
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Music Theory Lessons
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Popular Music Theory Teachers near Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Check out some of our most popular teachers near Rancho Palos Verdes, CA including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Irvine, Glendale and Burbank.
About Paul S.
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I have vast depth of knowledge in music theory and can teach it as an individual subject or in conjunction with the learning of an instrument.
About Paul
"Alex progressed much further with guitar than he did with piano and he actually got to the point where he enjoyed playing on his own. That was a great accomplishment and very impressive to me...you helped instill some discipline and over the course of your instruction, Alex learned a lot. You were always positive with him, even when that was difficult, and I admired that and still appreciate it. I always looked forward on Sunday mornings to hearing the material the two of you were working on and I know he enjoyed his lesson with you."
*** Lesson Details ***
As a teacher, one of my biggest goals is to keep my students motivated and get them enthused about their music and committed to daily practice. I will strive to inspire my students, and ensure that all the while, they are having the time of their life! Practice and commitment are key. Students' curricula vary according to the student's goals and strengths and weaknesses. All students will learn how to play in tune and in time, know their fundamentals, work with music theory and learn how to use written materials. (And they will have fun learning!) More advanced students can learn about blues and jazz improvisation, slide guitar and also participate in blues jams with other students, record, and You Tube video production.
*** Studio Equipment ***
All kinds of guitar and bass guitar equipment and portable hard disc recording equipment for student demo recordings.
*** Travel Equipment ***
Students need a well functioning guitar, music stand, guitar tuner and metronome. Students will also need a notebook to organize written lessons I will hand out.
*** Specialties ***
I specialize in blues and jazz mostly, but also have vast knowledge of rock music from it's blues roots to the more modern styles. I also can play in country style, and I play blues slide guitar.
Reviews

· Bass Guitar · In home

· Guitar ·
I played a little guitar throughout my life but was lacking an understanding of how the instrument works. I found myself strumming a few cords here and there but never with focus or improvement. After only three lessons with Paul, I'm now jamming to rock and the blues!Paul was quickly able to access my level of playing and I'm now understanding how the fretboard works and most importantly having lots of fun during lessons and practice. He teaches with passion and doesn't simply open a book but rather instills his lifelong experience and philosophy into lessons. Many can teach the mechanics of guitar but with Paul, you'll also understand the soul.

· Guitar ·
I just had my 2nd lesson with Paul and felt inspired to write a review. I have wanted to learn guitar for many, many years now. In the past, I have always gotten frustrated -or bored- and gave up before I ever even learned a chord. Our 1st lesson, Paul started me with some very basic mechanics. It was just the right amount of information to keep me interested and challenged but not so much that I was overwhelmed the 1st week. From just 15 -30 minutes a day of practicing, I have already gained some flexibility in my fingers and am beginning to have a "feel" for the instrument. I have seen more improvement and learned more from Paul and the exercises he has given me in just 2 lessons than I have collectively ever learned from any other teacher in the past or any book or online tutorial. His knowledge of the instrument, as well as music theory, is vast and he knows how to break it down into digestible bits for maximum benefit to the student. So I am not only learning to play guitar, I am also being introduced to music theory in a very easy to understand manner. He is very patient and creates a safe and supportive environment in which to learn comfortably. I am SO glad I found him!!! His way of teaching really works or me ~ I feel hopeful, inspired and motivated for the first time ever in attempting to learn this instrument. Thank you Paul and Thank You Take Lessons !!

