San Jose, CA Guitar Lessons
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Studying Guitar in San Jose, CA
by Hristo V. - San Jose Guitar Teacher
San Jose, CA is one of the most vibrant cities in the country. Not only it is the capital of Silicon Valley, but it is also one of the oldest and most culturally diverse cities in the state. The town offers an outstanding display of international and culturally rich mix of arts and music.
As a guitar teacher in this multi-cultural city, I feel so excited about the opportunity to work with so many students from all around the world and with so many different backgrounds, musical preferences, and personalities. It does not matter if you want to become a professional concert guitarist, a studio session cat, or simply play guitar by the campfire on your next camping trip.
San Jose offers so many different resources that can make the musical journey of taking guitar lessons in San Jose so much more exciting and entertaining!
The Bay Area is home to some of the best music festivals in the country. Each summer San Jose presents the Summer Jazz Festival which happens the 2nd weekend in August. Some of the top musicians from all over the world get together for a 3 day extravaganza in the middle of downtown that includes concerts, masterclasses, panel discussions, jam sessions, and more. It is open to all ages and such an environment provides all the needed excitement that is essential to spark, fuel, and kickstart the learning process.
A little further down south, the city of Monterey presents what many consider to be the best jazz/blues festival in the world: The Monterey Jazz Festival is one of these events that is hard to explain in words. The excitement, magic, and pure musical joy that happens every second weekend of September in this beautiful coastal Californian city is simply contagious. As a student taking guitar lessons in San Jose, having the chance to see up close and personal some of the best and most gifted guitarists on the planet, is simply priceless.
Up north, you have SFJAZZ - one of the largest non-profit music organizations in the country. It features leading musical acts from all over the world and boasts a concert schedule that’s almost seven days a week - year round. any student taking guitar lessons in San Jose can have this unique chance to witness the magic live and get all the needed inspiration to get better at their instrument.
San Jose also offers quite an array of jam sessions and open mic settings which are the ideal environment in which a student can try all the new concepts he or she is learning during their guitar lessons, meet new friends and musical partners, and observe what other students and music lovers are doing. These sessions are also the perfect place to network and make connections that can potentially lead to gigs, private engagements, and studio sessions/collaborations.
Every Wednesday evening the Hedley Club at the hotel DeAnza in beautiful downtown San Jose hosts the official San Jose Jazz Jam. All ages and levels are welcome!
Just down the street, the cozy Cafe Stritch presents a jam session every Sunday afternoon. This place is frequented by some of the best musicians in town and features all kind of music genres from rock to blues to jazz. They also present concerts by national and international touring acts seven days a week.
There is also the Blue Rock Shoot coffee shop and deli in downtown Saratoga. They host a open mic / jam session every Sunday and Monday evening and the feature blues, jazz, rock, and singer-songwriters. Another excellent place to get inspired and put some of your skills at practice!
San Jose is also home to the South Bay Guitar Society - a non-profit organization that supports all things guitar. They have an extensive (all year round) concert season and feature some of the best and most accomplished guitarists in the world. Attending such events is always a very special treat for any musicians, student, or music lover.
On top of that, San Jose is home to many universities and community colleges. They all have very demanding and busy concert seasons and feature a lot of free-to-the-community events, concerts, and recitals that are open to all ages.
In summary, San Jose presents the platform and needed musical and arts foundation for any student hoping to take guitar lessons in San Jose. I simply invite you to explore the possibilities!
So get excited and inspired so you can excel, have fun, and develop your inner artist!
About Steven B.
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I teach beginning to advanced levels, including music theory, proper hand and finger technique and ear training. Pick the style of guitar playing you want to learn and I'll teach you how to perfect your abilities and have fun with it at the same time!
About Steven
About Me: San Francisco Bay area pianist/guitarist/bassist; I've been playing music for over 50 years. I'm classically trained with a solid foundation and knowledge of music theory, and have over 40 years experience teaching, recording and performing. I have done session work and/or performed with members of Journey, Santana, Jackson Browne, Eddie Money, The Doobie Brothers and Greg Allman to name a few, and am currently teaching piano, theory and bass to Mike Dirnt, the bassist for Green Day. Let me take my education and experience and pass them on to you!
My main goal as a music instructor is to pass along my love and kno
Most students are able to learn enough of the necessary mechanics at the first lesson to actually play something before they leave that lesson. This is important because they realize that playing music IS possible. I always enjoy the look on their face when they realize they have actually “played” their instrument at their first lesson.
I am not the sort of teacher who yells and screams if the student comes in unprepared. I realize that people come to me for a variety of reasons and I work with them with whatever they bring in. I am patient and if a student is not understanding a certain aspect, I bring into play alternate approaches. Not everyone assimilates information in the same way. Learning music should be an enjoyable adventure for the student and I venture to say that my students enjoy coming to their lessons. We have fun, and we learn.
