Terry Mills Guitar Studios

Terry Mills Guitar Studios

5.0Exceptional(8 reviews)

About

I've guided hundreds of students from beginners to advanced in their quest to realize their musical desires.

My intention as a teacher is to provide a relaxed, fun environment for you, where the joy of music making is the primary objective. My goal is to impart, based on your individual needs, the information and skills necessary to create in you a solid foundation which promotes your sense of creative self-sufficiency. While I specialize in classical guitar instruction (an excellent way to lay a solid musical foundation), I also enjoy teaching folk and acoustic pop styles as well as beginning instruction in the basics of jazz and flamenco guitar genres. Interwoven in the lessons is a solid grounding in the basics of music theory and practice.

ABOUT ME:

I have been performing and teaching as a guitarist in the Bay Area for several years. As past Director of Guitar Studies at the University of Pacific’s Conservatory of Music in Stockton, CA (35 years), I've taken up residence in Sonoma County where for the past 19 years I've maintained a private instruction, home-studio in Sebastopol.

PERFORMING: I'm performing member of a contemporary folk trio, THE FARALLONS, with wife Linda Weber and songwriter Tom Richardson. Also, along with guitar-partner, JESSE BOGGS, I perform in a casual jazz duo. For the past five years, I've paired with classical violinist Richard Heinberg. We call ourselves DUO GIULIANI and play everything from the classics to tangos and Spanish genres. My personal musical interests include classical, bossa-nova, acoustic jazz and flamenco guitar styles.

As an event performer, I bring years of professional and artistic experience to special events of all genres and tailor presentations to the specific wishes and needs of my clients.

What I don't teach: rock, electric-pop. My musical plate is already full with the above-mentioned styles and I've always preferred the sound of acoustic intruments.

It's always been my pleasure to watch students become excited and immursed in the musical experience once they have mastered the basics skills of playing. I enjoy teaching all levels of players, from beginning to advanced.


Highlights

Hired 2 times
1 employee
24 years in business
Serves Sebastopol , CA

Specialties

Musical styles

Folk, Classical

Guitar style

Acoustic guitar

Has instrument

Student who have a guitar, Student who don't have a guitar, but are planning to purchase one

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

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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    LS

    Linda S.

    Terry is an excellent guitarist and teacher. His instructions are very clear and he is very friendly, patient and encouraging. I would recommend him for any level of experience from beginner to professional.
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    January 30, 2019

    HH

    Howard H.

    Terry Mills is an exceptional teacher with a deep knowledge of guitar and music. Terry is skilled in different guitar genres including classical, folk, pop and jazz. He is a patient teacher who teaches with kindness and depth. I highly recommend him.
    ... Show more
    January 30, 2019

    GN

    Giuliano N.

    Terry is a excellent guitarist, and a very patient and helpful teacher. I came to him as a complete novice and he has taken me through Book One and into Book Two at an unhurried and comfortable pace. I’ve got lots of performan anxiety and he has helped me temper that and learn to relax when I attempt to play. He has also been very informative about the history of the guitar and the various composers whose work I am studying. I wholeheartedly recommend Terry Mills to anyone, be s/he a beginner, intermediate or advanced student.
    ... Show more
    January 29, 2019

    RR

    Richard R.

    Terry is a real teacher. He has worked hard to achieve a mastery of the guitar and guitar repertoire. He is versatile and easy to work with. His love of the guitar is inspirational. I began studying with Terry 2 years ago as a beginning player and am playing from the Bach Lute Suites, Bach Sonatas for solo violin, and more...
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    January 29, 2019

    AC

    Annie C.

    I’ve been taking classical guitar from Terry for nearly four years, and I couldn’t be happier with him as a teacher. He has deep knowledge of of music theory and history, which has kept my learning experience interesting, especially when I have to practice that same old Renaissance piece over and over again. I also like the way Terry tailors lessons to my abilities and pacing. No pressure! And even though I am all thumbs, he is very patient, never tires of trying to find ways to transform those thumbs into fingers, and maintains a great sense of humor throughout it all. Ten thumbs up!
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    January 29, 2019

    TB

    Tracy B.

    Terry Mills is awesome. He is one of the most talented classical guitarist in Sonoma County. As an instructor, he is flexible and patience, kind and entertaining. His session provide a great balance between theory and technique. His students can count on learning how to read music as well as chord structure, and tablature. I highly recommend him.
    ... Show more
    January 28, 2019

    Frequently asked questions

    Meet and evaluate the potential student by asking what their goals are as a guitarist-musician. Questions may include the following: have you played guitar or another instrument before? Read music and/or tablature? Are you wanting to play professionally or more for your own enjoyment? Would you like to be able play in a group setting?  

    Batchelor of Music in Music Education, 1971, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA. Master Degree studies, Sacramento State University, CA. Master's classes in guitar perfomance with Oscar Ghiglia  at the Aspen Music Festival, 1970 and 1971.  

    $30 per half-hour, $45 for a 45 minute lesson, $60 per hour.

    Lessons to be payed for either individually or by the month in advance by arrangement with the instructor. 

    In a music studio at a local music store. Shortly after graduating (1971) from university, I was asked to begin a guitar program at the Univerity of Pacific.

    A wide variety of age and experience groups, specializing in classical guitar, but also teaching folk, and other styles. 

    Attended a gypsy jazz performance at my local library and a classical guitar concert with the Santa Rosa Symphony.

    Seek out a teacher who enjoys sharing his/her expertise and knowledge with students and has in depth experience doing so. It's important your personalities are compatible and that you are in a relaxed, safe environment for real learning to take place.   


    Services offered

    Guitar