Paul S.
About Matthew I
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Traditional and modern studies of music theory will help to understand how songs are created through chord analysis and study of correlating scales and keys.
About Matthew J
I have been playing guitar for 18 years and teaching guitar and bass for 9 years. I have worked as a private and group guitar instructor at several music education establishments in the Chicago, Los Angeles and in Eugene, Oregon as well. I have also worked as a band coach for youth groups, where I taught them cover songs, helped them write their own songs and prepared them for live performances.
I studied at Columbia College Chicago majoring in Classical Guitar, Latin Music and Music Theory.
I started taking private guitar lessons as a teenager for several years and played in my high school jazz band along with original rock bands. While in high school, I was able to study with popular Chicago rock virtuoso guitarist Kev
I have performed in rock/modern bands for 12 years as an electric guitarist and also for 4 years as a solo acoustic guitarist mixing Bossa Nova, Classical Guitar and original compositions into my performance repertoire.
*** Lesson Details ***
For Music Software Lessons - Logic Pro X , Ableton Live, Garageband, Pro Tools and Reason-
Topics I like to cover - capturing correct recording levels.....editing, adding effects/basic mixing, automation .....creating drum grooves with loops and midi drums..........songwriting and music theory.........Live capabilities using Ableton (for backing tracks and live performance)........Quick commands to easily navigate through software.....
For instrument lessons-
I'm a patient teacher that's passionate about guitar and helping students reach their musical goals whether they are casual players or serious musicians. For beginners, I use Hal Leonard instructional guitar books along with paper handouts and sheet music. I believe it's important for everyone to learn the fundamentals of music to create a strong base of skills in order to continue playing and learning music throughout one's life. For more experienced players, I like to teach various modern rock/pop songs, classical guitar songs, picking patterns, finger picking patters, improvisation, scales and music theory. I teach nylon string acoustic, steel string acoustic guitar and electric guitar and bass
I believe the most basic goal for a guitar student is to be able to play a song in it's entirety, whether it's by themselves or with other musicians/music students. I believe that some of the most important music skills are learned while actually playing with other musicians. It is crucial when learning an instrument to be able to play in 'real time'; playing music with a steady sense of rhythm.
*** Specialties ***
I teach Classical Guitar, Brazilian Jazz, bass guitar, rock, pop, blues, funk and folk guitar using method books, sheet music and guitar tablature.
Reviews

· Guitar · In home

· ·
Matthew has been a wonderful instructor. I feel that i have learned a lot and also enjoyed the process. He has also been very accomodating about special teaching requests that have helped me develop my skills in genres I enjoy.

Matthew I
About Samantha A.
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Theory is the language of music. Understanding this base will help you thrive quickly in all areas of instrumentation and composition.
About Samantha
*** Studio Equipment ***
Keyboard, ukulele, microphone, recording equipment
*** Travel Equipment ***
*Piano/keyboard required
-has travel keyboard available if necessary
Reviews

· Singing · In studio

· Piano · In home

· Ukulele · In home

Samantha A.
About Ryan L.
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Making music theory fun! I can teach students fundamentals to advanced music theory principals such as: harmony, formal analysis, voice leading and composition. I can assist with ALL college theory courses or test prep training.
About Ryan
As a classical/jazz trumpet player he has performed with tournament of Roses Honor band, the Pasadena Pops Orchestra, the Crown City Symphony and in various musical theater productions. He performs regularly with his jazz band the Crown City Combo in various venues in the greater LA area.
In the field of music
Reviews