My current rates are $40 per half hour, $60 per 45 minutes and $80 per hour, and believe me... you will get your money's worth! Also I should note that due to my current students, plus teaching at a private school in Sausalito and recording sessions, my time constraints only allow me to teach lessons out of my home studio in Alameda. Hopefully this will work for you as well!
Reviews
· Piano · In studio
· Piano · In studio
· Piano · In studio
Steven B.
About Marty H.
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My easy going and patient personality allows me to teach my students to become their best, whether they are just starting out or are more advanced in guitar. I believe the positive relationship between teacher and student is a crucial part of a student's success in learning while having fun playing. My focus is for my students to leave each lesson feeling confident and empowered to want to play and learn more each day. I know what it's like to go from knowing nothing about the guitar to becoming a seasoned musician, so I use extreme patience, encouragement, and guidance with simple guitar techniques. My focus for the beginner is to teach the fundamentals and basic chords for them to play their favorite songs as quickly as possible using a variety of books and personal instruction. For the more advanced player, I focus on theory and advanced techniques to challenge them to play at a higher level. My overall goal is to see the success and achievements of my students to play with ...
About Marty
*** Lesson Details ***
My easy going and patient personality allows me to teach my students to become their best, whether they are just starting out or are more advanced in guitar. I believe the positive relationship between teacher and student is a crucial part of a student's success in learning while having fun playing. My focus is for my students to leave each lesson feeling confident and empowered to want to play and learn more each day. I know what it's like to go from knowing nothing about the guitar to becoming a seasoned musician, so I use extreme patience, encouragement, and guidance with simple guitar techniques. My focus for the beginner is to teach the fundamentals and basic chords for them to play their favorite songs as quickly as possible using a variety of books and personal instruction. For the more advanced player, I focus on theory and advanced techniques to challenge them to play at a higher level. My overall goal is to see the success and achievements of my students to play with confidence while having fun at the same time.
*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a 1/2 stack Crate amp with preamp 1600GX also a Peavey VYPYR that I can travel with. Various types of affects for guitars electric or acoustic.
*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide guitar book, and lesson plan. Student should provide own guitar if possible.
*** Specialties ***
Christian music, all types of Rock, Folk, Pop, Country, Blues, and Reggae. Types of guitars available to teach are 6 String, 12 String, Electric, and Acoustic.
Reviews
· Guitar ·
Marty is a fantastic teacher. Heâs been great teaching my 14 year old daughter. Heâs very patient and makes playing the guitar so simple for her. The first lesson he really was interested in what SHE wanted to eventually be able to play, then taught her some basics and a few simple cords. By the end of the lesson, she was playing a simple song and was so excited. Also very respectful to me as her parent and has a gentle, non-aggressive personality making us both very comfortable. My daughter now even is writing her own songs and playing guitar to them. I would highly recommend Marty as a guitar teacher, he really knows what heâs doing.
Marty H.
About Jason J.
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About Jason
There are a couple of books I may suggest for you depending on the situation and of course I require you to provide your own guitar as you will need it to practice what you learn in each lesson.
*** Specialties ***
I take a balanced approach to teaching that includes equal attention to theory and technique w
Jason J.
About Mark B.
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I teach all levels of guitar lessons, from beginner to advanced professional...in all styles, except classical/flamenco.
About Mark
I started playing guitar at age 9, and recorded 2 singles in the LA area by age 14. I was a music major throughout High School and College. I also learned a lot by educating myself at the Brand Library in the Los Angeles Area, which specializes in the arts. I specialized in advanced music theory and improvisational techniques.
I have enjoyed teaching music lessons since 1978.
I custom tailor a lesson plan to fit your individual needs and goals! I can teach you songs you'd like to learn instantly when I hear them on your iPod, mobile phone, cassette or CD that you bring in. I ca
Sometimes I might inject humor into the learning process to make it an enjoyable learning experience, and to help you remember the important things.
I love the satisfaction of seeing my students grow musically proficient and and seeing the JOY that it brings them. Many of my students have gone on to become professional. I am well-versed and well-equipped to teach many styles: Rock (including all sub-genres...Tribal Ambient Doom neo Punk, etc), Pop, Blues, Jazz, Alternative, Country, R& B, New Age, Ambient, Electronic, Metal (and a few plastics and wood as well).
*** Lesson Details ***
I will develop a personal lesson plan for each individual student. During your lessons, I might cover topics ranging from learning how to play, starting from the basics (if you are a beginner), to choosing music that will inspire you on your level, to improving your technique, ear-training, music reading (if that's what you'd like), reading and understanding tabs (if that's what you'd like), knowing what it is that makes certain chords and notes sound good together for writing your own music, as well as guitar maintenance and adjustments, getting a good tone, amplifier settings, effect pedals (settings & placing them in the most effective order), recording tips, and where to get a decent pizza.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Living Room or Studio, both very comfortable. Amplifiers, guitars, effects pedals, bass, ukulele, balalaika, drum set, PA system and recording equipment.
