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Student Favorite
Calvin A.
Background Check
Student Favorite
Teaching Locations:
About Calvin A.
As a teacher, I have worked with of many ages and backgrounds. One of my students, Skylar Stecker, has gone on to become a successful major label recording artist recently becoming the youngest artist to receive a number 1 on the dance billboard charts. I recently had the opportunity to tour with her as her guitarist and pianist.
I have studied, performed and taught music for over 10 years. I hold a B.A. in music from USC. My professional experience as a musician and teacher has led me to many areas of the music business. I've worked as an apprentice to several established film composers and arrangers and have had the opportunity work with Lionel Hampton New York Big Band, Metropole Orchestra, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Clayton Brothers, Rachelle Farrell, Michael Buble, and Charles Aznavour. I play guitar, mandolin, piano, bass, ukulele, banjo as well as write music.
*** Lesson Details ***
I am extremely patient and firmly believe that anybody can learn to play music.
I try to keep my teaching philosophy simple. We figure out your musical goals and aspirations and carve out a path to achieving them. Along the way I will try to illuminate how the path to attaining your goals and aspirations is best taken at an enjoyable, relaxed pace and with a strong work ethic.
I always prepare for your lessons based on your interests, integrating relevant books and videos, creating handouts tailored to what we are studying in order to maintain clarity.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitars, Keyboards, Ukuleles, Microphones, Amplifiers, Recording Equipment
*** Specialties ***
Any style you prefer (Rock, Pop, Folk, Country, Jazz, Bluegrass, etc.)
Reviews
Write a Review
Online
This is Ian's grandmother doing this review, because the emails come to me. All I know is that my grandson is excited every week about his lesson and that is a good review of it right there!
Online
calvin so far is a great teacher I am 78 years old and have had 5 teachers so far and no luck playing the banjo. calvin actually gave me home work which I love. instead of asking me what I want to do. I would not get a teacher if I knew what to do and I love the drop box.
Online
Excellent first lesson. We picked the right guy for our kiddo. He was patient with her and dealt well with her awkwardness. Looking forward to seeing her growth.
Online
We are thrilled with Calvin! He's so encouraging and patient with my 7-year old son. Very friendly and engaging. I also greatly appreciate the level of detail in lesson preparedness and materials to use throughout the week for practice.
Online
Great Work! Wonderful teacher! I'm really encouraged to keep this music dream alive! I had some basics and now Calvin has given me positive reinforcement and some practice exercises that will push me past my 'learning plateau'! Thanks!!
Online
Calvin is an awesome teacher, patient and encouraging!
Student's Home
My son has received guitar lessons from Calvin, off and on, for about 5 years. He is an excellent teacher.
Student's Home
Great teacher
Online
Student's Home
Lucas and Logan really liked Calvin and looking forward to their next lessons.
Student's Home
Just had the first session with Calvin. He showed up on time, he was very patient the whole time.
Student's Home
Terrific young man. We look forward to more time with him. Super positive and professional.
Student's Home
First lesson with Calvin was fantastic. Looking forward to the next. Great teaching on proper technique adapted to what I want to learn. Highly recommend.
Student's Home
Listened to my daughter's interests and musical style and then chose things to learn that really interested her.
Student's Home
Great Instructor!
Online
Online
What a great teacher - can wait for my next lesson!
Online
There are musicians who teach on the side, but Calvin is not only a talented musician, but has a real talent for teaching as well. He tailor-made the lessons towards the skills I wanted to develop. He knows how to direct the student to just the right practice method to improve on a particular skill. Calvin is patient, positive, and encouraging, and takes the time to explain anything the student does not understand. Overall, Calvin is a great music teacher who truly cares about his students learning their instrument. I wouldn't hesitate recommending Calvin to anyone.
Student's Home
So impressed with not only his talent and ability, but how he was able to help and encourage me with my own playing and arranging. Can't wait for our next lesson!
Student's Home
Grace loved it! She immediately took out her banjo and started practicing as soon as Calvin left. Calvin is fantastic! He's very encouraging and nurturing and a lot of fun!
Student's Home
Awesome. Very knowledgeable and patient. Highly recommend.
Student's Home
As an older student just starting out I felt I hit the jackpot with Calvin. He worked with me to learn the music I was interested in and at the same time he taught the fundamentals. I always looked forward to our time together. He is kind, helpful, and honest. I highly recommend Calvin.
Student's Home
Great Lesson! Looks like we can work really well together. Calvin communicates very clearly and sets up practice work in a way that is very doable.
Student's Home
Calvin was great! Super professional and excellent and fun with my 5 year old! Highly recommend!
