Santee, CA Guitar Lessons

40 students per week. I decided to move forward and take my musical experience with me to San Diego, where I currently teach, write, record, and perform my music with others who have similar goals and aspirations. I love playing in as many bands as possible. The main one I play in is called Quel Bordel. Some of the bands I've played in have given me the opportunity to perform with local and big named artists such as D.J. Artistic, Gary Wilson of Stones Throw Records, The Aristocrats, Terry Bozzio, Alan Holdsworth, and Tony Levin. As a full time musician and performer, I'm typically out gigging anywhere from 2-5 a week. As a teacher, I'm here to help you with where you want to be with guitar. Whether it's rock, pop, funk, hip hop, reggae, jazz, blues, indie, folk, and country, I can help you with the technical and theoretical side of things.

*** Lesson Details ***
My goal- To get you to become better than me. I find myself as an easy going teacher, and can provide that push when I see students getting more engaged in their lessons. I typically teach out of two main books, and it's optional for students to have their own copy of my recommended method books. I emphasize heavy chord vocabulary and steady rhythm. I believe that in order to be a good lead player, you would have to be a great rhythm player. As we develop technique, you can expect me to incorporate theory as to maintain an even share of the HOW's and WHY's. Moreover, expect to DO something with our lessons. Repetition is the mother of learning, and sometimes it comes down to the idea of 'monkey see, monkey do' before we can have in depth conversations about the application of your lessons in real situations. To me, music is very creative. So I'm a big believer on improvisation with both chords and scales. I believe in practical application when learning the songs you want to learn. So every student will have a unique way of learning the fundamentals only necessary to their personal goals.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Two small practice amps, cables, method books (personal copies), extra picks, extra guitar, music stand, blank sheet music/tabs for notes, extra strings, music stand, metronome, tuner

*** Travel Equipment ***
Music stand, extra guitar (if needed), blank staff/tab paper, tuner, metronome, battery powered amp, cables, extra strings (if needed), picks

*** Specialties ***
I primarily use Hal Leonard method books for beginners when it comes to reading and basic technique. For those who want to learn at the intermediate/advance level, I use the book called Jazz and Pop Guitar (chords and progressions) and Scales and Modes in the Beginning which can cover all aspects of chord theory and improvisation. I model my curriculum off of my prior lesson plans from my teachers ( based off of Berklee and GIT) My genres specialize in rock, funk, jazz, indie rock, folk, country, blues, pop

n-person and online. I've recently moved to private teaching full-time and couldn't be happier!

I'm excited to get started with you and help you set and reach your musical goals!

*** Online & In-Person Lesson Details ***
It's most important to me that you are excited and motivated about your music lessons! I am a flexible instructor and am always open to hearing your ideas for songs. After working together to identify your beginning knowledge of music and your instrument, we'll progress from song to song to develop your musical abilities.

All of my online and in-person lessons begin by warming up with a quick exercise, scale, or even an improvisational activity. We'll use the music you love to develop your guitar technique, learn new chords, and sharpen your listening skills.

You'll gain an understanding of what makes the music work and why the notes, rhythms, and harmonies are what they are.

The music we study can also serve as inspiration for creativity. I may ask you to come to the next class with a short composition of your own or we'll finish a lesson by improvising together on related musical themes.

I'll do my best to make my expectations for you clear and at the end of every lesson, we'll go over what we accomplished together and make sure you understand what to work on before our next class.

*** Additional Online Information ***

Online lessons can be just as effective as in-person lessons for teaching you the basics of your instrument, developing technique, and achieving your musical goals! I'll use screen sharing to display music, chords, and scale charts during the lessons. Materials will be emailed to you as well for you to use at home. And communication is extra important when it comes to online lessons; because I can't make physical adjustments, I'll often assess how you hold your musical instrument and describe how you can make the adjustments yourself.

Please note that a high-speed internet connection is needed in order to make sure that we can see and hear each other appropriately. In addition, I expect that you will be able to provide your own musical instrument (and amplifier, if you have an electric instrument) to use during the lesson.

*** Additional In-Person Information ***
I teach my in-person lessons from my home office with comfortable seating for both students and parents. I expect that you will be able to provide your own musical instrument to use during the lesson.

I will have music stands available for use during lessons and will accompany and demonstrate on my musical instruments. I will have an amplifier and cables, but if you prefer to bring your own amplifier you can do that, too!

Please note that I have two cats; they'll be in an enclosed room away from where we will have lessons, but if you have cat allergies this may not be a good fit.

My lessons consist of exercises that emphasize proper techniques for each instrument.Lessons are tailored to the specific needs of each student. I would like my students to fully understand the entire musical process, including theory. I prepare lesson content to meet the individual needs of each student.

