San Jose Visual Arts Lessons

become a consummate professional.

I teach beginner to advanced students of any age. I also can provide pro and amateur electric guitarists an in-depth study of correct hand postures and left-hand/right-hand technique which can help to refine their overall technique and stylistic approach. I can also advise professional electric guitarists on their electronics, effects pedals, and amplifiers to achieve their own individual sound. I also teach Bass, and reading the Bass clef.

My teaching specialties include: Solfeggio, Sight Reading, Music Theory, Scales and Modes, Left and Right Hand Technique, Blues Progressions, Jazz Standards the Classical Repertoire, Flamenco styles, techniques and repertoire, DADGAD and other alternate tunings, and the works of Sor, Giuliani, and Carcassi, Brouwer, Aguado, Villa-Lobos, Sabicas, Paco de Lucia, Pat Martino, and Davey Graham.

I have an in-depth knowledge of the stylistic approaches and techniques of such guitarists as Eric Johnson, Jeff Beck, Joe Satriani, Randy Rhoads, Jimi Hendrix, Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, and SRV to name a few, and I can teach you the components they use to build their signature licks.

As a rule I only transcribe to give the students examples for lessons. I intend for all of my students to grow as musicians, so my lessons do not consist solely of transcribed solos and riffs.

I have a vast library of music, so I can draw from my own resources to teach you, or from a method of your choosing.

My schedule has a few openings right now. I do teach outside of my stated teaching radius, but ONLY at the 60 minute rate.

I teach people of all ages, from children to adults. I believe everyone is on an even keel, if they are willing and eager to learn.

*** Lesson Details ***
Emphasis on classical posture and technique.
Emphasis on sight-reading.
All students learn to play basic blues and jam
Technique varies depending on the particular style the student wishes to learn.

*** Studio Equipment ***
At my Archie's location, we have guitars of all kinds, cables and amps available

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide a limited number of learning materials such as exercises, listening or practicing CD on occasion. However, I feel that it is the student's responsibility to provide their own guitars, and the bulk of their own learning materials and necessary electronic equipment. This can include footstools, music stands, method books, amps, cables, pedals, etc.

*** Specialties ***
I've been playing guitar for 25 years, and this has given me the time to study, perform, and perfect many styles of guitar playing.

I studied classical and flamenco guitar with Robert Guthrie for 4 years before and after my studies in the SMU program. I've also played in jazz and rock ensembles since the age of 14. I studied with Chuck Pangburn, pro jazz cat, and Brad McLemore, an indie rock songwriter, early on in my studies as an adolescent.

I encourage most students to learn to play on a classical or nylon-string guitar early on in order to develop proper technique, posture, sensitivity, and sensibility. I also encourage all students to learn to sight-read at a very early point in their studies. Once, this hurdle is cleared many other challenges are easily surpassed.

Presently, I am developing a new method which incorporates solfeggio, blues and popular music forms, and improvisational playing. I also am exploring the vanguard of new guitar technology such as the Vo-96, analog effects, and various guitar synthesizers.

I try to introduce an understanding of music theory early on so that students develop a full comprehension of not only the written language of music, but also, the sonic language of music.

ation. Photography is my other passion, and I look forward to helping you understand how to use a camera's many features, and your eye, to create art.

here you are.

Sandra is an internationally respected picture editor and designer with a unique experience that runs from contributions to scores of visual books to editing for the White House, work on major newspapers, and the Associated Press. She was instrumental in the creation of the original ground-breaking news site MSNBC.com as well as spearheading creation of the Defense Department's public web program. She has taught photography and editing at three universities and at workshops all over the U.S. and judged multiple national and international photography competitions. But Sandra is still easy to talk to and interested in YOUR concerns and pictures.

Sandra's key skill may be her ability to articulate visual concepts and issues. She can find and convey the underlying needs in a photographer's work and then help him/her find a personal, unique route to reaching his/her potential.

Always fully honest, Sandra is also completely supportive of helping any photographer – from beginner to seasoned professional– become better, see more, and understand their own work on new levels.

Sandra can certainly help with technical matters but her special forte is in helping photographers and designers see in new ways. She has worked with documentary, landscape, fine art, portrait and other photographers as well as designers and website builders.

Group sessions and critiques can also be arranged on request for additional fees.

als abroad and in the US.

Margarita has taught fine arts classes at several schools in the San Francisco Bay Area and currently she is an Art Instructor at Gundolina Art Studio, where she effectively teaches art appreciation and promotes creativity among her students.

Favorite quote: “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” – Pablo Picasso.

nts with Michelle Obama and Nancy Reagan. I've worked with high-end restaurants such as Blue Hill at Stone Barns for their food photography. I've photographed alongside firefighters battling wildfires in Southern California. I love to mentor students who want to become effective, creative photographers.

My personal passion is photographing people, but I firmly believe that a great foundation is essential to any and every photographic field. I look forward to meeting you and helping you to become a better photographer!

demographic because she believes this art, among the rest, is for all ages to learn and enjoy. Truly, calligraphy is an art that keeps on giving and a skill she'd be honored to gift you through her lessons.

ing money with my creative abilities. My business has evolved from custom sewing to making jewelry, home decor, accessories, and art. I sell my work on Etsy and at craft fairs. I started giving lessons because I enjoy teaching and love to help others explore their creativity.