About
My teaching approach: I am a classical guitarist and mandolin player. After earning my degree in music, I have taught and performed all over SLO County and the SF Bay Area. Through years of performing, I have learned what works and what doesn't when it comes to playing music. The most important lesson learned is to have fun. My influences are: My influences include Roland Dyens, David Russell, Paco de Lucia, Luis Bonfa, the Assad brothers, Tony Rice, Chris Thile, and many more. My guitar lessons take place in: The teacher's studio or the student's home Guitar Lessons with me take place in the following areas: students' homes in all of San Luis Obispo County. Guitar Techniques: Scales and Exercises, Music Theory, Reading Music, Jamming Skills, Improvisation, Performance, Vocal Accompaniment, Slide Guitar, Fingerstyle, Open tuning, Rhythm guitar, Lead guitar. Your first guitar lesson with me might include the following: I will go over the basic parts of the guitar and show them different way to produce a sound out of the guitar. Then, I have each student pick up the guitar and make noise with it any way they want. Usually, I show students a couple of chord shapes and introduce tablature to see how they move on the guitar and how fast they understand the way the fretboard is set up. A guitar lesson with me might entail the following: I tailor every lesson to meet each student's needs. Lessons move at the pace set by the student, and I make sure that the student understands the lesson for the day by having him/her use the new knowledge right then and there. I make sure lessons are fun and engaging. Students learn what interests them. The qualities I look for in an ideal guitar student might include the following: Any student who loves music and is willing to learn.
I enjoy seeing the moment a student "gets it." When a student can play that tricky chord or passage or understands how to work through a sticky part - that's what keeps me going.
My teaching experience includes years of private lessons, group lessons, and public school classrooms.
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I try to get to know the student and figure out where they are in their journey with the guitar. Then we will set some goals (long-term and short-term) and plan a progression of skills and milestones ahead of time in order to track the progress.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BA in Music from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and I have been teaching for over 15 years. I perform reguarly and I am a constant student always leraning something new about music.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $45 for 45 minutes and $60 for 60 minutes.
How did you get started teaching?
I initially started teaching when I was a teenager. My friends would come to me for lessons and my parent's friends would send their children to learn from me. I have always enjoyed sharing what I know and helping other people on their musical journey.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all kinds of students from all ages and styles. From 6 year olds to 60 year olds. From classical to rock, to blues and bluegrass.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher who shows their passion for teaching! They should not only be very competent with their instrument, but they should have a real drive to teach what they know.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What is the hardest part about learning your instrument? What is the number 1 thing you struggle with when playing? How long are lessons and why?