‘I care about your playing’

In addition to performing and recording for the past 30 years, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with students in private lessons and masterclasses, and by coaching ensembles.

Back when I was a student, I realized there are many approaches to the guitar, both technically and musically.  Some are much better than others.  I am convinced that without a good teacher, students risk getting stuck at a plateau, developing bad habits, and even worse — suffering repetitive stress injuries. To consistently and efficiently improve, and to avoid injuries, students need guidance from an experienced teacher.

In my teaching, I integrate material from Aaron Shearer and Suzuki (for beginner students), and build on them with my own technical exercises to develop particular areas. I have studied guitar repertoire extensively, and have collected works that are not only beautiful, but can be used to target particular technical and musical skills. I keep abreast of new ideas in guitar pedagogy and use innovative tools that help with ergonomics, skill development and daily practice.

I focus on the following aspects of musicianship:

• Fingerboard navigation and memorization

• Music reading and sight-reading skills

• Creating practice regimens and forming good habits

• Identifying and releasing dysfunctional tension

• Fullness, roundness and power of tone

• Development of speed and accuracy of scales and arpeggios

• Rhythmic precision and how to use metronome as a tool

• Musicality, including phrasing, vibrato, rubato, color and articulation

• Choosing repertoire for concert programs, recordings, auditions, etc.

• Dealing with performance anxiety

In addition to technical proficiency, I try to guide my students toward a strong and convincing interpretation of their repertoire.

My students have won awards at the United States International Music Competition, Sierra Nevada Classical Guitar Youth Competition, Junior Bach Festival, South Bay Guitar Society Adjudication, ABRSM, and the Royal Conservatory examinations. Some were accepted and continued their studies at various music schools including the Peabody Conservatory, San Francisco Conservatory and Juilliard Pre-College. I often give master classes at various music institutions around the country.

In addition to weekly lessons, my students and I meet for monthly seminars, where they practice performing in front of an audience, share ideas, and receive constructive criticism, similar to a mini masterclass.

I teach at my studio in Los Altos, California. Remote lessons are possible.
I specialize in teaching students of various ages and levels: from children to adults. My students range from beginners to professional musicians.
My availability does not always allow me to take on new beginner students. Please reach out to inquire.