Guitar Lessons for Adults
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Guitar and singing lessons for beginner
Aug 2010
I am in my early 40s and want to learn to play the guitar
and improve my singing. Essentially trying to pick up
enough skills so I can participate when others are playing
and singing at family events, camping, Strawberry Music
Festival, etc. I am looking for an instructor who might be
able to help me in both (learning to play and sing a book of
songs, etc). I am not super folky -- more alternative/rock
and roll. And am imagining someone who is talented, but is
also fun/lowkey and encourages people who simply want to
participate musically in the world because it makes them
happy! Ideally Rockridge or Elmwood, but I could travel.
Its never too late!
I highly recommend Robin Flower. She teaches guitar,
mandolin, and fiddle, to kids and adults. I found her to be
fun, engaging, and patient. Mostly, she just seems to LOVE
music. Check out her web site: http://robinflower.net ,
send her an email: flower2mcl@earthlink.net , or give her a
call: 510.482.9479
Bill
Inexpensive Guitar teacher for advanced beginner
Nov 2009
My wife really wants to get better at guitar. Looking for a teacher in
fingerpicking/folk styles who isnt too pricey and close to N Oakland. Thanks!
Roger is a wonderful teacher for all ages and levels. His
number is 510-599-6788. I am not only a parent who has watched
him teach, but also an instrumental music teacher and can tell you he really
teaches well and with a friendly lovely demeanor.
Irene
My husband and I have been helping out at Acme Music at 3715 MacArthur Blvd
(Laurel District) and there is an amazing guitar player and teacher there
named Dave Creamer--some of his former students include Tuck Andress, Rory
Stuart, Joe Satriani, etc.
Dave has played with Miles Davis, among others. He can teach any style.
Lessons at Acme are $24/30 minutes. You can call the store and arrange to
talk with Dave 510.530.7234 annette
I would like to recommend my son's music teacher, Ernie Mansfield, (510)
524-2055 of Mansfield Music,
who teaches guitar (acoustic and electric) as well as piano, flute, clarinet and
saxophone. My son has been
a student of his for over 2 years and has taken both piano and guitar with him.
Ernie is an extremely kind
and patient teacher who seems to know exactly how to keep students of all ages and
levels engaged, and
who is especially good at finding music and ways to meet each student's
musical interests. The bi-annual
recitals at the old Freight and Salvage are always fun. Many students play duets
with Ernie and some of the
older students play their own compositions. It is not a pressured performance
environment that is not
Ernie's style, but rather a relaxed one-hour of music. I highly recommend
that
you call Ernie and discuss
your interests, I'm sure he'll be able to accommodate you.
Jennifer
Dec 2008
I'm looking for a beginning guitar teacher who can come to our
home to give me and my husband lessons. We want to learn kids
songs to play for our 2.5 year old daughter and friends.
Anna
My son and I have been lucky enough to work with Dave Willocks, who
has just moved to the East Bay from Manhattan where he had a
thriving practice teaching guitar. He is a graduate of the
University of Miami's prestigious jazz program and is very
knowledgeable about all aspects of guitar. He plays beautifully and
makes learning fun--I would say he is a gifted musician and teacher.
He is just beginning to build his new base of students--as he just
moved here several weeks ago. You can reach him through his website
www.davewillocks.com. I believe he teaches anyone from the age of 9
through adult.
susan
March 2008
Hi. I live in North Oakland and am looking for a
recommendation for a guitar teacher who has a studio near me
or can come to my house to give lessons. I have two kids
under 3 so going more than 10 minutes away isn't really an
option.
I want to learn Bonnie Raitt songs and some lullabies, so I
don't need an expert. Just someone to help me with these two
tasks. I have about 10 years experience and two guitars (baby
Taylor and a Gibson) but a terrible ear.
Thanks!
mari
Barry Olivier is a fabulous folk guitar teacher with years of teaching
experience for all levels, beginner to advanced. His studio is near
Alcatraz & Regent (probably within your 10 min. travel time, as
requested), a cozy and inspiring place (filled with pics of
guitarists, etc). His teaching method is song-based - let him know
what you want to learn and he'll go with it and have some great
suggestions of his own. He's warm, nurturing (offering juice, tea,
snacks), has a great laugh and is well-organized. You'll go home from
a lesson feeling well taken care of and with a CD of the songs plus
his tips as well as easy to read song sheets. Enjoy!
brenna
Hi, About the guitar teacher for adults, my husband has been taking
lessons from Julia Lau and he really is enjoying it. He started from
an absolute beginner level and he is playing several songs already,
just a few months into it. She has private lessons at her house in
Oakland. I met her and think she is down to earth, professional and
talented. Her main webpage is http://www.julialau.net/_nav/index.html
It doesn't mention a link for her private lessons there. She had a
craigslist ad for private lessons. Perhaps you can contact her either
through her website or find the craigslist ad now that you know her
name. I hope you pursue it. My husband is having fun and actually
singing around the house, which I love to hear.
