up and comers in the indie music world. Having written and performed my own music for decades, I not only lived the collegiate experience of the elite classical performer singing for presidents and world leaders, but also the dingy road of the rock musician who'€™s showed one night to a packed stadium full of fans and showed up another, thousands of miles from home to play to a coffee shop of 5 people. Music has brought me to nearly every continent and introduced me to some of the most talented and diverse people you can imagine. I feel compelled to share these experiences with those around me so that they my develop the vision, the salt and the skills to persevere.

I am, above all, an artist & creator- living the dream, helping people- like you find their voice and write their songs. Turning raw emotion into art.

Each one of us has a story, our truth. Being an artist is about finding ourselves, our song and expressing it publicly so that we may heal, so that we may grow.

It doesn't take a ton of experience to write a hit song. It doesn't take a fancy education or a family line of talent (though it can help). We can all find our voice, our place in the spotlight, what it takes is the courage to take the next step forward.

You've already had the genius to be in the right place at the right time. Here. If you've made it this far, chances are you are smart enough, hungry enough and ready to take the plunge.

Inside my studio you will find the help you seek. I can impart you with proven techniques to strengthen your sound, develop your tone through strong technique, develop strategies to share your art and develop a plan to turn pipe dreams into reality. Some desire to sing on the worlds brightest stages, others strive to lead others through teaching themselves, and some wish for nothing more than to experience music in a confident manner among friends. All can be lead on this personal journey of the artistic soul and all can make their offering to the musical gods. There is a place at the table for anyone seeking an answer.

one. He decided to pursue a career in music by majoring in Jazz Studies and Performance at the University of California in Irvine where he has received his Bachelors degree in Music. He is currently performing at local jazz clubs, formal events and concerts. He would like to continue to inspire his students while nurturing his passion.

*** Lesson Details ***
Scale Mastery
Instrumental Technique
Note Reading/Sight-Reading
Ear Training (!)
Live Performance
Music in the real world

*** Studio Equipment ***
Wurlitzer upright piano
Roland D20
BX5a monitors
BX8a monitors
Shure, MXL mic's
M-Audio Profire 610
Yamaha YAS-82ZII

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide manuscript paper. Student provides instrument and have the option to purchase my music books.

*** Specialties ***
I train my students the classical approach for their beginning and intermediate stages, and specialize in Jazz and Pop music.

ding: pop, funk, blues, R&B, jazz, gypsy jazz, Latin rock, solo guitar, classical, and Christian worship music. I have also played in pit orchestras for musical theater and done sidelining work on the pilot episode of a TV show.

I started giving private lessons in 2012 and have taught guitar and piano to students from age 8 to 45, all skill levels. Looking forward to hearing from you!

hat all forms of music are valid and that what matters most is being able to express yourself in the way that you want to.