About
Over 40 years experience in teaching classical guitar to beginners through college level and beyond.Bachelor of Music in guitar performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. 50+ years playing experience in many different venues. Serving locally, and online via Zoom across 4 time zones.
Retirees are discovering the joys of leaning how to play the guitar, learning at thier own pace, whatever that may be, or, based on what skills and experience they already have. Guitarists of many different styles and levels are finding additional ways to improve thier technique, or theory as it relates to the guitar. Providng a pathway to literacy on the guitar.
Highlights
Details
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Reviews
Gus C.
Diane D.
Nate B.
Roxanna A.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first lesson is aboout discovery and direction:
What musical experiences have you had in your past?
In what capacity do you see yourself playing the guitar in the future? Do you have aspirations as a singer or songwriter, or as an instrumentalist?
Try to answer these questions prior to our first lesson, and write down any questions that you may have for me.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Having started teaching guitar at the age of 15, I have always had a great passion for teaching students of all ages and abilities.
Lessons are about having fun while you learn. I have had the enormous benefit of many master classes by a number of the world's most accomplished masters of the guitar. I honor them by passing on what I've learned in over 50 years of playing, teaching, and study.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My online lesson rate is discounted to $60/ hour.
In order to learn most effectively, weekly lessons are a necessity. The can be 30, 45, or 60 minutes in length.
The lessons may go over the allotted time a bit, but, you are not charged extra.
How did you get started teaching?
I began in a music store at the age of 15, teaching begining guitar, frantically trying to stay ahead of those students! Gradually I began teaching flamenco guitar, then fell in love with the classical guitar, and never stopped.
What types of students have you worked with?
All styles of guitar. Many students have been high school age. Many have been as young as 9 or 10. Most of my students remain with me for 3 or more years. My aim is to make them thier own teacher. Some have turned professional. Recently, say in the past 8 years or so, I have found a great interest from seniors who want to take up the guitar, I have had students in thier 80's.
Many guitar players are actually budding song writers. I teach them music theory as well as technique.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I have edited over 80 works for the classical guitar, and am always continuing to do so. Hopefully I'd like to get these published, since there a a great many good pieces that aren't played enough, due to bad fingering and interpretation.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Try to find a teacher who has been trained at a Conservatory, as opposed to a University.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Refer to the first question.