About
I go above and beyond to ensure my students get the best education and experience for guitar, bass and ukulele as possible. I want them to gain both skills and techniques as well as the understanding and knowledge of why, when and how to apply those techniques.
I have been playing guitar and bass for over two decades and attended Bowling Green State University for Jazz Guitar Performance. I have performed in countless musical groups and have a deep understanding of music theory, composition and technique. I specialize in rock, blues, metal, pop, contemporary and jazz guitar/bass as well as ukulele and various other string instruments.
I am available to teach lessons over Zoom anywhere in the world or in person (properly distanced and masked) in the SF Bay Area
Highlights
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
Jason D.
Tom M.
Bina B.
Doug D.
Zach Y.
Ann W.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I begin by discussing a student's goals and passions, any musicians or artists they feel very inspired by and what their preferred method of learning is. I also gauge what their baseline knowledge of music may be, if any, so that we can hit the ground running with the best plan for progress.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been a musician for over 20 years, performed in an award-winning marching band, studied Jazz Guitar Performance in college, have been writing/composing music for myself and other artists for over 15 years, recording and mixing music professionally for 5 years. I have been teaching music part-time for the last 5 years and full-time for the last year.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $35/half hour or $50/full hour.
How did you get started teaching?
I had many friends/acquaintances coming to me for advice and lessons and began teaching with them in 2015. In 2019 I began working at a music store in Mountain View that I start teaching full-time at until the store closed due to the pandemic. After the store closed I moved my most lessons to an online format.
What types of students have you worked with?
I work with students from ages 6 all the way to 60, with interests from folk and jazz to metal and rock.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was fond of a trip to Guatemala with my wife where I met her uncle who is a musician there and got to learn some of their traditional Guatemalan folk songs on guitar.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would advise them to ask as many questions of a potential teacher as possible and don't hold back. Feel free to only take one lesson with someone and schedule lessons with several other teachers who may be suitable also so that you can find the person who you feel most comfortable with and who seems like you would learn the most from.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
For the teacher:
Is the style that you're interested in learning something they can play fluently?
Are they patient?
To ask yourself:
How much practicing are you willing to do to see the results you want?
When you are struggling are you comfortable reaching out for help?
Are you willing to be patient to see results happen?