Guitar Lessons for Teens & Preteens
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Guitar teacher recommendations, for teenager?
Feb 2013
We're looking for a mellow but serious guitar teacher, preferably in the
vicinity of North Berkeley/Albany/EC, for our daughter, who likes indie music
but has pretty broad tastes.
Thanks!
My no-longer teenaged kids took guitar lessons from Kerry Yates. He teaches in
Berkeley 2 days/week in the building where Subway Guitar is located, on Cedar.
Mellow guy, great guitar teacher, he also plays professionally. My kids really
liked him and still play guitar today. He can be reached at 415 681 3649. If
Kerry isn't available, call Subway Guitar for another recommendation. guitar mom
Luke Bace, http://www.lukebace.com
My teenage son has been happily taking lessons from him for over a year, and we
all think he's terrific. Karen
My son worked with Steve Gibson for years, even since before he was a teenager,
all the way through high school. Steve is wonderful---very knowledgeable,
relaxed, supportive. You can reach him through BandWorks in Oakland but he
also teaches out of his home. Steve can also connect your teen to BandWorks
which is a very cool place for teens to play music together. Steve is one of
the co-organizers of Cazadero Family Music Camp which is another wonderful
institution we're lucky to have in this area.
Diane
I highly recommend Hale Fulton. He can be reached at halefulton@gmail.com. My son takes
classes with him, and he's very engaging and great. He's started with the acoustic
guitar, but is really engaging my son via his desire to play the electric guitar, so
weaving that in a bit, too. And as a result, my son really wants to practice.
felicia
Electric guitar lessons for beginner 13 year old
Jan 2012
Hi - I'm looking a for patient, cool guitar teacher for my
13 year old son. He's a beginner, and we're in the
Richmond/El Sobrante area. Most of the recommendations on
the website are for Berkeley / Oakland / Lamorinda and we'd
like not to have to drive that far. Thanks!
karen
In respones to the inquiry a few weeks ago for recommendations for
a guitar teacher, I recommend you contact Gabriel Olin. He
provides individual lessons in the teaching rooms at The Starving
Musician on Shattuck in Berkeley. My husband has been taking
lessons from him for about four years. He's seen him teaching a
wide age-range of teens. More recently our nine (9) daughter has
also started taking lessons. Both of them are very pleased and
both are progressing well. Gabriel seems to be flexible in
approach and able to adapt music that is known and appeals to each
of them (and they have slightly different taste in music). His
contact information:
Gabrielolin@yahoo.com
510-418-4415
Sara
Roger Reidlbauer is an excellent teacher as well as an
experienced professional musician. He is very patient,
creative, and thorough. He helps students develop a strong
technique and understanding of music theory while catering
to their musical interests. He has a lovely studio called
Wood and Wires in Temescal.
-music teacher and parent
Female guitar teacher for 14-year-old daughter
May 2011
My 14-year-old daughter would like to learn to play the guitar. I have checked
the old BPN postings and most of the recommended instructors are male. She
would really prefer to work with a female instructor. Does anyone have a
recommendation for a female guitar teacher in the North Oakland/Berkeley area?
Thank you.
Hands down, Caren Armstrong is the best thing that ever happened to
my family.
She not only teaches guitar, she becomes a life friend to the girls
she instructs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic-20DX7y9c&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
You can thank me later, perhaps at the holiday pickin party that all
of her students attend.
Good things!
Reen
Guitar lessons in Orinda for 13 year old
Jan 2011
I am looking for a guitar teacher in Orinda for my 13 year old son.
He's been taking lessons in Berkeley for the last 18 months.
Ideally, he'd like a male teacher who is pretty well versed in
current rock and roll.
Cathy
I can't say enough good things about my boys' guitar teacher. His name
is Paul Schmidt. He's in Lafayette on Happy Valley Rd. He is kind,
patient and phenomenal with kids. He knows everything about all types of
music. His number is (925) 878-1343.
linda
Roger Riedlbauer is a fantastic guitar teacher, residing in Oakland. I
speak as a musician that works with him on a weekly basis and have known
him for 10 years. He has built a great studio of kids over the years
and has much experience with all styles, including the most current
tunes that kids may want to learn. More importantly, he has a strong
music theory and history foundation, so your child will get a wide range
of knowledge from him.
riedlbauer@gmail.com
(510) 599-6788
Eric
Guitar lessons for a 12 year old boy
Oct 2010
I'm looking for a guitar teacher for my twelve year old son
(hopefully not too expensive). He is a beginner and very
interested in getting better. Someone in North Oakland or
environs would be great.
I highly recommend Robin Flower, in the Glenview
neighborhood of Oakland. 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
I would like to recommend Eric Linchner for guitar lessons.
