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great first lesson!

So far so good! Adam had a great first lesson! Thank you, John!

JR is excellent in assessing a student's skill level. Once he has determined it he immediately begins challenging the student with fun drills that focus in on improving areas where the student is struggling. Not a moment of the lesson is lost, everything is focused on moving to the next challenge - although patiently.

The audio and video were fuzzy at times, so he did not always know what Kelvin was asking him to do....so that is the missing star. Other than that he enjoyed the lesson very much.

I think personal face - face classes for painting would help better than online.

Kelvin had a great personality and is very knowledgeable. In the first lesson, he showed what was possible in Photoshop and Lightroom.

Cole Shelton has brought a fresh, enthusiastic approach to the clinics. I have participated both in his Saturday morning clinic and two of the classes he offered on a particular stroke. I appreciated the fact that he came prepared to each type of “lesson,” often bringing written material on the stroke/strategy to be covered that day and always having a plan for the day. He initiated drills that I had never participated in before and which really helped me retain the concept he was explaining. Because he explains well and has a very positive approach in dealing with people, I signed my daughter, Nikki, up for a private lesson with Cole over the last Christmas break; unfortunately, it rained the entire time she was home. However, when she comes home in July, I plan on signing her up again. I am sure she will come away from that lesson(s) with a great attitude about tennis as well as improved strokes. Often while I am waiting for a court or am playing on the court next to a junior clinic he is giving, I watch how Cole interacts with the young players. He is patient and provides activities that keep them engaged. I would certainly not hesitate to recommend him to anyone—child, teenager, or adult—looking to learn tennis or enhance their game.

Also, I would like to mention that Cole went out of his way to ensure that my son, Michael , and I could play mixed doubles 8.0 together. After the numerous calls/e-mails to Norcal USTA that we made with no results in getting Michael’s rating changed, Cole helped us out and made the call that led to the rating being changed and our being able to play matches together. Before he became involved, we lost almost 2 months .

Cole is an invaluable asset.

Carol F

I have been a member of the club for over ten years and have had the opportunity to take several lessons and clinics with your various resident professional tennis instructors. My tennis experience goes back from high school to my present senior tennis status. Over the years I have worked on improving my game through one on one professional lessons where my budget would allow.

When I’ve gone to the pros for help, my goal is the get the instructor to give me some useable feedback to how I can improve my game. One usually gets a least one thing from the session to takeaway and use. I’ve been collecting and using them over the years.

I recently engaged Cole Shelton for help with my serve, which had lost its consistency over the last USTA season. Cole was not recommended by anyone but I decided to take a chance that he could help me out. I was extremely satisfied with the session. There was email correspondence before hand to establish goals and to get acquainted. The session started on time and his demeanor friendly and non-condescending. What most impressed me about Cole’s teaching style was the use of the latest technology to impart and emphasize the points of the lesson. An Apple ipad was utilized to capture my form and make a comparison to correct technique. The ability to actually see what I was doing right and wrong during the lesson was invaluable. The video capture of my serve and a series of form points were emailed to me for reference. This is a tennis instructor that has given me a welcome perspective on how to improve my game.

I would have no reservations in recommending Cole to anyone who needs help with their tennis game. His approach to instruction was refreshing and innovative.

Sincerely,

Paul T

This letter is to acknowledge, recognize and commend the services provided by Cole while teaching me over the last few months. My goal was to get back into tennis, after not having played for over 20 years, and Cole has been of tremendous help.

He clearly understood my intent, helped me to gradually catch up, physically and technically, adjusted the teaching depending upon my needs, and was also very flexible in terms of availability (which is of high value given my work schedule).

Getting back into a sport one has not practiced for a long time is not easy and Cole was extremely helpful and supportive to bring me back into the game.

Best regards,

Rodrigo L

Very professional and thorough!

First lesson with my grandson. My grandson enjoyed it. Joseph was very professional.

We couldn't be more pleased and thrilled to have discovered Dr. Merkel. He is committed, gifted, firm, yet kind,
with my son. Thank you Dr. Joe!!!

In search of helping our 10 year old son build some self-confidence we sought out clarinet lessons this summer. He started playing in school last year, and it was something our reluctant son liked "enough" to want to build up some competency. Joshua has been amazing! He finds just the right amount of challenge to encourage my son to practice, but not get discouraged. My son looks forward to his lesson each week and told me that he isn't even sure he wants to switch to saxophone next year because he is having so much fun playing the clarinet. Joshua is amazing with children, and has spent time getting to know our kiddo and find out what will work best for him. Patient, calm, and inspiring--very talented instructor.

Joshua Blatman is a fantastic music teacher. He has a great resume, is experienced in a variety of instruments, and a solid background in teaching.
I think any kids lucky enough to learn music from Joshua will have fun and hopefully fall in love with learning it, just like my kids have.

I whole-heartedly recommend Joshua for anyone of any age and any skill level who wants to enrich their life learning guitar. I appreciate the fact that he makes the time and has the patience to adapt to my needs. Joshua is flexible in scheduling - especially for those unforeseen incidents - which is appreciated.

Being an adult beginner with music lessons, Joshua eases my frustration on immediately wanting to play perfect notes and chords. I look forward to continuing lessons.

Andrea is very personable and easy going. He is unintimidating and yet knowledgeable. A pleasure to learn from.