Nathan Kirkwood; Musician

Offers online services

About

As an instructor, my goal is to guide my students to new heights of technical proficiency while also giving them the tools to understand music and express their creativity! For me, the benefit of learning an instrument comes not only from being able to play a song, but from the discipline, insight, reflection, and character development gained from mastering an art.

I have a bachelors degree in Music performance and my primary instrument is classical guitar. In addition to acoustic and electric guitar however, I also teach piano, music theory, elementary violin, 5-string banjo, ukulele, and mandolin. Send me a message and we can go over your goals and see what’s right for you!

Highlights

1 employee

6 years in business

Serves Los Angeles , CA

Offers online services

Payment methods

Cash, Check, Venmo, Zelle

Specialties

Musical styles

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

Guitar style

Acoustic guitar, Electric guitar, Ukulele, Banjo, Recommendations available

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

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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madeline M.

I’ve always wanted to learn how to play the mandolin, and I couldnt have asked for a better experience learning under Nathan Kirkwood! Right from the get go, Nathan met me where I was at as a beginner. Not only is he enthusiastic about his craft, but he was also so patient with me each lesson. I felt noticeable improvement in my mandolin in just a few short weeks. I think Nathan is an excellent music teacher for anyone seeking lessons in the area, whether for themselves or their children.

January 19, 2024

Frequently asked questions

What is your typical process for working with a new student?

With a new student, I try to have a dialogue about what their goals may be with the instrument and what they are looking to get out of lessons. First lessons vary depending on the instrument, but usually consist of learning the names of the strings/ keys, an easy tune to learn, and then a song or improvisation assignment to begin technique development.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

- Bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Performance

- Instruction in classical guitar under Bret Hoag, Oakland University

- Instruction in classical guitar under Michael Blaskiewicz, Oakland Community College

- Instruction in 5-string banjo and classical guitar under Jack Pitt

- Participated in masterclasses with Iliana Matos, Mathew Slotkin, Paul Galbraith, and Tengyue Zhang

Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.

For in-studio lessons (student travels to teacher): $140 a month - 30 minute weekly lessons $195 a month - 45 minute weekly lessons $240 a month - 60 minute weekly lessons For at-home lessons (teacher travels to student): $180 a month - 30 minute weekly lessons $255 a month - 45 minute weekly lessons $320 a month - 60 minute weekly lessons There are also some discounts available, contact me to learn more!

How did you get started teaching?

I began teaching as a mere side job while in college, but the excitement I felt in passing my skills on made me quickly realize that it was what I wanted to spend my life doing! I take a real interest in seeing my student’s skills grow, and it’s by far the most rewarding aspect of the job!

What types of students have you worked with?

I’ve worked with students of all ages, from as young as four to adults. Each student and age group presents their own individual challenges, and I try to remain flexible to meet those challenges!

What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?

It depends on the instrument and the student’s goals, so having a dialogue with the teacher before studying is important. The ideal instructor is one who has experience teaching and playing the instrument, a knowledge of repertoire for the instrument, and has mastered a similar instrument previously.

What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?

Students/ parents ideally will have an idea in mind about what their end goals might look like and a basic idea of the time investment required of artistic competency.

Services offered

Guitar

Piano

Violin