If you are looking for a beginner guitar teacher, then I may be just the teacher for you!
My name is Nik, and I have been playing guitar for 15 years. I have been playing live and in professional settings for 10 years, and have been teaching for coming on 3 years now. I have experience with bass guitar, drums, piano, and a variety of other instruments as well. I am currently the vocalist/guitarist and primary songwriter for the bay area rock band Picture Atlantic (www.pictureatlantic.bandcamp.com), and have been for the last 7 years.
My approach to teaching is simple: I like to start with the basics (open chords, finger exercises, basic music theory) and then move towards learning the songs you want to learn and enjoy! I believe a huge part of learning is enjoying what you do! At the same time I also believe in hard work, consistent daily practice, and commitment to learning. I never took formal guitar training, and I think in many ways I am better off for it. Many music educators teach their students that there is only one “right” way to go about guitar, and I do not find this to be true. Following your own path in guitar is a great way to learn, and finding fun in music is a concept I believe heavily in!I have musical background in Folk, Rock, Pop, Indie Rock, and some Blues!
I teach all age groups, and have taught students as young as 6 years old, and as old as 43 years old. I currently have a practice studio located in San Jose where I teach lessons for my older students, but I primarily drive to my student’s homes to teach. My approach is not classical in nature, and I do not follow a book series for learning. Any lesson material will be supplied by me, and will include print outs of chord charts and other useful information. What concepts and techniques I teach my students are based solely off their personal progress with the instrument.
My rates run as thus:
30 Minutes – $30
40 Minutes – $40
1 Hour – $50
An additional $5 travel fee may apply if I have to drive 30+ minutes to you home.
If you have any questions, or want to get in touch about starting lessons, please feel free to e-mail me and I will do my best to oblige you in whatever it is you may need! Thank you for your time!
-Nik