HJ
Feb 2008
Can anyone recommend a good guitar teacher for an adult in
Berkeley? I am an advanced beginner and I'd like to learn
folk, rock n roll, blues, and fingerpicking.
Thanks.
My son had taken guitar lessons from Michael Goldberg for
several years until he went to college some 3 years ago. He was
very happy with the lessons. Michael lived in Berkeley
(510)486-1863.
Elena
I would like to recommend Scott Beynon for guitar lessons or
even bass lessons. We have been taking lessons weekly from Scott
for quite a while now. He's really patient and nice and has been
playing for 30 years so he knows what he's doing. He's great
with both bass and guitar. I like him because he puts the
lessons together around whatever kind of music you like and want
to learn. He's located in Castro Valley but maybe he travels
I'm not sure, but give him a call. He's just a nice guy and a
great teacher. His cell is 925/895-4266 Tell him Laura sent ya.
Hands down excellent guitar teacher is Barry Olivier. I'll bet
I'm not the only one who recommends him here. He has been
teaching for about 50 years, and is the quintessential Berkeley
folk music guy. He's also a warm and lovely person. His phone
number is 530-5525. Good luck.
Melissa
For adults advancing into their guitar expertise, I'd like to
recommend Pete Madsen. Pete's a great communicator with a sense
of humor, and an amazing musician too. Look him up at:
http://www.buzzyfrets.com/
music lover
My daugher and a couple friends of hers as well, LOVE her guitar
teacher, Regina Pontillo. SHe is located in Berkeley near Cedar
Rose Park. She is very flexible, talented, also throws in some
singing lessons sometimes which is more fun because it makes the
whole experience better, she is hip and over all, really making it
fun for my 12 years old.
Her number is 331-7061
Sarah
June 2007
Maybe it's a midlife crisis, but I just decided I really want to learn to
play the guitar (folk). I think a group class would be more social, not
to mention cheaper. I looked in the archives, but the last recommendation
for group adult guitar classes was from 7/03. I checked the Berkeley
Adult School website and they are not offering any guitar classes this
season. Any suggestions? Berkeley or Albany would be most convenient for
me; El Cerrito, Oakland, or Emeryville less convenient but probably
doable.
Wanna play the guitar
I took the guitar class at Laney. It was great.
March 2006
Looking for a good jazz guitar teacher who is easy to
understand and who teaches intermediate students. Also,
someone who is not too expensive.
music lessons wanted
Somebody posted today looking for a jazz guitar teacher. Call
Wayne Anderson at (510) 534-6516. He is extremely talented and
a very kind and patient individual. Tell him I sent you!
Dave
Ernie Mansfield is a great guitar teacher, is very versatile,
and works with lots of different styles of music, and students
of all ages. You can reach him at 510-524-2055 or
http://www.mansfieldmusic.com
ernie AT mansfieldmusic.com
Tom
Nov 2003
I'd like to give my husband acoustic guitar lessons for
Christmas. I've checked the site and found a few names and some
old phone numbers. Does anyone have a current phone number for
Steve Gibson and/or a recommendation for a great guitar teacher?
Thanks!
Jennie
Check with 5th String music store (near Ashby BART) to see if
they can track down Steve Gibson and/or recommend another
teacher. A long time ago, I took lessons there from Cindy Lowe
and liked her a lot.
Valerie
The best acoustical guitarist around, recommended by the
Conservatory, and the son of a famous composer, is Gyan Riley
who is available for teaching. His e-mail address is
gwunderthump@yahoo.com. He will be performing on December 14th
at the Berkeley Art Center. If you want to be transported into
another, beautiful world, you can hear him play.
Linda
I have been taking acoustic guitar lessons with Caren Armstrong
for over a year now, and I wish I had met her a long time ago!
Caren is a local singer/songwriter/performer. She is very
knowledgeable, intelligent and a terrific guitar player and
teacher. I have been consistently impressed with her ability to
tailor the lessons to my interests and needs. She can be reached
by phone (510-339-9649) or email (carensing@aol.com).
Burr
Nov. 2003
Guitar Teacher: I can strongly recommend my teacher, Jeffrey
Rugato, for all levels of guitar from beginner to advanced. He
is an excellent, gifted teacher who excels at not only
developing your skills but also your understanding and intuition
about the guitar. He also helps you quickly move into developing
your sty and musicality. He has a large knowledge base about
various styles of music and guitar and so can customize the
lessons to student interest. He is friendly and flexible and can
work well with children through adults. My husband and I have
been taking lessons with him for several months and not only
love improving our guitar playing but also have a great time in
the lessons. Jeffrey can be reached at 510-652-5432. His rates
are negotiable and all are under $30/hr.
Heather
Affordable weekend lessons?
July 2003
My Husband loves to play, just needs more instruction to move
forward. It would be great if lessons were on the weekends or
weeknights. And on the affordable side since we just had a
baby. We live in Berkeley so something in the area is best. If
anyone has any recommendations I would appreciate it. I have
browsed the old posts, but would love some current offerings.