· Trumpet · In home
· Trumpet · In home

Ryan L.
About Thomas K.
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Want to take your music to the next level? Can't quite figure out why that band's chords sound so hip? Confused on how to write for an orchestra? Composition lessons with me can solve all of these problems! We'll create a curriculum uniquely tailored to your goals, covering subjects including harmony, voicings, melody, and orchestration, and focusing on the musical styles you're most interested in. Weekly assignments and personal interaction will ensure that your writing skills can only get better!
About Thomas
Chords, sight-reading, theory, jazz, classical, and pop
No one ever regrets learning an instrument… yet many grow old wishing they had taken music lessons! A talent they’ll be able to develop their entire life, your children will thank you for giving them the chance to learn music. And bonus points for you: after just a couple years, you’ll have free entertainment every Christmas!
Or maybe YOU’RE the one that wishes to learn! It is never too late to begin learning an instrument. Everybody has the ability, and if you’re determined and interested, there’s nothing stopping us from achieving this very special goal. (Interested in learning to compose? Scroll to the bottom to learn more.)
Everybody learns differently, and everybody likes different things. Whether it’s improvising or singing alon
1. Building a really strong foundation so it's easy to interpret or understand any part, and to play it with the right amount of practice.
2. Learning to sight-read music, so you can play it well as soon as possible.
3. Learning how to improvise (make-up) music, learn music by ear, and to understand and create chords, which lets you play music in different ways.
4. Play different styles from classical to jazz to popular music.
5. Learning how to practice efficiently so you can learn music as fast as possible.
6. Composing our own original music.
Practice makes perfect! Learning an instrument helps build self-confidence and discipline. If your child’s bored, distracted, or just needs a constructive hobby, music is a great place to get them interested in something that will help them feel better about themselves, and the effects will be felt across everything else they do, through better studying habits to a more patient, diligent work ethic.
It’s also relaxing! Stressed about work? Need an escape? Everybody has the power to learn an instrument. Seriously, there’s no such thing as “talent.” Just start lessons and get practicing! It really is that simple, and I’ll guide you through every step of the way.
I have a diverse background teaching students of all ages, from 3-year-olds to retirees alike, customizing what we learn to the individual student. We’ll learn how to read music just as easily as you read words; improvise and compose music of our own; and feel good playing any style: classical, jazz, rock, and all. My experience as a working musician in films, musical theater, and pop music, as well as classical concert music, allows me to appreciate and teach styles that many other instructors overlook, and I know full well that learning an instrument is not about becoming a professional; it’s about being able to connect to others or oneself through music… and also to just have fun! There’s no need to learn music we don’t like! It’s not about stuffing Beethoven into your kids’ ears… we just want to make music, be that Beethoven or Billy Joel.
Learning an instrument is one of those few skills that will genuinely last you your whole life. I don’t want to sugarcoat it: it takes time to learn an instrument. It takes practice, and sometimes it’s frustrating. But the results are well worth it.
Now get out there and make some music! But start by signing up for lessons. I can’t wait to get started!
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“What’s that chord?” “Why does all my music sound the same?” “How do I fix this voicing?” “I just can’t get it out of my head!” …sound familiar? You’ve probably hit a rut. Or maybe you’re just starting out. Either way, you want your music to sound new, exciting, and to come out exactly how you hear it in your head. Yes… you CAN learn to compose music, you CAN learn to be more creative, and you CAN learn to share your sound with the world.
Film music, classical, jazz… whatever your interest, all music comes from the same place, and by learning a handful of basic concepts, you can apply these to whatever style you’re trying to write. Learning to emulate another musician involves knowing what they’re doing. Learning to create a groundbreaking sound requires that you know what’s already been done, and how to achieve it. Step by step, we’ll work our way there.
We’ll learn how to write cool, interesting chord progressions, how to write beautiful melodies, and how to voice chords. We’ll learn how to control the mood of our music, from making it sound relaxed to adding tension wherever we want. Maybe you’re trying to write for an orchestra, or just a small band. By learning the basics, you can then easily break away from what’s been done and come up with something truly new… the goal of any aspiring composer!
Reviews

· Piano · In studio

· Piano · In studio

· Piano · In studio

Thomas K.
About Mauricio O.
CloseContrary to what some people may say learning music theory does not reduce your ability to enjoy music. In fact you may enjoy music even more after you learn some theory because the more you know about how music works the more you will be able to do as a musician.
About Mauricio
Reviews

· Guitar · In studio

· Piano · In studio

· Piano · In studio
Mauricio O.
About Mesrop S.
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I love teaching theory! People tend to have problems with theory, and my favorite part is simplifying the most complex ideas and making them understand it. There is no feeling more satisfying than that.
I teach all sorts of theory. Whether it's basic theory, song writing, harmony, or counterpoint, it's one of my favorite subjects to teach
About Mesrop
I've spent a lot of time studying with different musicians, such as Tigran Hamasyan, Ben Wendel, Ari Hoenig, Adam Benjamin, Josh Nelson, Vardan Ovsepian, and many other amazing musicians. I've also spent a lot of time studying different genres of music, which is why I'm capable of teaching almost any style of music.
I believe in designing lessons around each student's goals and needs, so every student gets a personally tailored lesson plan that will help excel them into being an amazing musician. I believe that great music teachers leave lasting impressions on their students. I wish to impart on my studen
Reviews

