

Sean S.


Teaching Locations:

Depending on one's starting level of experience, some basic exercises will be assigned to develop core skills, with increasing levels of technical challenge and complexity. Elements of music theory will be woven into practical lessons. Students will have the choice to incorporate material from popular and familiar music into their studies, and as they progress they will be encouraged to compose original pieces incorporating concepts and skills from the lessons.
As music should be enjoyable, I expect students to be highly motivated and to dedicate regular time to practice in between lessons. Of course there is some work involved to get to a point of effortless fluent expression, but you should also be able to have a lot of fun along the way!
About Sean S.
COVID-19 Update: Due to a recent surge in coronavirus cases, I will be teaching all lessons online for now, using the TakeLessons app or through your web browser, with no download necessary. I've found the clarity and responsiveness excellent. Don't hesitate to give it a try! When things settle down with the pandemic, and it is safe to resume in-person lessons, I'll update this notice.
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I began teaching acoustic guitar and voice lessons in 1984, also offering harmonium and tabla lessons a few years later. Some of my students have approached music mainly for personal enjoyment and deepening their self-identity, while others have used the skills they learned in their careers.
I've found that in order to be a successful teacher, I must be patient and compassionate, and try to always put myself in the shoes of a learner. I feel my greatest teaching strengths come from listening to my students, as well as drawing from my experience as a singer-songwriter and fingerstyle guitarist.
I'm grateful for my exposure to the music of different cultures, especially the fascinating polyrhythms of traditional African drumming and the deeply moving melodies of Indian Classical music. I had the good fortune to study these disciplines intensively with Master Teachers during my time at Dartmouth College, at Wesleyan University, and through independent studies in India. My teacher training at Pacific Oaks College further deepened my appreciation of cultural diversity as well as my sensitivity to different learning styles.
This experience has enriched my own compositions, as well as my ability to connect with learners from diverse cultural backgrounds, and to help guide people in developing a personal style free from artificial boundaries of genre.
Currently, I'm working on recording an album of original songs based on the poetry of Rumi, Hafiz and other mystics.
Reviews
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Great first lesson. Sean was patient and engaging. Really enjoyed the learning experience.

Sean is a great instructor. He is very encouraging and pushes me to do my best!

Loved him so much! Such a great teacher and kind person too!


Definitely excited to learn more from Sean!


Sean was very kind and knowledgeable. Gave me three things right off the bat I can use to improve.


Sean was immediately able to assess where I was at on the guitar and I was surprised at how quickly I began learning new chords and techniques. The lesson was natural and fluid and I left knowing more than I did when the lesson started. I have lots to practice! I would definitely recommend Sean as a great guitar teacher.


Sean is a phenomenal instructor! I have a limited background in guitar, and he did a great job getting quickly acquainted with my skill set and has since done a great job challenging me and nurturing my skills. Incredibly personable and easy to establish rapport with, which makes learning in a comfortable environment a breeze.
I especially enjoy when we summarize a lesson and decide some clear goals for the next week, making practicing on my own time easy-breezy. He knows a lot, (like A LOT) about the guitar, and music in general, and communicates theory/concepts clearly. I've learned so much about finger picking and how to navigate the fret board, and the progress I see in myself is incredibly motivating.
Lessons are fun and are always a highlight in my week. Schedule a few lessons and see for yourself! Truly the best instructor on here.

I've been getting guitar lessons with Sean for sometime after some singing lessons with him. He's a great teacher, very patient, flexible, always pushing me to experiment more and adapting to my needs as a student. I've also learned so much about music theory and different approaches to song writing thanks to his input.

I Googled "guitar teacher, Roseburg, OR" and low and behold, Sean showed up and boy I'm glad he did!!! Sean and I hit it off instantly and the things I wanted to get better at (finger picking, hammer(s) on and off, picking the notes within chords, etc.) Sean was completely versed in! Long story short... I couldn't be happier with Sean as a teacher and as a person he's totally cool as well! I recommend Sean unequivocally and if you want to start to play guitar or even get better as I do, Sean is your guy, no doubt about it!!!
Photos & Videos
5 Photos & VideosExperience
Elementary School Music Teacher
Sep 2018 - PresentRoseburg School District
Teach music, including voice and multiple instruments, to Elementary school classes (K-5); design age-appropriate lesson plans to meet state curriculum goals.
Music Teacher
Jul 2014 - PresentUmpqua Valley Music Lessons
Teach individual guitar, ukulele, voice and percussion lessons for ages 5-adult, with specialty in fingerstyle guitar
Elementary School Music Teacher
Feb 2018 - Jun 2018Winston-Dillard School District
Teach music to Elementary school classes (K-6); design age-appropriate lesson plans to meet state curriculum goals.
Music Director
Jan 1988 - Apr 2014Lighthouse Center Oregon
Led community weekly music program for guests and staff at spiritual retreat center; Arranged and conducted music program for regional gatherings and special events; Taught group classes and individual lessons in Indian Classical music: voice, harmonium, and tabla
Education
Indian Classical Music
Apr 1979 - May 1992Private instruction with music teachers in Delhi, India; Eugene, Oregon; and Hanover, NH
BA, Human Development
Sep 1985 - Aug 1986Pacific Oaks College
Traditional African Drumming
Sep 1982 - May 1983Wesleyan University
Music major
Sep 1977 - Jun 1981Dartmouth College
Languages
French
Professional Proficiency
Spanish
Limited Proficiency
Certifications
Elementary School Music Teacher
Aug 2018Roseburg School District
Bachelor of Arts in Human Development
Aug 1986Pacific Oaks College
Affiliations
SoundExchange
Apr 2020National Education Association
May 2019National Honors Society
Sep 1976Let Our Student Counselors Help You
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