Music

Guitar

Sean S.

Overview About Reviews Experience Education Certifications Affiliations Languages Gallery

Background check

Teaches online

Teaches all skill levels

Age: 5+

Speaks French, Spanish

Teaching since 1983

BA, Human Development

Student Favorite
2 Repeated Students

Learn guitar quickly with proven techniques from a guitar pro with four decades experience

Beginner guitarists often get bored going over tedious exercises for what seems like forever, or frustrated trying to get their fingers to cooperate and carry out seemingly impossible contortions. I understand your struggles. I'll show you how to "work smarter, not harder," use scientifically-based learning techniques to train your brain and build "muscle memory." More advanced student? Maybe you need to fall in love with your instrument again! You'll be relieved to know that you don't have to live your whole life trying to play covers just like the version on the album. Maybe it's time to stretch your boundaries, break out of a stylistic rut, or explore the world beyond tired cowboy chords. Wanna explore new fingerstyle techniques or build your improvisational skills? Perhaps you're ready to learn to play melodic lines within a chord progression, or add some pizzaz with syncopated rhythms. I can help you with these things, and empower you to find your own special sauce with your guitar playing. To be clear, I don't teach everything: If your main goal is to play melodic solos, that's cool, there's someone else out there to guide you. I wish you all the best, but that's not my cup of tea. Q: Do I need to read music to learn guitar? A: No. While it can be useful for advanced students, it is not necessary for beginners, and I don't place a lot of emphasis on it. My approach is primarily to help you develop your ability to play by ear, as well as to strengthen your intuitive abilities which will help you learn how to improvise. However, some form of notation is often helpful to learn new material, as well as to keep track of where we are in a song. I'll show you some ways to make it work better for you. The guitar is an incredibly versatile and fun instrument that will keep showing you new dimensions of its potential if you approach it with curiosity. I look forward to working with you and seeing your progress as you unfold your potential!

Instructor details

Subject

Location:

Teacher's Studio

SEE MAP

Valley Ct

Teaches Online

Teaching Hours

Monday

11:15 AM-8 PM

Tuesday

12 PM-2 PM

Wednesday

12 PM-8 PM

Thursday

3:30 PM-8 PM

Friday

1 PM-8 PM

Saturday

11 AM-8 PM

Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)

Pricing

30 minutes

$42

45 minutes

$55

60 minutes

$67

90 minutes

$92

About Sean S.

4.9

(50)

I look at music essentially as a subject of the heart. People are drawn to learning music by an irresistible pull, and what may start as a casual curiosity can grow into a lifelong passion. The mystery of the creative process is more of an art form than a science, with as many different approaches as there are personalities. In my forty years of teaching music, one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of putting myself in the shoes of a learner, listening and being responsive to my students’ interests, needs and strengths. I have a profound respect for each person’s individual musical tastes and styles, and I have an abiding faith in each person’s inner source of inspiration and wisdom. My main goal as a teacher is to help you tap your own creative wellspring and discover your unique talents. I began teaching acoustic guitar and voice lessons in 1984, also offering harmonium and tabla lessons a few years later. Some of my students approach music mainly for personal enjoyment and deepening their self-identity, while others use the skills they learn in their careers. I'm grateful for my exposure to the music of different cultures from around the world, from my roots in back-porch American folk music to 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. I never cease to be in awe of the amazing potential that each student brings to the table, and I am grateful for the chance to help people open up their musical gifts. Currently, I'm working on recording an album of original songs based on the poetry of Rumi, Hafiz and other mystics. I look forward to working with you to further your musical adventure!

ReviewsWrite a review

90%

10%

4.9

50 Reviews

Junko

Online

Sean is a fantastic teacher and an incredibly kind and fun person. I highly recommend him as a teacher for yourself or your children! I took his online course for about half a year, starting as a complete beginner. Sean was really patient and helped me get the fundamental codes and transition between them. Sean is also very flexible with the songs you want to learn. He reviews the songs I choose to play and finds simplified ways to approach them, ensuring they are manageable at my skill level.

Posted Apr 16, 2024

Jaspal

Online

Sean, is great at what he does, and he really helps to find the best composition for my songs. I’ve learned different ways to compose my lyrics and different techniques to write lyrics as well. Sean is an amazing teacher!!

Posted Dec 9, 2023

Jaspal

Online

Posted Dec 9, 2023

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Experience

Band Leader

Mar, 2015 - Present

Underground River Music

I write original songs for my band,and compose instrumental accompaniment parts and vocal harmonies that I teach to my fellow bandmates. I lead rehearsal sessions and coach band members on performance skills.

Elementary School Music Teacher

Sep, 2018 - Jun, 2021

Roseburg 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.

Elementary School Music Teacher

Feb, 2018 - Jun, 2018

Winston-Dillard School District

Teach music to Elementary school classes (K-6); design age-appropriate lesson plans to meet state curriculum goals.

Music Teacher

Jul, 2014 - Present

Umpqua Valley Music Lessons

Teach individual guitar, ukulele, voice and percussion lessons for ages 5-adult, with specialty in fingerstyle guitar

Music Director

Jan, 1988 - Apr, 2014

Lighthouse 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

Music major

Sep, 1977 - Jun, 1981

Dartmouth College

BA, Human Development

Sep, 1985 - Aug, 1986

Pacific Oaks College

Traditional African Drumming

Sep, 1982 - May, 1983

Wesleyan University

Indian Classical Music

Apr, 1979 - May, 1992

Private instruction with music teachers in Delhi, India; Eugene, Oregon; and Hanover, NH

Certifications

Bachelor of Arts in Human Development

Aug, 1986

Pacific Oaks College

Pacific Oaks College - BA in Human Development August 1986

Elementary School Music Teacher

Aug, 2018

Roseburg School District

Affiliations

National Honors Society

Sep, 1976

The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginning in 1921.

American Composers Forum

Aug, 2021

The American Composers Forum enriches lives by nurturing the creative spirit of composers and communities. We provide new opportunities for composers and their music to flourish, and engage communities in the creation, performance and enjoyment of new music.

D'Adarrio Education Collective

Aug, 2021

a global community of music educators who are committed to inspiring the next generation of lifelong musicians. Our program provides music teachers with access to resources and other tools to help support their role in education. The Education Collective will grow to include opportunities to network with other teachers, share your knowledge and content, and attend special educational events. Our goal is to support those that support the future of music.

SoundExchange

Apr, 2020

SoundExchange helps the music and creative community thrive in the digital age. SoundExchange is the independent nonprofit collective management organization that collects and distributes digital performance royalties to featured artists and copyright holders. We represent recording artists – from unsigned a cappella to acid rock to multi-platinum stars and master rights owners including major and independent record labels. It’s our job to ensure that these artists and copyright holders are compensated when their work is broadcast by non-interactive digital radio.

National Education Association

May, 2019

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.