· Piano · In studio

· Piano · In home

· Classical Piano · In studio

Mesrop S.
About Mauricio G.
CloseDo you feel stuck in your musical knowledge? Do you feel like there are songs that want to come out, but you have no idea where to start? I can help you! I have studied Music Theory for over 8 years, and have studied with some of the best musicians in Los Angeles including, Dr. Timothy Howard, and John Belzaguy.
I have been teaching music theory to students for about 3 years now.
About Mauricio
I've played with legendary musicians like, Otmaro Ruiz, Abraham Laboriel Sr., Gregg Bisonette, Tim Pierce, and many more
I play every weekend at the 10,000 member mega church Sepherd of the Hills: Westside, and have played all around LA for events and shows, including the Special Olympics in 2015
I'm a fun loving, engaging teacher that takes pride in seeing my students understand musical concepts, and grow as musicians and people.
I can't wait to work with you!
Reviews

· Guitar · In studio

· Guitar · In home

· Guitar · In studio
Mauricio G.
About Judi D.
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Music Theory can be tough to grasp at first. We will show you how fun music theory can be once you figure it out. We will go over whatever you want to learn, if you have specific concerns, or we can start fresh and just move forward from there!
About Judi
My musical talents run parallel with my affinity for numbers. In my life, it has manifested in music composition, arranging, and musical direction. And, of course, PERFORMANCE! I've performed in and around the Los Angeles area for many years. I own a professional Christmas Caroling co
Reviews

· Microsoft Excel · In studio

· Bodhran · In studio

· Microsoft Excel · Online
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Judi D.
About Nadav P.
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I'll help you get to know your scales/chords/intervals and their practical use in music. Be able to analyze a harmonic structure for songs to better understand the music you play!
About Nadav
My name is Nadav and I have been a professional guitar player and teacher for most of my life now. I have a very extensive experience playing festivals and venues in the U.S and abroad and have been teaching beginner and advanced guitar/bass and musical ensemble classes for 15 years.
I always strive to make the lessons fun (otherwise, what's the point? (: ) all the while being educational and try to have the student start playing actual music (simple melodies/songs) from the very first lesson.
For more advanced students- I focus on many valuable technics for live playing/recording situations as well as theory/harmony and ear training and cover a very wide range of musical styles.
I also teach electric bass and Ukulele.
I have graduated from the Rubin Academy for Music and Dance (Jerusalem) with honors and was
I'm happy to teach at both my apt. in West Hollywood or the student's home.
Reviews

· Acoustic Guitar · In studio
Nadav is an extremely gifted and skilled musician, composer, and bandleader with very deep understanding of playing the guitar. He has the experience and versatility to so in a multitude of different styles ranging from R&B, Pop, Funk, Jazz and Ethiopian groove music (check out his incredible band: Abbess Orchestra). He is also extremely kind, has a gentle yet “matter-of-fact” demeanor and is the consummate professional.
For anyone who has interest in learning the guitar and needs an instructor, no matter their experience level, it’s impossible to go wrong with Nadav. Just check him out and sign up!

· Guitar · In home
Nadav helped me establish a healthy and meticulous practice routine that fixed my technique very quickly.
I would recommend him as a teacher for every level.

· Guitar · Online

Nadav P.
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Music Theory Lesson Reviews from Students
Students are raving about their Music Theory instructors on TakeLessons. Check out some of these recent reviews.
But Drew was able to help me get back to basics, going through modes, and a few struggle points. It was a good experience as its been many years since I've had lessons, and many since I've even played. Drew's teaching style was effective and helped make "the boring stuff" simple to understand.
I recommend Drew for your next lesson if you really want a teacher who will help you understand the why, rather than just the how. Drew knows his stuff!"
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All in Order: Tricks for Identifying Key Signatures
What are the "keys" to identifying different key signatures? Read on for some great tips from Tucson, AZ teacher Lourdes C... In reading music, there are a few things that give musicians the biggest headaches. One major migraine-maker is determining keys from the key signature and then remembering the order of sharps and flats. This chart gives musicians a quick way to help with identifying key signatures. Key Signatures at a Glance Major sharps: the name of the key can be fou … Read More