*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide guitar, bass, or ukulele and amplifier when necessary, teaching tools. The student provides their guitar and paperwork I give them.
*** Specialties ***
Teach note reading using Alfred's New Guitar course. Ear Training, Genres: Rock, Pop, Blues, Jazz, Alternative, Punk, Metal, Folk, Country, Hip Hop, Funk, R& B, New Age, Ambient.
I currently have 5 albums out under my name. My music is on a major new age compilation, and has been played on the radio in several countries, and several internet radio programs. I have played on other people's albums...some of which get major radio airplay in Europe.
Reviews
· Harmonica · In home
· Bass Guitar · In studio
· Guitar · In studio
Mark B.
About Neil K.
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I've been teaching guitar for the past 15 years. I help students find their unique musical voice through the study of songs and techniques they are interested in. For younger students I also use the Hal Leonard guitar method books to learn music reading. As students advance we switch to William Levitt's Modern method for guitar for jazz students, or Christopher Parkening's classical guitar method for fingerstyle players. Students should be able to play chords to their favorite tunes within 6 weeks. I teach to inspire passion for music. If you love music it makes it fun to practice. When you practice it makes music fun!
About Neil
*** Lesson Details
I have played and studied extensively the styles of Jazz, Rock, Blues, Classical,electric and acoustic guitar. I begin lessons by teaching students the fundamentals of the instrument and after a basic grasp of the guitar is developed I encourage students to learn songs / styles of their choice so that the musical experience is fun for them. In the first few months beginning students will learn the architecture of the guitar: string names & numbers, finger numbers, fret numbers, tablature, chord diagrams, basic time signatures, strum patterns, chord charts. I divide guitar playing into 3 major principles: Lead playing / improvisation, Chord playing / accompaniment, and Melody / note reading. Lessons will reflect the development of these principles. Scales and arpeggios and music theory lead to improvisation. Chord playing, chord progressions, open chords, bar chords, & power chords are used to play rhythm guitar in songs of the student’s choice. Melody playing is developed through learning to read music. For reading studies I utilize the Hal Leonard Guitar method for beginners and William Levitt’s Modern Method for guitar for more advanced students.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Converted room in garage w/ seating for parents.
*** Travel Equipment ***
students should have guitar, music stand and two armless chairs
*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Jazz, Blues, and Rock styles but am equipped to teach beginning classical guitar as well. I try to combine technique and music reading with the learning of songs that interest the student.
Reviews
· Guitar · In studio
· Guitar · In home
Neil is patient yet, he pushes us to achieve the next level. This is by far... a great investment for our lives.
Thank you Neil!
· Guitar · In home
Neil K.
About Judy G.
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Beginner to Advanced guitar. This is my main instrument and this is my main focus for teaching. I have my own method and use books by Hal-Leonard for music reading.
About Judy
Thanks for checking out my lessons. My name is Judy aka Groovy Judy. I'm a guitarist, singer, songwriter and performer. I've been playing guitar for 35+ and teaching private and group lessons for 12 years. I also teach ukulele, beginning electric bass and songwriting. ***Please note - I'm located on the Peninsula, so the areas I serve are: Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, Atherton & Menlo Park.***
I work with a lot of kids (as well as adults) and beginners. I'm extremely patient, and I enjoy getting brand new students up and running with proper techniques and good habits. My teaching style/philosophy is to get my students playing as soon as possible in an easy and fun way. I focus on basics such as tuning, rhythm, proper pick technique, strumming, reading guitar tab and/or sh
The styles I teach are: rock (classic, indie, punk) folk, pop, reggae/ska funk, blues, r&b, country, some finger-picking, and a bit of classical. I can teach you any song you want to play whether it's rap, rock hip-hop or a piano piece. I will find a way to do it and make it fun. :-)
My style is easy going, but not lackadaisical. I take teaching seriously and do my best to make the student feel comfortable. I give my students weekly assignments that I ask them to complete. However, if a student doesn't work on their assignment, I don't criticize or condemn them. I go over the assignment with them and gently remind them to play and work on the materials I've given.
I love teaching, music, and sharing my gifts with others.
Thanks and I look forward to working with you!
Cheers,
Judy G. aka Groovy Judy
*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons are once a week. Payment is due at the time of the lesson. Package rates are available upon availability.
*** Studio Equipment ***
2 guitar amps, a guitar stand, a music stand, mp3 player, a lava lamp and some cool rock posters
*** Travel Equipment ***
acoustic and electric guitars, music stand, small amp, mp3 player and lots of cool music ***Please note - I'm located on the Peninsula, so the areas I serve are: Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, Atherton & Menlo Park.***
*** Specialties ***
I love rock, pop, folk, funk, fingerpicking and the blues. I teach all of those styles and songs by great artists such as The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Ed Sheeran, Jason Mraz, Taylor Swift, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Sly & The Family Stone, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton and many more.
