These guitar lessons are designed to keep the students engaged and inspired, while at the same time delivering the fundamentals of a good Music education. I have a B.A. degree in Music from Humboldt State University. In addition, I have been practicing guitar for 33 years with the help of several well known and respected teachers including Kelsey Walker, Chris Judge and Larry Koonse. What I pass down to students is a culmination of knowledge that has been passed down to me, as well as original innovations and short cuts I have come up with in over 15 years for teaching guitar. I draw materials from an extensive library that is constantly growing and being updated with the best, tried and tested books and methods from the most respected experts in the field of guitar and Music study. I am constantly and continually expanding my musical knowledge by seeking new information and being open to new styles and artists.
As a teacher, I am versatile and flow with the needs of each individual guitar student. Some students have very specific goals and therefore their needs are more clearly defined. While other students may not have any idea of what is even possible therefore they may not even have any goals. My aim with both kinds of students is to ensure that they develop a solid foundation. I emphasize the fundamental building blocks that make up good guitar playing. Such rudiments as rhythm, tuning, chords, scales and strumming.
Many self taught guitar players are usually missing at least one of these fundamentals and when they learn about them, their playing improves rapidly. When brand new beginners start off with a solid foundation, they excel in learning new topics of study.
I also teach how to read musical notation. As a musician, this is a skill that is very useful and often overlooked by many guitar teachers. I offer guitar lessons in both music notation as well as in tab (simplified form of written music). I like to use tab for students who are just starting to take guitar lessons because learning how to read music can be very frustrating and lead students to not want to practice.
My main goal is to influence and motivate students to practice. Ultimately, that is what their success depends on. No matter how good my materials are and how well I present them, it is of no value unless the student finds time for regular guitar practice. I have many ideas to share on how to plan and maintain a productive practice regime. I also help draw out practice sessions and give specific goals for the week. This helps students know what to do when they get home from a guitar lesson and what is expected at the next guitar lesson.
Teaching guitar full-time allows me to prepare each guitar lesson so that you get the best value and achieve the best results. I offer you material that is suited for your skill level as well as your musical tastes. If you want to learn a song, I personally figure out how to play it and will walk you through it note by note. Plus, you will get accurate tab to go with your song request.
I employ several different methods depending on what your specific goals are. I have exercises and a method designed to help you learn to sing and play guitar at the same time, how to improvise, how to write songs or compose instrumental music, how to read music, how to play by ear, how to practice, how to solo, how to figure out how to play songs by listening and much more…
Lately (June 2023) I have been putting a lot of energy into building fun and productive group lessons. This can be the most rewarding and fun way to learn guitar. Contact me now to schedule a time to meet so I can assess your needs and place you into the right group or potentially get you a private lesson time slot.
Call or text me at (805) 724-2499
Email me at GuitarlessonsSantaBarbara@gmail.com