My passion is sharing music with people. I love to answer questions and learn things I don't know, I know a good amount about guitar repair, improvised instrument building, how to buy a good instrument and not spend to much, and I have a vast knowledge of obscure instruments, and audio production as well. Feel free to ask me questions, and expect informative non-judgmental answers. I have spent a lot of time developing as a vocalist, songwriter, composer and producer, which helps me in all aspects of my music and teaching, I'm always looking to learn more. I have played in heavy metal bands, but have also done solo acoustic singer/songwriting stuff, I have produced raw hip-hop but also love old soul and ska tunes. Being well rounded musically and drawing from lots of influences is what makes me a good teacher and shapes me as a musician. As an artist I have been featured on MTV, Rollingstone, BBC, NBC, VOA, ARY, Alt Press, LA times, documentaries and more. I have been playing guitar and recording music since childhood and am a classically trained sitar player and Indian classical vocalist. I am a great teacher for someone who wants to write songs, or is into Indie, rock, pop, reggae, metal, hip-hop, and electronica. *** Lesson Details/ What to Expect *** You can expect a custom, fun and attentive one on one lesson. I am thorough and patient. I expect you to love music and put forth effort. I'm laid back, I will work as fast or as slow as you need. I prefer a total immersion technique and get my students playing right away. This boosts confidence and fosters interest because once a student enjoys playing you don't have to convince them to practice. By the first lesson you will be familiar with the instrument and it's parts, and playing your first chord. In 3-6 months you will be playing guitar with a greater knowledge of chords, basic harmony and be able to play scales and songs. Once you have a foundation of chords we can explore more specific music subjects and lessons will become more personalized: songwriting, guitar tones, musicology, making a DIY record, shredding like a metalhead, I can guide you to help you achieve your goals. I receive a very large number of student requests everyday, So to keep things organized please keep the following in mind: Takelessons is a wonderful service that I use to handle all my payments and scheduling. I want to focus on the teaching, so they help with the rest. I have a 24 hour cancelation policy, please give me at least 24 hour advanced notice, or you will forfeit your lesson credit. All scheduling changes or time off can be requested right from the website for your connivence. it's super easy! Use an email that you will actually check to sign up for notifications, it's not spam, it's to help us all stay organized. Remember to please reserve your spot by paying in advance. (I have a waiting list of people asking me for those super convenient days, and times) Online students please make sure you have the highest connection speed available to you. This will ensure you get the most out of the lessons. *** Equipment *** Please make sure you have your own instrument, and a note book or device to take notes with.
Teaches Beginner, Intermediate
Teaching since 2006
Songwriting & Guitar
Teaches ages 5+
Speaks Urdu, Hindi, English, Spanish, Punjabi
Has background check
Omar takes great care to understand what you already know so you can get the most out of your lessons. In a short time, he's already taught me a lot and I look forward to learning even more from him!
I meet with Omar for online sitar lessons about once a week. I don't have a ton of musical experience, and he is able to translate the ideas really well for me and meet me at my level. He has organized an impressive learning program, but it isn't rigid. I'm grateful for his patience and ability to meet you at the level you're at. I've already learned a ton and I've barely just begun.
It has been a delight taking lessons with Omar. The sitar is a foreign and old instrument, and Omar was very patient with getting me acclimatized to the instrument itself - all the nuts and bolts of putting the instrument together, tuning and playing the strings. Omar adapts very well to my pace of learning, and teaches with depth, instead of rushing through material. Lessons are always fun and easygoing, and I leave with not just technical knowledge, but with also a feel for the background and vibes of Indian classical music.