Classical Guitar with Ryan A.

Thanks for checking out my page. I have been playing the guitar for over twenty years, and teaching guitar for the past 16. I began my musical journey began when I picked up one of my grandfather's mandolins at the age of three. Soon after, I discovered that my grandfather had a guitar in his garage. I felt naturally drawn to the guitar, as though my hands were meant to play. I taught myself until the age of twelve, when I inquired about formal lessons with a guitar teacher from my church by the name of James Garcia. I have played with a number of groups throughout the bay area, including legendary saxophonist Bob Mintzer. I hold a degree in music and have studied with teachers such as James Garcia, Rich Hawthorne, Mike McKenna, Doctor Paul Setziol, and Ron Dunn. My goal is to ensure that each student leaves every lesson a better guitar player. Whether you have been playing for a while but simply want to improve, or you are an absolute beginner I am the teacher for you. *** Lesson Details *** I offer the highest quality acoustic & electric guitar lessons in the bay area, period. I am a fairly laid back individual, yet my lessons are academic in nature. My overall goal is to bring out the potential in every student. Curriculum: -Introductory guitar packet (by me) -Alfred's Basic Guitar Method Vol. 1, 2 & 3 (beginner to intermediate) -Christopher Parkening Guitar Method Vol. 1 (beginner classical guitar) -Harris Music Bridges Classical Guitar series (beginner to advanced) -Blues You Can Use (intermediate) -Jazzin The Blues (intermediate to advanced) -Practical Theory for Guitar by Don Latarski (intermediate to advanced) -The Real Book (intermediate to advanced) Testimonials: “Ryan is both an excellent musician and an excellent educator. A few years ago, I was looking for a guitar teacher for my daughter. I’ve met many guitar teachers but Ryan certainly was the best. I would recommend Ryan to everyone but especially to those who are looking to get to a greater level of understanding music and significantly improving technique.” -Alexei "I met Ryan for the first time when I was an annoying little kid who wanted to learn how to play the guitar. Any normal person would have been fed up by the first week, but he managed to put up with me for nine or so years. In that time, I would like to say that I have become a pretty decent guitar player and overall well rounded musician. Even though I am not pursuing music as my career choice, it has been a great part of my life and has no-doubt helped my skills in other areas. Ryan really knows what he’s doing in terms of teaching and he loves to bring out the potential in people. He’s also a cool guy just to talk with sometimes. I would definitely recommend him!" -John "Ryan is an excellent teacher and player. Being his student greatly improved my technique, introduced me to a lot of new genres I am still exploring today, and encouraged my creative growth as a musician. He also teaches theory and ear training, skills that are necessary for the serious musician, and skills that I still practice. Gaining a deeper understanding of music as both a science (music theory) and as an art (self expression and creativity) is much more important than just learning how to play the guitar. Ryan is one of the few teachers I know who teaches more than just playing the guitar. Now I am a fourth year undergraduate student enrolled in California Institute of the Arts' guitar program playing electric and classical guitar, along with a few other instruments. Ryan's teaching goes much deeper than just playing notes, and is what first inspired me to take music seriously." -Trevor *** Studio Equipment *** Studio w/ amps, and seating for parents. *** Specialties *** Jazz, classical, blues, rock, progressive rock, reggae, folk, contemporary Christian, and acoustic finger style.