
Mike S.

Teaching Locations:

Intermediate: Depending on where you are at, we can cover reading comprehension, grammar, and sentence structure. WARNING! I may recommend going back over pronunciations, which can be tedious and frustrating, but well worth the effort!
About Mike S.
YOUNG BEGINNERS: After your first 10 sessions with me, your son or daughter will have completed a few workbooks and memorized a couple new songs. Whether it is to impress friends, land a gig, or to feel a sense of pride as a growing musician, I can't wait to celebrate your child's success with you!
You'll get to know me through our lessons as well, and you'll find that I am a listener. I learned to be that type of person through some of the challenges I faced as a missionary in Thailand.
Thai is a tonal language, meaning that English speakers must learn to hear new sounds in order to make important differentiations, and start speaking without falling into embarrassing blunders. My Thai teacher told me, "Americans learn with their mouths. Thais learn with their ears."
I think this makes me a better guitar teacher, because I know what it's like to have to learn something completely new and foreign as an adult.
Aside from living seven years in Asia with my wife and four young kids, my musical roots are in Napa, where I played my first guitar performance in my 4th grade Christmas concert.
I'm back now on sabbatical, which means I am open for in-house lessons in and around Napa Valley. But online is just as convenient for me, which means that no matter where I am in the world, I can continue to be there for you when you need it!
ADULT BEGINNERS WELCOME!
INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED PLAYERS: While teaching players more advanced in guitar, I draw from my broader experience as a choir student and vocal performer to manage a students' progress beyond my own guitar-playing ability.
LIMITED TIME ONLY: I am back in Napa on Sabbatical, and for a limited time and available for in house lessons!
UPDATE ALERT: Just had my first guitar student through TakeLessons and it was a GREAT EXPERIENCE! She said she got chills at the end as she played along to a song I taught her. So good to be reminded of the JOY of music through the awakening of a beginner.
Reviews
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Nice easy pace. Thank you

Only 1 hour of study. Mike is great teacher. He know my weak point and teach and advice me how to improve my English. ( I have Thai accent ). Most of Thai student felt in communication part of Tofel test ( to get in Master degree in USA )

So far everything has been great, I am now excited to practice on my own at home because I am sharing this experience with someone. It is worth it to have someone in person and I am happy to have a caring, positive and sincere person like Mike to help me!
Photos & Videos
9 Photos & VideosExperience
Celebration Arts Aprentice
Feb 2020 - PresentFirst Christian Church of Napa
While on furlough, I am excited to have the opportunity to be a part of what God is doing at FCC Napa. Along with the entire Celebration Arts Team, I am empowering volunteers in the worship ministry through music and tech support in our Sunday celebration services. All are welcome!
Founder, Field Director
Sep 2012 - PresentSandy Stories Ministries
Sandy Stories Ministries started when my wife and I said yes to a call to missions overseas in Thailand. We have worked in affiliation with Antioch Ministries International, All Peoples Movement, Church Outreach Centre, and World Outreach Ministries.
Corporate Intern
Jun 2019 - Aug 2019Bangchak Corporation
The talent program for Thai and international business students placed me in the Bangchak Initiative and Innovation Center (BiiC). My role in business development allowed me to participate in seminars on design thinking, and contribute to pitching, HR, and product development teams.
Computer Science Instructor
Sep 2010 - May 2011Elementary Institute of Science
While in ministry school, I taught computer science to inner-city youth. These were wonderful students, and I introduced new curriculum to teach the kids how to use music-mixing software.
Education
Bachelors of Administration – Management (Leadership and Entrepreneurship)
Jan 2016 - Dec 2019Assumption University of Thailand
Christian Discipleship
Sep 2010 - Jun 2011School of Transformation
Languages
English
Fluent / Native Proficiency
Spanish
Limited Proficiency
Thai
Professional Proficiency
Awards
Certificate of Appreciation
Jun 2011Elementary Institute of Science
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