Cheryl N.

Arif is patient with my children and inspires. He lets them know their strengths, which empowered them to take their lessons seriously.

Donna Y.

I learned so much today.

Glenn S.

We have been working with Chris for the past 7 years. We started with him and our daughter when she was 5-years-old. Chris is an outstanding teacher, especially with children. He is patient, encouraging and very knowledgeable about effective methods for teaching piano to children. We have continued to work with Chris all these years because he is very flexible not only with his time, but also with the curriculum. We have focused most of our daughter's training in classical piano (Beethoven, Mozart, Bach), but more recently asked for pop (Pink, Ed Sheeran) and jazz-blues (Herbie Handcock, 12-bar form) training as well; which he is fully capable of teaching effectively. Finally, in terms of experience, Chris offers many years of teaching as well as his personal experience as a professional musician into his curriculum -- introducing interesting and useful ideas that make his lessons fun and exciting.

Sam M.

I took some lessons as a kid but don't remember much. He was patient and helped me focus on the area that i needed to imrove in. Always a fun lesson with Tor! Highly recommend!

Charles C.

I'm a 74 year old retired man. I have always loved acting but have had some minor challenges due to bad eye sight and I'm not that computer savvy. Jim helped me learn how to use an I-pad my grand daughter gave me to help me expand fonts to read scripts. Though I'm only doing this so far for a hobby, I can see huge improvement in my ability to memorize scripts and act convincingly. Jim encouraged me to audition for the community senior center's drama club. I couldn't believe it I got right in and enjoying meeting new people (I'm widowed). Jim has been a Godsend. I'm finding new joy and I'm enjoying seeing local theatre productions. I appreciate his kind, patient, and professional matter. Acting lessons with Jim is what got me through the horrible isolation during Covid quarantine. He is also incredibly knowledgable on health such as veganism, breathing/meditation and is encouraging me to get into a healthier lifestyle. My voice/sinuses improved after giving up dairy. I used to get chronic sinusitis. So I feel acting has been beneficial to my overall health. Though Jim is pricier than other teachers in the area... I believe you pay for what you get. The extra money I pay is well worth it. The two other acting coaches I used before Jim...were mediocre and treated me like an invalid. Jim continues to inspire me to be the best I can be in all areas of my life. I consider him a good friend and he is one of the best educators out there.

Erika Y.

Re: Recommendation for Dr. Daniel Lessner, Music Teacher, Composer, Instructor This is a letter of recommendation to who is interested in Dr. Lessner as a piano instructor/consultant in the music industry utilized in a personal teaching environment or advanced training of academic achievement. Daniel Lessner has been the instructor for our children for almost 3 years now. He works under demanding schedules with other students and professional music industry personnel and is capable of developing the potentials of all his students while contributing to the success in their music careers. Daniel Lessner is one of the few teachers who is a concert pianist and devotes his time to others interested in the love of music. He works with independent music producers as well as major motion picture soundtrack requirements, bringing to his students the real world essentials whether be Classical, Contemporary or Jazz curriculum. Dr. Lessner is also a certified CM Instructor dedicated to the advancement of academic endeavors for the young. Organized and diligent, Dr. Lessner always has his lessons in order and earned the respect of all students with his integrity and commitment. I would definitely recommend Dr. Daniel Lessner as a Professional Master in any capacity having to do with the training, development and creation of music. Sincerely, Douglas and Erika Young Proud Parents of Vincent and Benjamin P.S.: Welcome to call for reference (805)428-2723

Denton L.

Does a great job at connecting with me. He’s really knowledgable in music and the way he teaches makes every step forward a lot easier process. He’s patient and knows how to adapt to each student to get the very best out of them.

Jared E.

Brett is absolutely a world-class musician and a phenomenal teacher. I'm not a professional guitarist, but I am a professional musician. Brett is THE best guitarist I've ever worked with in any context, by a huge margin. He can play and teach at a world-class level in literally any musical genre and playing style. Jazz? Yep. Metal? Yep. Extremely technical shredding? yep. Extremely expressive, beautiful acoustic music? Yep. Complex jazz harmony? Yep. It's genuinely astonishing. When I reached out for lessons, I'd already been playing guitar for over 20 years, but had plateaued at a kind of weird advanced-intermediate limbo for a very long time. I explained my goals and current ability to Brett when we first talked about lessons, and unlike other teachers who claim to provide tailored lessons but actually don't, Brett's lessons genuinely were very tailored specifically to ME. He of course had some well-prepared materials that we used, but how closely or loosely we adhered to them varied depending completely on what I wanted to focus on during a given period of time. He also developed materials specifically for the things we were working on. His attention to detail is astonishing, and his ability to convey complex concepts very simply is second to none. Beyond being able to teach incredibly well at ANY level, he pushed my philosophical limits as a musician, as a creator. He helped me to approach not just the guitar, but music and composition in completely new ways. He inspired me to become curious about everything I do on guitar. To become playful with the instrument, and with my own pursuit of knowledge. I developed a newfound enthusiasm for PRACTICE but also for exploration of the instrument. I believe that lesson with Brett contributed significantly to helping me become a much better guitarist, composer, and musician. You absolutely will not find a better, more knowledgeable, adaptable, and understanding teacher than Brett. I will definitely work with him again.