Shannon
I have been taking classical guitar lessons for about 1.5 years
from Ron Galen, who teaches at Tupper and Reed on Shattuck,
south of University in Berkeley. His rates are reasonable
($30/30 min., or $60/60 min.), and I find him to be an
excellent adult teacher: patient yet exacting, great sense of
humor yet serious about playing well. He is well-trained,
plays in a Brazilian band, and continues to push himself as
well as his students. I find that he is understanding about my
desire to play, yet can't always manage to practice as much as
I (or he) would like. Good luck to your husband!
July 2003
Does anyone have experience with group guitar lessons, such as those
at the Piedmont Piano Co. or Piedmont Adult School? I'd really like to
learn guitar, but find the cost of private lessons rather daunting. Do
group lessons give enough individual attention so that rank beginners
such as myself can make some progress?
Elizabeth
The Alameda Community Multicultural Center offers some wonderful music
classes on a donation basis. An acoustic guitar program is offered for
teenagers and adults with little, some or no experience. Drop in or continuous
students are welcome. The class meets every Tuesday from 6pm-9pm.
ACMCC also offers a Latin Ensemble Class that focuses on Latin American
instrumental pieces. Learn how to compose and arrange songs in various Latin
American music in a small group environment. This class meets every Thursday
from 6-9 pm.
For more information on the ACMCC offerings call 510-521-9405.
GD.LK.
elaine
About five years ago, I took a group guitar lesson through
Berkeley Adult Education. I thought the teacher was excellent,
and your experience will most likely depend on the instructor
and not the group aspect. My instructor made beginning guitar
doable and homework was fun. I would suggest that if you are
not prepared to practice outside of class, that you might not
get the most of your lessons. Also, people tend not to follow
up on these classes, so that by the end of the session, we were
down to two students (including me), so I felt as if I was
getting a private lesson.
Daphne
You could try calling ALMA in Orinda (just off Hwy 24). We go
there for music lessons 3 times a week and it is only about 8
minutes from Rockridge (when traffic is light). They only
charge $18/30 minute lesson -- that's for private lesson, but
they also just charge $18/hour per individual for groups. The
groups they currently have going are more like ''band'' or
ensemble, but you could contact them and see if they know of
anyone else that they could pair you up with.
Sorry, I don't know the number but they are in the phone book.
Best Regards!
Tiffany
June 2003
I don't think there has been a recent posting for a guitar
teacher so thought I'd post this since I just recommended my
brother-in-law to a parent whose child was intereseted in guitar
lessons. I often see people recommending family members and
since my brother-in-law has brought so much music into my
childrens' lives I feel proud to recommend him:
David Cohen is an experienced classroom teacher who loves working
with kids and teaching music. He is building a vibrant business
giving children the gift of creating their own unique musical
expression through the guitar. He really enjoys teaching songs
the kids really want to play, as well as giving them a solid
foundation to become a well-rounded guitarist. Very reasonable
rates. He is now accepting students during the summer and for
the fall. His number is (510) 845-0199.
Marissa
I'd like to put in a plug for a great guitar teacher for both
kids and adults. If you are looking for someone who is not only
patient but effective, contact Steve Inglis at 510-843-1874. He
teaches out of his house in Berkeley. He is an incredible
guitarist but more importantly, he is a fabulous teacher!
allison
guitar teacher for an adult beginner
September 2001
I am looking for a guitar teacher for an adult beginner.
Sheryl
Re: a guitar teacher for an adult beginner, I recommend Robin Flower,
510-482-9479. She teaches out of her home in the Glenview neighborhood of
Oakland. She teaches all styles and all ages and is a truly gifted and
experienced instructor. She and her partner perform locally as the singing
duo "Flower and MacLaren."
Ellen
You didn't say what kind of guitar you are interested in studying -- but if
you are interested in acoustic, and interested in folk music with an
emphasis on finger picking, Barry Olivier is your guy. He's been teaching
for over 40 years, and was a key figure in the Berkeley folk music scene.
I've studied with him for a few years he's wonderful - patient, kind, and
knowledgeable. For Barry, it's all about the joy of making music. He has a
funky studio in Rockridge, and can be reached at 510-530-5525.
Dayna
My friend STEVE GIBSON is an excellent guitar teacher who works with
both adults and children, at all levels of experience. Steve teaches private
lessons at his house in Oakland, near Piedmont Ave./Mountain View Cemetary. He
specializes in teaching rock and jazz styles.
He and his partner Jeremy Steinkohler (drum instructor) run group
classes through Band Works, and they produce student concerts about every two
months at Ashkanaz, which are very very fun community events. Both have taught
for several years at Cazadero Family Music Camp in summer.
I've known Steve since we were 18 (we're now in our mid-30s) -- he is a
wonderful, funny, warm guy, an excellent musician, and gets very high praise
from his students.
He might not be taking any new students at the moment, but he could
probably reccommend other teachers, or put you on a waiting list. In any case, I
would start with Steve for information about taking lessons from him or
information about other teachers and classes. His number is (510) 420-1895.
Sara D
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