MacDonald School Of Guitar
1 employee
About this pro
I love teaching students what they want to learn. Every music student has a goal in mind, I help him get with that and to reach that goal directly.
Many guitar students have started off with me at age 6 or seven and then continued to take lessons through their teens, developing a lifelong enthusiasm for the guitar and music.
I enjoy helping every student to cultivate music into his or her life. When my students begin to figure out songs and techniques on their own, some even taking music to the performing level, it's a great feeling
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Credentials
Poway, CA 92064
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John is incredibly professional, talented and personable. Our son gravitated to his teaching and friendly personality immediately. He makes his lessons fun teaching music that is enjoyable for all.
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My son has been taking lessons with John for 7 years now and it's been really great. John is extremely patient and kind. He listened to what my son's likes and dislikes were in music and honed in on his skill level and music preference as my son grew and evolved. I also like how he would teach my son different genres as well to get him out of his comfort zone. John is very knowledgeable as well so any question I or my son had were answered very thoughtfully. In the early years of my son learning we would take him to see John play in his band just so he can see how fun it is. I think the best gift John gave my son is the love of music which he didn't have when he first started guitar lessons. Now my son plays guitar almost every day and loves it. I would highly recommend John as a guitar teacher!
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John MacDonald is an exceptional instructor with a kind heart and the patience of a Saint! My son is autistic and can get easily distracted. John has been able to harness my son’s enthusiasm and keep him focused during his lessons. My son is learning to play the ukulele and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I am amazed and appreciative to John for helping me son gain confidence and experience a sense of accomplishment!
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John is an excellent teacher! He has been teaching my son (9) for two years. He is patient, kind and has a great knowledge of so many different styles of music. He’s fun and engaging and my son really looks forward to his lessons. I have recommended John to neighbors and they have all had a great experience.
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FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I gear lessons to what the student has in mind. We talk about styles, genres, favorite bands and songs. My goal is to help you get results, soon.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Professional performing musician. Inductee to Blues Hall of Fame in Chicago. First recipient of California Music Studios Forte award for teaching. Billboard Magazine award winning songwriter. Studied recording techniques Southwestern College. Attended Chula Vista School for the Creative and Performing Arts.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
50/hr, 40/45 min, 30/half hour.
I have prorated packages for students who are willing to commit to two or three months at a time.
Price reductions for students who refer me to a new sign up.
How did you get started teaching?
As a performing musician many people come up to me at my shows and ask about lessons. Eventually I started my own business.
What types of students have you worked with?
All ages 4 to 75. I’ll learning styles. I have extensive experience with autistic children.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I’m on the cover of this months San Diego Troubadour Magazine.
https://sandiegotroubadour.com/2019/02/john-january-and-linda-berry-it-takes-two/
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
You want to teacher who can tune in to your personal goals in music, and who you can communicate with easily.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
They should ask the teacher whether he has a particular style of teaching and if that style is flexible. Your teacher should have the patience to assess your learning style over several lessons.