Sylmar, CA Classical Guitar Lessons

y to play percussion in the school symphony while at the same time developed an intense interest in the instrument that would become my true love, the guitar.

During 1996-98 I studied jazz guitar at the New World School of the Arts music program under the direction of J.B. Dyas and Dr. Roby George. Upon graduation, I was immediately accepted to the University of Miami jazz guitar program under the direction of Randall Dollahan. It was during this time that I also refined my skills as a classical guitarist and as a composer/arranger. In addition, I began passing my knowledge onto friends and eventually began working as a teacher.

My ability to play almost any genre of music is the fruit of past experience playing with an impressive variety of music groups, including jazz combos, symphony orchestras, Andean world music ensembles, and several rock and pop groups as well. As a studio guitarist I have recorded for various artists including Jaci Velasquez, Carlos Ponce, Alexandre Pires, and Noelia.

*** Lesson Details ***
Now also available to teach online video chat lessons through Skype.

Every one of you is unique and there are many possible paths to reach your goals in music.

With my background and music industry experience, I am able to customize my lessons for you so that you can reach your desired goals. We will take some time to find out where your passion lies in music and I will use my experience and knowledge to create a customized lesson-plan that will allow us to focus on reaching your desired goals and at the same time maintain a well rounded music education.

I find this to be key in making the lessons and your practice sessions very enjoyable, fun and laid back - knowing that everything we practice, play and talk about is in line with your goals as a student.

I will also be playing along with you and demonstrating everything that we're working on - music is meant to be shared and played with others and it is important to have that experience of interaction from early on in your lessons.

So whether it's learning to accompany yourself or others, write songs, read music, understand harmony, solo, or just jam out to your favorite songs, you will be well on your way to reaching your goals within 6 months of my lessons.

Look forward to making music with you!

Want to learn a quick exercise for mastering the fretboard on your guitar? Check out my article on the TakeLessons blog here: http://takelessons.com/blog/guitar-fretboard-chart

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room w/ grand piano and seating for parents.
Room/studio with professional recording equipment - Logic Pro X recording software, Mackie HR824 Studio Monitors, Miktech C4 Tube Microphone, UA6176 Preamp/compressor, Apogee Duet D/A converter.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide my instrument and teaching materials.
Students provide their instrument, music folders.

*** Specialties ***
All styles - pop, rock, classical, jazz, blues, folk, ethnic, latin, soul

ialties ***
I specialize in jazz improvisation on piano and guitar.
I also teach recreational guitar and piano for adults, including classical and blues styles.
I coach bass players and drummers in playing stylistically correct grooves for jazz, rock and latin music.

ision bass, Pro Tools, assorted amps..

*** Travel Equipment ***
All learning preliminary learning materials are brought to you for each lesson. All you need is your guitar and the desire to want to learn how to play it. 

*** Specialties ***
Friendly, low key atmosphere instruction. Main specialty is Rock Guitar of all types.. But also blues, metal, pop, folk, classical, contemporary, etc.. Please feel free to contact with with any questions you may have. I can help you pick out the right guitar. Great with children - tons of experience with young kids, people of all ages!

s the touring pianist for classical crossover group Vivace, as a solo singer-guitarist-pianist, and as the lead singer-guitarist-pianist-composer for my own symphonic-rock-fusion group, The Living. I've also toured extensively in Europe as keyboardist and backing vocalist for singer-songwriter Melanie Dekker.

My compositions have been performed by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, The Plastic Acid Orchestra, Turning Point Ensemble, Ad Mare Wind Quintet, Vivace, The Living, The Whiskeydicks and cellist-singer-songwriter Cris Derksen.

I have a B.Mus in Piano and Music Composition from The University of British Columbia. I'm an IVA Certified Level I Voice Instructor and have studied Vocals with John Henny, Jeffrey Skouson, Guy Babusek, and Spencer Welch; piano with Terence Dawson, David Vandereyk, and Ross Taggart; composition with Dorothy Chang, Keith Hamel, and Armanini; drums with Jay Deachman and Morgan Childs; bass with David Spidel; and accordion with Jelena Milojevic.

I've just moved to LA from Vancouver where I had about 40 students, so this is the time to sign up as I have room for new students for the first time in years!

gthen their technique or finally begin that piece they have always wanted to learn.