About
NOTE: Due to the Coronavirus, all lessons have been moved online, using Zoom, Messanger, Facetime, or Skype.
I am an award winning composer, guitarist, orchestra conductor, and lifelong teacher. Many of my students come to me just because they want to be able to play their favorite music, and still others have a deep a commitment to their instrument and want to be able to get into a top music school. In addition to teaching private lessons for over 20 years, I also ran the the guitar program at the prestigious Oakland School for the Arts for 9 years. My students at OSA have been accepted to Berklee College of Music in Boston, Oberlin, the University of Southern California School of Music and many other schools. The most important element to my teaching is to share my love for music in a way the makes lifelong relationships between my students and the many styles of music that we encounter and make in our lives. I also conduct the amazing Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra, and have studied at both the University of Southern California School of Music and the Vienna Conservatory of Music in Austria. Whether you want to play rock, blues, or Bach, I can help create a clear and fun path.
Highlights
Reviews
Cliff L.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Most important is to first make sure I understand what a students goals are in terms of musical style and context (playing accompaniment for voice, solo guitar, playing in a band, etc). From there, we can figure out the best way to learn the skills required while having as much fun as possible playing music that the student loves.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've taught privately since 1990, and taught for over 9 years at the Oakland School for the Arts, where I started a robust guitar program that included guitar solo and guitar ensemble classes.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I generally do the first lesson for free because I want to make sure that it is a good fit for both of us.
After that, my lessons are $75/hr. I recommend 1 hour lessons, once per week for most students.
How did you get started teaching?
I grew up with a music teacher for a father. It was just normal and gravitated toward teaching at a very young age. My first students came to me through requests from classmates and their families in high school. Yes, I actually had up to 6 private students at some point while in high school.
I've gotten much better at it over the years, thankfully! ; )
What types of students have you worked with?
Every age, from 6-year old to a current 84 year-old student.
Total beginners to serious music students who are getting ready to apply for a music program at a major music school.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Don't settle for anything less than a great fit! You should look forward to your lessons and feel like you are both supported as well as challenged.
Don't be afraid to try someone and politely move on if you don't feel that you are growing.