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Sean Griffin Guitar Lessons

4.9 (14)

13 hires on Lessons.com

About this pro

I started playing guitar when I was 12yrs old and began studying with Joe Satriani when I was 14. I love sharing my knowledge and the great part is get to teach students of all ages. I've always taught friends of friends and after watching thier progress I started teaching private lessons. I've aslo studied at the California Jazz Academy. Lessons are held in Berkeley, online, and I also travel to students around the Bay Area.

I've performed at every club and concert venue in the bay area and have been in countless bands playing all styles.

I focus on healthy playing and teach all styles from rock to jazz, funk, pop, alternative you name it, i've played it. I start off by really listening to what the student has to say and help them to develope a voice through music.

What I really enjoy is watching my students progress and the excitement when they come in with a song they've created. I've also noticed how learning an instrument can have a positive effect on education in general.

Credentials

Berkeley, CA 94705

Email verified

Phone verified

14 Reviews

4.9

Patrick Paul Gaan

Sean was extremely helpful with our lessons, he was very understanding with some out-of-the-blue cancelations. He was also very encouraging and a great teacher.

2022-09-24
Gatlen Culp

Sean is a very talented, nice, and patient guitar instructor. He worked around my interests in song playing (ie: wanting to play a particular song, finger style, electric vs acoustic, etc.) and loved discussing different songs/genres etc. Worked hard to make sure I had the right posture and avoided many of the bad habits that people end up forming. I wish I spent more time on the exercises he sent me home with. Would definitely recommend Sean! (He also has a cute cat <3)

2022-08-27
Zachary Larson

Sean is a great teacher, especially at explaining the connection between complex music theory and popular music. For example, we talked about the influence of modal jazz on blues rock, which is something I had never considered before. Super interesting. Overall, my lessons with Sean were a great experience!

2022-08-18
Lauren Guenther

Sean is such a talented musician and also a great teacher. I’m loving our lessons and feel inspired to play after each one. Very excited to see where my playing goes from here

2021-11-05
Maria Garcia

He's the best i really recommend sean

2021-03-22
Laurence Witschi

We have been with Sean now for about 2 years and have seen a marked improvement in our daughter's guitar playing. Her technique has gotten significantly better, but more importantly is that her enthusiasm for lessons has come back. Sean allows and encourages her to play contemporary music while still focusing on the traditional basics, which I think resonates really well. My daughter is excited to learn the latest Taylor Swift song, or the most recent Imagine Dragons riff... despite my yearning for more Jimi Hendrix / Stevie Ray Vaughan kind of stuff... which I'm sure Sean could teach her as well, if she would only request it. He's a great guitar teacher and an all around good guy. We highly recommend Sean.

2020-12-10
Alan Skversky

Patient. Knowledgeable

2020-12-07
Omar Frometa

Sean is a very kind and supportive person. With lots of practice and lessons with him I can guarantee that you’ll get better at playing the guitar.

2020-12-07
Dimitri Smith

He’s very patient with beginners

2020-07-14
James Shanks

Taught me a lot of great techniques I will continue using forever, as well as taking lots of time to make sure I was on the right track.

2019-09-03
Gabe Man

My 8-year-old son had never played any musical instrument before starting guitar with Sean a couple of months ago. I know nothing about music, but I can see that my son is very into it and looks forward to his lesson every week and to practicing on his own. I feel that Sean is patient and able to respond to my son's needs in getting him going. He is also very supportive in explaining to me how my son can practice (seeing as how I know nothing).

2018-03-06
Aeden Jaeger

Sean approaches lessons with an open mind and I feel he learns about the student first before he tries to teach. I came into the lessons after playing guitar for over ten years, but being completely self taught. Sean politely showed me the gaps I had in my own learning. He then taught me a systematic way to practice and how to help myself learn further, without overlooking the critical paths. He also showed me things to pay attention to that I hadn't before. Since taking the lessons my playing has improved dramatically. I am very glad I took the lessons and will continue to!

2018-01-09
Tracey Hearne

Great and versatile player who sets clear and reachable goals that make a real difference in your skills. I've accomplished more in a short time with Sean than I've done in years alone.

2017-12-21
Peter Mrdjenovich

Sean understood the level I was at and helped me improve from there with clear communication and personalization.

2017-12-20

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FAQs

What is your typical process for working with a new student?

I get to know the student a bit first, find out what they want to learn.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

Studied with Joe Satriani when I was 14.

Studied at the California Jazz conservatory

HarvardX: Analysis of Beethoven's 9th Symphony and the 19th Century Orchestra)

Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.

Typically $45per 45min session

How did you get started teaching?

I got started teaching friends, then friends of friends and also teaching my son piano and guitar.

What types of students have you worked with?

I work with students of every age including kids with learning difficulties

Describe a recent event you are fond of.

Recently I challenged a couple of students with writing a song. The level of excitement and enthusiasm they brought was pure joy for me and now that's all they want to do.

What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?

I would advise students to look for someone who really listens and is able to adapt to your skill level. Someone that will work with your likes and teach healthy playing habits.

What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?

just a desire to play, that is all that is required.