My students have expressed that they enjoy my music lessons. I am serious about lesson content and am always seeking new ways to make lessons more enjoyable. I include parents/guardians by informing them of lesson requirements and progress, and encourage all to ask questions or make suggestions.

It is my goal to share the joy that music brings to each life. I am looking forward to meeting you.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Expect students to have instruments and to purchase lesson books. I have piano and instrument being studied personally available.

*** Specialties ***
Bastien, Alfred, Dozen-a-Day, Keith Snell, Hanon, Czerny and others - piano; Suzuki, Laoureux etc. - violin; Leonard - guitar; Lazarus - Clarinet.

Together with these method books, I include personalized techniques, tailoring lessons each individual student.

d LA. We then expanded the scope of the band by adding a second sax and more exotic percussion as well as incorporating elements of reggae and rock into our original music. This helped us land jobs at clubs like the Troubadour and larger venues like the Shrine Exhibition Hall. We played together professionally for five years.

After at stint at the Dick Grove School of Music I joined an eight piece cover band playing popular dance music. We toured Western Canada for six months, riding in a converted city bus and taking turns driving a large panel truck with our equipment. When I returned I met a talented female singer who also played flute. We formed a pop/rock quintet and played professionally in the LA area for several years.

I’ve continued to take lessons along the way and have taught trumpet, piano and guitar to both young people and adults. I believe my rich musical journey and my experiences both teaching and performing can help you to achieve your musical goals!

*** Lesson Details ***
Listening to music is fun. Playing music is fun. Learning to play a musical instrument should be just as much fun. The first step toward a solid musical education is to find out what type of music the student likes and what particular musician or artist he or she enjoys. From there we can choose material that the student will have fun performing as they learn.

Each session will involve a brief review of previous material covered and a preview of ideas to work on going forward. In between, the student and I will play together and discuss how best we can each improve, and have a little fun along the way!!

I will work with a variety of methods and concepts customized to fit each student. My experience has shown me that no two students are alike, but every student will enjoy playing more, and more often, if they like the study material.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have my own instruments but would expect the student to have their own instrument for lessons and practice.

*** Specialties ***
Pop, rock, reggae, R&B, blues.

r favorite venues. Many of my students have gone on to sing professionally and I currently teach Artists with ongoing careers.

My motto is learn to sing the "Easy, Natural Way". I teach the very best techniques, so vocalizing is not strained or difficult. My main focus is on teaching good "placement" of the sound, using the best ways to secure breath support and control, as well as good stage presence. Dealing with stage fright is always addressed, whether the singer wants to sing just for themselves, or audition for Musical Theatre productions. Styles range from pop to rock and opera.
I teach students of ALL AGES and work with every style or genre of music. Having spearheaded the Music program at the local YMCA has been a special treat in my teaching career!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I teach using a piano for learning vocal exercises and good techniques. I also have an acoustic Guitar that I use to teach my students how to play and learn good finger picking and strumming techniques. Using a computer is always employed, to pull up songs on YouTube, so students can choose what they would like to work on. Karaoke versions are used as well, for further training purposes.

*** Travel Equipment ***
When I teach at a student's home, I bring my Guitar with me, if they're studying this instrument. It is helpful for a student to have a piano or keyboard for me to teach voice, but I do have a keyboard I can bring if none is available. Having a computer close by is very helpful, to get the most out of the lesson as is possible.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in helping people who have created possible "bad habits" in their singing techniques. "Placement" and breathing, or "support", are of key importance. When good techniques are used, just about anyone can learn to sing beautifully. I also work with all ages, having background with Children, as well as teens, middle age, and elderly vocalists. Singing is universal, so every ethnicity is included in my student roster. If someone wants to learn to play the acoustic Guitar, this is always a plus, to accompany ones-self, or to focus on the instrument on it's own. Singing and playing should be "easy" and this is the approach I take in teaching.

beginners, picking up a guitar for the first time. With a vocabulary of just a few chords and rhythms, you can play hundreds of songs!

* Note to pet owners - I am allergic to cats, but don't mind making necessary arrangements.

ons on whatever the interests and strengths are for the student. For example, if you enjoy jazz more than classical we'll focus more on what you are particularly passionate about. I have also been a part of School of Rock Programs in which we provided performances for the students a la Jack Black. Please contact Takelessons to let the musical journey begin...

ong musician, and love finding unique and fun ways to motivate my students. I've worked with most styles of music before, and arranged music for many as well, so I'm very comfortable helping students with a variety of disciplines and interests. My professional experience in both the civilian and military music communities has given me an open-minded yet direct approach to WHAT you should learn, and HOW to develop each student's individual skills. I'm able to teach most students to an advanced level.