Reviews
· Ukulele · In studio
· Ukulele · In studio
· Ukulele · In studio
Judy G.
About Matthew I
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Learn popular songs of your choice from any era or I can choose songs for you. Fundamentals of music explained with fun and easy exercises.
About Matthew J
I studied at Columbia College Chicago majoring in Classical Guitar.
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 Kevin M. Buck, where I first learned music theory and was inspired to be more studious with the guitar.
I have performed in rock/modern ban
*** Lesson Details ***
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 Cristopher H.
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I can teach students from anywhere between a beginning level or an advanced level attempting to advance technique.
About Cristopher
*** Lesson Details ***
I find it's easiest to asses the level at which a student is at and work from there, moving towards the goal set by the student using music the student already enjoys, not kiddy books with songs they'll never actually play. My styles focus on technique and work back to theory. I play anything and everything from country to Santa
*** Studio Equipment ***
The equipment I have for the studio are a couple of my electric guitars: Midnight Blue Schecter Omen 6, Ibanez S470DXQM, KSE ASG, Ibanez F0509338, Fender Stratocaster. My BOSS ME-33 special effects pedal, my Raven RG20 amplifier, and my Fender Frontman 15G amplifier. I also have multiple iMacs for Garageband and a recording studio. (services of which cost additional value for use)
*** Travel Equipment ***
The equipment I have for travel are a couple of my electric guitars: matte black LTD Deluxe EC-1000, gray/black Schecter Omen 6, KSE ASG, Ibanez F05, and a Fender Stratocaster. My BOSS ME-33 special effects pedal, my Raven RG20 amplifier, my Fender Frontman 15G amplifier, and my Fender Mustang 200.
*** Specialties ***
I specialize in technique, so I can help even the newest of players find their style and learn how to work on memorizing the fretboard without even having to look at it or your finger placement. I can also help more advanced players smooth out their way of playing.
Reviews
· Guitar · In home
· Guitar · In home
· Guitar · In home
Cristopher H.
About Victor S.
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I offer acoustic guitar for children and adults of all levels, from first time players to very advanced players. I offer lessons teaching Country, Rock, Classic Rock and Folk style guitar. I can provide a complete curriculum including tabs/sheet music or I can can give personalized lessons on skills or music of your choice. I can teacher material in both standard notation and tablature as well as learning to play by ear. I can also prepare students to play in bands and jams.
About Victor
Reviews
· Acoustic Guitar · In studio
· Acoustic Guitar · In studio
· Acoustic Guitar · In studio
Victor S.
About Carson R.
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Also teach guitar
About Carson
*Alphonso Johnson- Weather Report, Bob Weir(Grateful Dead) and
Santana
*Ray Riendeau - Rob Halford(Judas Priest), James Labrie(Dream
Theatre), and Solo Slap Bass Master!
*Barry Olson - Retired Principal Bassist of the Phoenix Symphony
In addition, I also studied Classical Composition, Counterpoint, Theory, and Arranging extensively with:
*Neal Desby- Composer, Film+Video GameScore Arranger (
*Veronika Krausas - Composer, teacher at USC, Lecturer for the LA Philharmonic
Carson R.
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Average Cost of Guitar Lessons in San Jose, CA
The average cost of 60-minute guitar lessons in San Jose is $73. While the exact cost will vary depending on the teacher, type of lesson, and your location, you should expect to spend anywhere between $40 and $100 per hour.
| 30-min | $30 |
$48 average |
$75 |
| 45-min | $35 |
$58 average |
$85 |
| 60-min | $40 |
$73 average |
$100 |
For the best experience, we typically recommend 60-minute guitar lessons. However, students looking for a more affordable option may want to consider a shorter lesson length of 45 or 30 minutes. On average, 45-minute guitar lessons are 21% less expensive at $58, and 30-minute lessons cost 35% less at $48.
Curious how much guitar lessons cost in your area? Do a quick search to get local prices for the best guitar teachers near San Jose.
Guitar Lesson Reviews from Students
Students are raving about their Guitar instructors on TakeLessons. Check out some of these recent reviews.
We are so happy we found Jesse! My son has been taking trumpet and guitar lessons from him for over a year now. We take lessons in hi
Mike has been a great teacher for my son. He's got a positive attitude, a friendly and caring demeanor, and he's always encouraging my son
Marty is a fantastic teacher. Heâs been great teaching my 14 year old daughter. Heâs very patient and makes playing the guitar so s
Mike knows so much about guitar and the skill of playing the instrument that he built a professio
Neil is patient yet, he pushe
Thank you Neil!"
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