Private Classical Guitar tutoring lessons Westlake Village, CA.

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.

"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.

Students will have fun while reaching their musical goals. Students are taught to be musicians and artists through the study of the guitar. Students will learn cool songs, improvisation and music theory. I really love teaching music because I think music make the world a better place!
Lessons take place at my studio in Ventura, CA
ONLINE LESSONS AVAILABLE IN EARLY 2016!

*** Studio Equipment ***
More information upon booking

*** Travel Equipment ***
More information upon booking

*** Specialties ***
I am able to teach all styles from blues to jazz and all points between. My areas of expertise would most likely be in hard rock, metal, rock/jazz fusion, classical guitar, improvisation, songwriting and application of music theory.

, developing mastery of rock guitar and blues performance and improvisation. Brian went on to complete a Bachelor's Degree in Classical Guitar Performance from California State University, Los Angeles.

Passionate about all kinds of music, Brian's studies include choral music and conducting, Gregorian chant (at the Monastery of St. Pierre de Solesmes, France), and Master Classes with Andrés Segovia and Christopher Parkening. In 1984, he participated as a member of the Honor Choir for the ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, which included recording of original music by Philip Glass for the Olympic Games under the direction of David L. Wolper and Mr. Glass.

As a jazz guitarist, Brian continues to grow musically in association with his colleagues of the Naomi Jazz Group, and other close musical friends who include students of the late, great Ted Greene.

*** Lesson Details ***
METHOD BOOKS:
FOR PIANO: Faber & Faber Method Series
Dozen A Day Technique series
FOR GUITAR:
STEEL STRINGS: Mel Bay, Alfreds Method Book
CLASSICAL: Fredric Noad
Julio Segraras Method
JAZZ: Stanford Jazz Workshop
The National Guitar Workshop's Jazz Guitar Method Series
Real Easy Books: Beginning & Intermediate Levels

MY APPROACH:
I focus on four areas that I think are essential to being a good music teacher:

• the uniqueness of each student;
• the fact that enjoyment (fun!) maximizes learning;
• the importance of proper technique and an understanding of music theory to build self-confidence;
• the development of musicianship through performance.

EACH STUDENT IS UNIQUE:
My first interest with each new student is to discover how he or she learns, and then to apply appropriate teaching techniques to maximize their potential. I gear my lesson plans to the individual and strive to optimize the learning potential of the student.

ENJOYMENT MAXIMIZES LEARNING:
In a lesson with me you can expect to never be bored, to laugh a lot, learn a lot, be positively engaged emotionally and challenged intellectually. I believe that learning is maximized when the student is enjoying the experience, and is faced with challenges appropriate to their skill level. I aim to make learning music fun, choosing musical selections to learn in the style and genre that relate to the student's interests and aspiration.

TECHNIQUE & UNDERSTANDING OF MUSIC THEORY TO BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE:
When my students perform in concerts, recitals, juries, auditions, recording sessions or simply for friends and family, they have self-confidence because they know precisely the "how" and "why" of everything required to perform well. My goal with students is to build a solid foundation in instrumental technique and thorough understanding of Music Theory at their appropriate level.

PERFORMANCE:
On a monthly basis, all my students practice performing pieces they are working on during the lesson time, with family/friends as an audience if desired and appropriate, and/or using digital recording to help the student develop a critical ear for their own playing.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music stands, guitar/s and guitar stands, Dynarelle cushion, footrests, Korg 88 fully--weighted digital keyboard, Zoom H4 digital recorder.

As well, I have guitars and equipment both for teaching and performance of various styles, as below. Students will have the opportunity to learn about, play and become familiar with any of these instruments/equipment according to their interests and skill levels.

GUITARS:

CLASSICAL: Ramirez Model 1A Classical (professional concert level instrument)
Cordoba (teaching/practice instrument)
Hohner Acoustic (electric)

ROCK: Fender Stratocaster (pre-CBS)
Shechter Omen6
Shechter Elite Series C1

FOLK: Martin (steel string)
Dobro

JAZZ: Oscar Schmidt by Washburn (hollow body electric)
Gibson SG (electric)

OTHER EQUIPMENT:

AMPS: Fender Twin reverb
Pevey practice amp
Rock amp

Boss GT8 Effects Pedal

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitar stands, guitar/s, Zoom H4 digital recorder. Generally I do not transport my Korg 88 keyboard to the student's home for lessons, but I can if necessary. However, I do require that piano students have their own piano/keyboard or at least reliable access to one for practice between lessons.

Guitar students should also have their own guitar. I can advise on appropriate instruments and can help students find a suitable guitar for their learning level and price range.

are unique for three main reasons:

1. I have a very deep understanding of music, sound, and theory, and feel music to be one of my native languages.

2. I have devoted considerable amounts of time and energy studying neuroscience, which has greatly improved my understanding of the learning process.

3. I have been blessed with the tremendous amount of patience necessary to guide a student through the necessary steps it takes to learn at whatever pace is optimal, in order to maximize the efficiency of the learning process for each individual.

*** Equipment ***
Students must have their own instrument, and purchase their own materials (books, etc). From time to time I make my way to a local music shop, and am happy to purchase materials for reimbursement.

*** Specialties ***
Classical music is my background, and what I believe to be the most cognitively and emotionally fulfilling style of music to study and play. That said, I'm also a big fan of pop music (as well as other genres), and encourage students to enjoy learning their favorite songs from the radio.

My understanding of music theory is extremely thorough, and I'm happy to incorporate as much or as little of it as the student's interest dictates, nevertheless maintaining the minimal amount of theory necessary to get the most out of learning music and the instrument.

Thanks for checking out my profile! Please contact me with any additional questions you may have, as well as to inquire about day/time availability. I'll do my best to get back to you right away (usually within a few hours).

roughout the lessons and during practice. Daniel’s motto isn’t just to teach Guitar but to really involve the student in all aspects of learning guitar, getting the student to engage in the pieces, teaching them how to properly warm up before and after pieces, and how to stretch and approach difficult pieces by allowing mental breaks and keeping the environment light and fun.
Daniel has played saxophone from 7 th grade until college.
Daniel was in drum corps for 5 years, 1 year on trumpet, 4 years on euphonium.
Daniel taught himself both drum set and guitar during high school.
Daniel went to CSUN to major in Classical Guitar.

personality and perceptive range of approaches more than qualifies me. Given the opportunity, I will show you or your child the uniquely memorable experience that is taking guitar lessons from me.

ependent and self-sustaining musicians.