Major Scales

Major Scales

5.0Exceptional(5 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

About

My name is Tom LaRatta and I have been playing guitar for over 50 years and teaching guitar and bass for over 30 years both, in person and online. I started playing when I was 8, in my first band at 12, and haven't stopped. I first learned everything by ear, which I still do to this day, then also from tabs when they came out, studied music in college and continue to learn every single day to enhance my teaching ability. I teach with the same enthusiasm as I had when I first started.

I have a library consisting of over 10,000 songs, and full access to everything on the internet during the lessons for anything you want to learn. If I don't have it in my library, I can instantly download it and email it to you. If I can't find something, I can usually listen to it, tab it out in minutes, and email that to you. I am also extremely patient so there is no pressure. You can learn at your pace. ;-)


Highlights

Hired 2 times
182 years in business
Serves Roseville , CA
Offers online services

Details

Musical styles

Rock, Country, Blues, Jazz, Folk, Classical, Recommendations available

Guitar style

Acoustic guitar, Electric guitar, Ukulele, Recommendations available

Has instrument

Student who have a guitar

Years experience

No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 – 2 years experience, 2 – 4 years experience, 4+ years of experience

Able to read music

Students who can read music staff, Students who can read guitar tabs, Students who cannot read music

Lesson length

30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes

Student's age

5 – 10 years old, 11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Photos and videos


  • Reviews

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    HB

    haley B.

    Student Review: I’m a sophomore in high school and have been taking guitar lessons from Tom for 7 years. I started taking lessons with him in person and switched to online lessons 4 years ago when I moved away. He is an amazing teacher who took me from a complete beginner to a really solid player. I look forward to my lesson every week and learning new songs and techniques from him. Tom is a super cool guy and has made my guitar journey extremely fun. I recommend his lessons to anyone looking to learn guitar or improve on where they are now!
    Student’s Mom Review: I couldn’t be happier with Tom. He has instilled a love for music in my son. Tom pays close attention to the kind of music my son likes to make sure the songs truly engage him. As a result, my son looks forward to all things guitar: his weekly lesson, to playing on his own, and to jamming with his friends. Tom is also incredibly flexible; he is always willing to adjust lesson times to meet the ever-changing schedule of a high school kid who juggles several sports and other activities. Tom is the best!
    ... Show more
    November 20, 2023

    EG

    Estela G.

    Tom is very patient with my beginner status and is easy to work with in setting appointments. He is extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the lessons. He also provides videos of him playing my assignment which is very helpful.
    ... Show more
    May 18, 2021
    Hired on Lessons

    SO

    Scott O.

    Tom will review a subject again and again to help you get an understanding. He has both the knowledge of and the interest in guitar playing and music to keep his students going!
    ... Show more
    June 22, 2018

    HB

    Haley B.

    We have been working with Tom for two years and we are thrilled with him. First, my son began electric guitar lessons and then I was so inspired that I (mom) began taking acoustic guitar lessons with Tom too. (Both of us were brand new to guitar when we started.)
    Tom makes lessons fun! He has us choose songs we each love (most of which are popular songs from the radio or songs I remember from youth) and then he writes out the chords at the right level of difficulty for us. We then play along to the actual audio tracks to practice mimicking the pacing, strum, etc. Within a few weeks Tom had us playing music by Ed Sheeran, Tom Petty, Green Day, Maroon 5 and more.
    Hes great about making us feel good about our progress while also providing constructive tips to improve our hand positions, how we hold the pick, and other mechanics. Weve both improved so much under Toms direction and are having a great time. Toms lessons are very reasonable priced and we love the convenience of having him come to our house each week. Plus, Tom is an all-around nice guy (with some great guitar jokes!). We cant recommend him highly enough.
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    March 23, 2018

    NG

    Nanci G.

    Tom is a wonderful teacher, my son just loves his weekly sessions. Tom has a great balance of the technical emphasis as well as the fun part, which is the song playing. Cole loves being able to pick songs he wants to learn. Highly recommend Tom, we love having him at our house!
    ... Show more
    March 22, 2018

    Frequently asked questions

    We start with basic music instruction and learning the parts of the guitar, tuning the guitar, learning how to read a chord chart, and start on a song the first lesson.  I teach students how to play what they want while encouraging trying other types of music they might not be familiar with, while working in the theory as we go.  

    I started playing when I was 7 and probably hit 10,000 hours by the time I was 18.  I played in bands and did lots of solo gigs, and still do.  I studied music with my dad, who was a music professor at the College of Notre Dame in California, and various other teachers through the years.  Most of my experience comes from learning thousands of songs over the years and studying many different guitar player's techniques.  I also am able to listen to a song and figure it out by ear so I can write it down for the student right then and there.  I started doing that when I was about 10.  My whole family are music teachers so it's definitely in my blood.  I have been doing this full time since 1993, have had a waiting list ever since, and keep students and average of 3-8 years.  I show up every week on time, get students playing what they want, and we have lots of fun. 

    Lessons are $30/half hour, $45/45 min, $60/hour.

    I took my first student when I was 18 while I was working and going to school but didn't go into it full time until 1993.  

    All ages and levels, starting as young as age 8.

    Students have shared with me over the years their experiences with other teachers about their likes and dislikes.  In reality you don't really know what you are going to get until you try someone out, but make sure whoever you go with, they are teaching you what you want to learn as well as all the basics.  Also, when I give a lesson it's all about you the student, not me.  ;-)  I hear those stories a lot too. 

    I believe some of the most important questions are availability, cost, teaching techniques, goals, and teacher's experience.


    Services offered

    Guitar
    Bass Guitar