My 9 year-old son has been taking lessons from him for about
6 months and has learned so much. We are thrilled that he
has learned so quickly and enjoys it so much. Eric has been
teaching for 12 years and lives in Oakland. He also goes by
Professor Sludge eric@professorsludge.com Angela
Guitar teacher for 12 year old
Aug 2009
My son has been taking guitar lessons since he was 9, He plays acoustic
and electric guitar now. His current guitar teacher lives too far away
and so I'm looking to find a new teacher that will challenge him in fun
ways and understand a 12 year old boys taste in music. It would be great
to find someone to come to our house, but I'm willing to drive too. We
live near Montclair in Oakland. Any suggestions?
Karen
My 11-year-old has been seeing Roger Reidlbauer in Temescal for almost a
year. He's a nice, hip young man who seems to really love teaching kids.
He's taught my son some stuff from Green Day, Linkin Park, the Gorillaz
and Red Hot Chili Peppers (along with the requisite Beatles). He will
teach acoustic as well as electric guitar. He teaches at Bandworks camps
during the summer and winter as well. I highly recommend him! He lives
near 45th/Telegraph. He's getting married in a few weeks so he may not get
back to you right away, but you should give him a call!
Roger Reidlbauer
510-599-6788
laurel c.
Jim Gleason is an exceptional guitar teacher. My son was fortunate enough
to take electric guitar lessons from him for several years, and he loved
every minute of it. Jim is great about tailoring the lessons to the
interests and needs of the student. He's kind, patient and extremely
knowledgeable. He has a great studio in his Piedmont home. (510) 923-9522.
-KP
I've taken guitar lessons from Robin Flower and really enjoyed them. She
teaches guitar, mandolin, and fiddle, for kids and adults. I found her to
be fun, engaging, and patient. Mostly, she just seems to LOVE music.
She's in the Glenview, just down the hill from you in Montclair. Check
out her web site: http://robinflower.net , send her an email:
flower2mcl@earthlink.net , or give her a call: 510.482.9479
Bill
May 2009
I have an 11 year old boy who is studying electric guitar. We would
like to find him a new teacher who is experienced and knows how to
teach and direct kids.
B.
Peter Morley is a great teacher in Albany. My daughter learned
a lot with him, and always looked forward to lessons. Peter's a
true shredder, and gets kids fired up about rock... while also
passing along solid musical fundamentals, ear training, theory,
etc.
Two lighters, way, way up!
Contact him at guitaralpha@yahoo.com, 847-3432 musical dad
I can recommend Peter Morley, who teaches guitar to my son (I
also had lessons with him). Peter teaches in Kensington, near
the Albany line, and he has lots of experience and patience.
His number is 510-847-3432.
Linda
I highly recommend Peter Morley for acoustic and electric guitar
lessons. He has been teaching my 17 year old son for more than a year,
and my son has made great progress, and has enjoyed working with Peter.
Peter really inspires students, and is a great guy.
Betsy
May 2009
Looking for guitar teacher for 16 year old girl who loves to sing but has never played
guitar.
Would like to find someone ''through the Tunnel'' in either Walnut Creek, Lafayette,
etc.
alison
Try Paul Schmidt, The Art of Music. He works out of his studio on
Moraga Blvd. in Lafayette. His phone number is 925-878-1343. My son
has taken lessons from him for 4 years now, both acoustic and
electric guitar. Paul teaches not only guitar but instills a love of
music. He is comfortable teaching any style of guitar his student
likes. He is a kind wonderful man.
Linda
Robbie Dunbar is a great guitar teacher in Lafayette. He is a
professional musician and teacher while also being fun for the kids.
He does the music that the student wants to do. He can certainly
teach acoustic and folk and also stays up on the latest music. A 15
year old girl that I know who raves about Robbie says that he moves at
a student's pace, teaching the music the particular student is
interested in. He can teach all music styles. She says that he is
encouraging, but doesn't push a rigid agenda. You can go to his place
in Lafayette or he'll travel to your house. Best way to reach him is
by email: dunbars4@comcast.net.
Debbie
Hi Alison,
You could email Robbie Dunbar at dunbars4@comcast.net. He may have a waiting list, but
if so he will surely know someone good that would like to work with your daughter!
Robbie has been a teacher with Young Performers International
(http://www.youngperformersintl.org) for 10 years and is a wonderful person and role
model, and an inspired teacher. Any recommendation of his would be solid gold.
Good luck!
leela
The Red House in Walnut Creek is a wonderful music school/recording
studio set up for kids/teens/adults. My daughter (15) did a one week
'camp' there and loved it. Private lessons are also available. Really
nice set up.
