Neil Kelly Guitar

Neil Kelly Guitar

5.0Exceptional(8 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

About

I hold a Master of Arts degree in Music with an emphasis in Jazz Studies. I have been teaching for 20 years in various styles including Jazz, Classical, Rock, Pop, Blues, etc... My approach entails teaching thorough knowlege of the fingerboard , technical studies for dexterity development, Music reading, music theory & composition, as well as teaching songs that speak to the student to keep their passions engaged and their inspiration to practice alive.

I love watching students grow and experience the joy that playing music can bring.


Highlights

Hired 15 times
1 employee
23 years in business
Serves San Jose , CA
Offers online services

Payment methods

Cash, Check, Venmo, Paypal, Zelle

Social media


Specialties

Musical styles

Rock, Country, Blues, Jazz, Folk, Classical

Guitar style

Acoustic guitar, Electric guitar

Has instrument

Student who have a guitar, Student who don't have a guitar, but are planning to purchase one

Years experience

No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 – 2 years experience, 2 – 4 years experience, 4+ years of experience

Able to read music

Students who can read music staff, Students who can read guitar tabs, Students who cannot read music

Lesson length

30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes

Student's age

5 – 10 years old, 11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Photos and videos

  • Playing in my home studio

  • Reviews

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    RJ

    Robert J.

    Neil is extremely knowledgeable and has a way of teaching that really puts it together. Great experience so far and look forward to learning more.
    ... Show more
    October 18, 2021
    Hired on Lessons

    SS

    Sara S.

    Great lesson!
    ... Show more
    September 09, 2021
    Hired on Lessons

    DP

    David P.

    As a former student of Neils I can vouch for his abilities as a guitar teacher. I took lessons from him for a number of years and learned a huge amount. Hes got an incredible passion for music, a near-encyclopedic knowledge of music theory, and hes easy-going and likable. In short, the kind of teacher who can take just about any student as far as they want to go with the guitar, and the further the better, because he clearly enjoys seeing his students improve. I particularly enjoyed learning the secrets of good improvisation from him. Jazz guitar is his forte, but hes quite knowledgeable about a number of other styles as well. By the way, unlike many of his students, Im older than he is, so hes a good teacher for adults too. Definitely recommend.
    ... Show more
    December 14, 2019

    SO

    Scott O.

    Neil was the perfect teacher for my child. Where to begin?
    First, his ability as a jazz musician alone makes him one of the best choices for your child.
    Second, he sees each student as an individual and approaches each lesson with an individual plan.
    He also really understands adolescent students. He has raised teens himself. He has a high EQ and could tell when our son was having a bad week or not that into the lessons, and could easily pivot from the work of jazz to the fun of jazz to keep my son engaged.
    My son took lessons from Neil for seven years. He progressed from rhythm guitar to earning a place in the schools top jazz band (of three) as a sophomore to making his own combo that booked paying gigs as a Junior and Senior. Neil was able to mentor each of these transitions. He helped my son with his audition pieces for Stanford Jazz Workshop. Finally, when applying to college, Neil helped my son with his audition pieces and helped him choose the right way to phrase the music to show his strong points. With Neils foundation, my son was able to join his college jazz band as a Freshman and perform with Branford Marasalis.
    Finally, Neil was willing to give lessons in our own home. The net effect was giving my child more time to be a kid, rather than spend time in a car or waiting for his lesson to begin.
    ... Show more
    November 04, 2019

    KR

    Kristoff R.

    Neil is extremely passionate, talented, and patient. Neil is very flexible to focus on a wide variety of guitar music genres and helps to inspire his students to learn and progress. Highly recommended!
    ... Show more
    October 30, 2019

    N

    Nitara

    With my 6 years of guitar lessons, I have learned so much! I really enjoy his style of teaching. I look forward to my classes every week!
    ... Show more
    October 28, 2019

    Frequently asked questions

    Master of Arts - Music (Jazz Studies)

    $60 - 1/2 hour lesson

    80$ - 1 hour lesson

    Teaching group classes for the city of Capitola and then San Jose.

    From young children ages 6-7 through retired adults looking to pick up a new hobby. Also i work alot with highschool and college students in Jazz bands that need help navigating their highly complex band music.

    What are your musical goals. What do you want to be able to play and in what context.  Do you have the time and discipline to practice at least 30 minutes to an hour 4 - 6 times weekly?


    Services offered

    Guitar