Student's Home
Calvin is AWESOME. He is very patient and encouraging. My daughter loves working with Calvin. He is prompt and goes out of his way to inspire. We highly recommend Calvin
Student's Home
Outstanding teacher -- very patient with my wife, who is a parkinsons patient;
he demonstrates patiently, encourages her, has her tuning her ukelele and
playing chords after only three lessons. A gentle, knowledgeable force.
Student's Home
Very personable! Very compassionate about what he teaches to the kids! Recommend!
Student's Home
unique techniques / perspectives
best I've experienced.
highly recommend
Student's Home
Calvin is an excellent teacher and Daniel enjoys the lessons!
Student's Home
Calvin really cares about his students. He does everything he can to help you progress and reach your potential. Great teacher!
Student's Home
Great teacher
Wonderful teaching style
Robert
Teacher's Studio
Calvin is great to work with. I look forward to my lesson each week. He goes the extra mile by sending me practice tracks and focuses on the music I want to learn. I am in my mid 50's and never had any formal music training. Calvin is fantastic and a great person too.
Student's Home
Calvin is an amazing and wonderful teacher. He's patient and kind. He truly knows how to inspire and encourage our daughter. I would highly recommend Calvin to anyone who wants to learn from a talented and professional musician.
Student's Home
I should note first that Calvin is teaching my 13-year-old son both piano and guitar (electric and acoustic) and has been for nearly two years now. Calvin is an excellent instructor and really inspires my son to try harder to improve his skills on all three instruments. He is patient, but has high expectations and he supports and encourages by sharing his own stories of his life in music and how he has had to work to perfect a skill or overcome a difficulty. He challenges my son just above his ability level so it is not stressful, but it isn't easy either. Calvin is great at helping students develop expression so the piece sounds really good, while also encouraging the student to add his own style, when it is appropriate. Calvin is flexible and communicative. We home school and he is very kind in helping us come up with a manageable schedule. We are so grateful for Calvin and his sharing the gift of music with our family. I recommend him without reservation.
Student's Home
My 7-year-old daughter started guitar lessons in March 2014 with Calvin as a beginner. He immediately engaged her by finding out her favorite songs and using those songs as very effective teaching tools, with such patience and enthusiasm. She has been learning to read music and play, and she's come so far already due to his incredible talent and his way of being able to break things down to teach them in a way that really reaches her! He's also very reliable, always on time. I couldn't be happier with Calvin's teaching, and I highly recommend him!
Online
Calvin was an excellent teacher for classical composition. He has a deep understanding for how music works and conveys this information in a very
straight forward and enjoyable way. I highly recommend him.
Student's Home
Thorough, patient, and encouraging. Exceeds expectations.
Photos & Videos
8 Photos & Videos
Experience
Musician and Music Director
Dec 2009 - PresentFreelance
Direct and perform with several ensembles that perform regularly around Southern California. Have had the opportunity to perform at venues such as The Fillmore, Segerstrom Center for The Arts, Anaheim Convention Center, El Rey Theatre as well as many others.
Piano Teacher
Sep 2015 - Apr 2016Frontiers Academy
Taught students piano in 1 on 1 private lessons.
Worship Leader/Music Director
Aug 2013 - Apr 2014King of Glory Lutheran Church
Led worship weekly with vocals, guitar and piano in addition to directing worship team and preparing/composing/arranging music for services
Guitar/Piano/Banjo Teacher
May 2012 - Mar 2014Music Maker
Taught private lessons and group guitar classes.
Guitar Teacher
Aug 2012 - Jun 2013Imperial Elementary School
Taught group guitar classes to 20+ children, leading to a group performance at the school's annual fair.
Music Copyist/Orchestrator/Arranger
Jan 2009 - Jan 2011Freelance
Worked with: Lionel Hampton New York Big Band, Metropole Orchestra, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Clayton Brothers, Rachelle Farrell, Michael Bublé, and Charles Aznavour
Instructor
Aug 2010 - Nov 2010Musician's Local 47
Co-led classes for professional musicians teaching how to use the Finale notation program.
Education
B.A. in Music
Aug 2005 - Dec 2009University of Southern California
General Education/Music
Aug 2003 - Jun 2005Orange Coast College
Languages
English
Fluent / Native Proficiency
Italian
Limited Proficiency
Certifications
Certificate of Completion
Jul 2010Dale Carnegie Course For Effective Communication
Awards
Scholarship for Music Composition
Jan 2010Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival
Scholarship for Classical Guitar
Jan 2005Orange Coast College
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