James Zota Baker Guitar Lessons

My teaching approach: My approach to teaching Guitar is a friendly, but structured approach. Just showing students how to play part of a song is "Candy" Showing students how to really understand the Guitar and Music Theory inside and out is the "Main Course" I like a Healthy Blend of the two. When my students go out into the world I want them to be armed with all the tools necessary to be a complete guitarist. I will teach you Open Chords, Barre Chords, Rock Chords, Scales, Chord Scales. Sight reading and Ear Training and the confidence to make it all work. If you come to my studio for lessons, we can record the lessons on Logic X so you can go home with your lesson, a songwriting idea and or backing tracks to practice your lead guitar playing. My Teaching Style My approach to teaching Guitar is a friendly, yet structured approach. Just showing students how to play songs or a couple of licks is "Candy". Showing students how to really understand the Guitar and Music Theory inside and out is the "Main Course". I like a healthy balance of the two. When my students go out into the world I want them to be armed with all the tools necessary to be a confident and complete musician. Melodic Emphasis One of the key areas that I emphasize is melody. Simply learning how to play standard licks and scales does not always make a connection between the heart and soul of the player and the listener. I strive to instruct my students to create melodies that make that connection. What You Will Learn Learning To Play Your Favorite Songs Techniques of Your Favorite Guitarists Learning Improv and Improv Styles Developing Your Unique Playing Style And Tone Composing Your Own Songs Learning To Play The Neck Inside and Out Harmony and Theory Sight Reading Ear Training Transcription Styles: Rock, Blues, Jazz, Metal, Alternative, Pop, Funk and more. Testimonials "James, I can't begin to explain how much I appreciate all you have done for me. You've taught me so much, and I don't know how I could have progressed without you." -Wolfgang King "James, you are such a fun and free spirited teacher! You are so good at helping me sightread and decipher songs. I am so fortunate to have such a talented teacher." -Yvonne (Feed-Back) "I have so much fun learning to play with James. He is extremely talented and experienced and really knows how to explain everything from simple rhythm to complex music theory. James makes learning how to play exciting. Thanks for everything"! -Dean Messinger "James is a guitar master and is so gifted at sharing his knowledge. He is a patient and fun teacher with extremely high standards and expectations. James teaches basic through advanced techniques, but always imparts his love of music to the student. He has a true talent for teaching." -Scott Detweiler My influences are: Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Steve Lukather 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: Westlake/Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park/Agoura/Calabasas//Woodland Hills/Tarzana/ Reseda /Malibu/Santa Monica Guitar Techniques: Guidance In Equipment Selection, Recording and Production, Song Writing, Scales and Exercises, Music Theory, Reading Music, Jamming Skills, Performance, Vocal Accompaniment, Slide Guitar, Fingerstyle, Open tuning, Rhythm guitar, Lead guitar Your first guitar lesson with me might include the following: First I ask the Student how long they have played (If at all) then I want to what styles of music they like so I and they know what it will take to achieve these goals. If they have never played we start with something easy like Emi. I I show them the finger posistions and help them physically if need be, with their permission of course. Then I use a sequence of chords that flow in a pattern I like to call "Economy of Movement". A guitar lesson with me might entail the following: An hour Guitar Lesson with me starts with a friendly hello and how was your week? Did u Practice? Then we jump into some finger exercises. I like to go over all aspects of the Guitar: Do you know your Barre Chords? Open Chords? The Names of the Notes on Your Neck? Then I like to go over Scales and Improv/Soloing. Then I like teaching songs that are inspirational to the student. Learning one of your favorite songs is highly motivating and rewarding The qualities I look for in an ideal guitar student might include the following: A student who is willing to put in the practice time it takes to get better. You don't have to be a prodigy, but just taking what I give and sitting on it for a week with no practice won't serve you. An Ideal Student thirsts for knowledge.

I believe what makes my service great, is how much I care about the progress and the joy of my students. Whether you're beginning to play the guitar at 12 years old or 65 years old, perhaps you're on the path to become a professional, or your just picking it up again after a long career of working and want to play the songs you've listened to forever, I treat every student with the same respect and enthusiasm. To see one of my students faces light up after actually playing something that they've always wanted to play, brings me a great deal of satisfaction, for them and for me.