Pamela
March 2009
I am looking for a bass guitar teacher for my 16 year old
daughter who has played the cello for years and would like to
switch to the bass. Recommendations most appreciated. Thanks.
anon
You HAVE to talk with Jeremy Cohen (525-5232) in No. Berkeley, just
off Gilman. My son (12) has been studying with him for a few months,
and we know many other folks who have raved about him, including the
bassists for the Albany High jazz and R&B band. Highly recommended.
jeff
I can highly recommend Heather at Groovemasters. She taught my
daughter the bass with ease, patience, and fun. She's located in a
storefront on MLK in North Berkeley. Her number is (925) 768-1087.
Nadja
We have been extremely satisfied with my 16 year old sons bass
teacher Jeff Obee. Jeff has been coming to our home for lessons for
well over a year now. He is very kind, dependable, and keeps the
lessons interesting. He is a great teacher and a great bass player.
He can be reached at 384-9049.
onika
Feb 2009
Hi;
I am looking for a guitar teacher for my 13 year old son in the
Oakland area.
sabrina
I can't say enough great things about the guitar teacher who has
given lessons to both my kids--fun, smart, PATIENT and creative.
He has lessons in his Oakland home, but I know he does lessons at
student's homes also. His name is Tom Carns and his phone is
336-3303.
Joan
Feb 2008
Our nanny is looking for inexpensive guitar lessons/classes for her
teenage sons. She spoke with one teacher, but $30/hour for a private
lesson is a bit steep for her. I assume that classes may be cheaper.
She lives in Richmond, but she would be OK with classes anywhere as far
as Oakland.
I highly recommend my son's guitar teacher, Dan Lewis. He
is a committed teacher who teaches in an informal style (has
taught my son everything from rock to blues and country).
Dan is great with beginners and teaches both accoustic and
electric guitar. My son absolutely loves him. Dan's ph:
773 527-9685
lexine
Jan 2008
I am looking for a current recommendation for a guitar teacher for my
two boys, ages 12 and 8. They both play other instruments and would
like to learn to play an acoustic guitar. I would like to find someone
who could either come to our home in El Cerrito or is located nearby.
Thanks so much.
Leslie
My daughter (now 13) has been studying with Peter Morley for a few
years now, and really likes his style. Peter has a great mellow vibe,
can really rock out, and encourages kids to play the songs they love
(my daughter has done lots of Beatles). He also has nice annual
recitals. He lives in Benicia, but teaches in Albany, right next to
Colusa Circle in Kensington. Two thumbs way up!
Peter can be reached at guitaralpha@yahoo.com or 847-3432.
Jeff
I recommend Steve Gibson and his wife Andrea Hurley. They are both
excellent teachers who really engage their students. My son started
taking lessons from Steve when he was 8 years old and started playing
in rock bands through BandWorks at 9. Steve has been a great music
teacher and general positive influence in his life. My son is now 13
and still studies with Steve. Steve's positive approach made a all the
difference.
Alan
My 9 year old son is taking guitar lessons from a talented
guitar/mandolin player named Dave Rosenfeld, and is really enjoying it.
Dave is a patient and knowledgeable teacher, based in Berkeley. He can
be reached on his mobile phone (415) 407-7162.
Chantal
Oct 2006
My 13 y/o boy is interested in playing the electric base. I have
checked postings of professionals being recommended. Since I am not sure he will
stick to this idea, I am reluctant to invest on a $60/hour instructor. Any young
adult/teenager who is interested in tutoring this instrument in the Albany
area ?
Thanks for any recommendations.
gladys
My daughter was going to Heather Kerrihard, who has a studio in
Berkeley. It wasn't $60, more like $30 an hour. It was well worth it. She learned so much!
Heather is a patient and learned teacher. And ''cool'' too. Her number
is (925) 768-1087
nadja
March 2006
I am looking for a guitar teacher for my 15 year old
daughter. She is a beginner. We live in oakland so we
don't want to go too far. South Berkeley is OK. She is
looking for someone who can teach her in an informal
way learning to play songs she is interested in (rock,
folk, etc). We're not interested in a specific program or
performing in recitals. Preferably someone on the
younger side and easy going. It is not important if the
teacher is male of female. Any suggestions would be
appreciated. Thanks
Darlene
Ernie Mansfield (Mansfield Music - 510-524-0906) is a great guitar teacher. He
is very patient and has a
down to earth approach in his teaching style. He also
has a great sense of humor and relates well with teens.
Brian
Oct 2005
My son the trumpet player wants to play bass (ala greenday, yellowcard, the matches
and led zeppelin). He's eleven. We seek a bass teacher who reads music. We live in
Montclair.
Karen
Try Alameda School of Music on High St. 769-0195
wanna be strummer
June 2005
My son and a friend(12 year olds) would like to take electric
guitar lessons togther. They are both musically educated through
the basics of being in the BUSD(flute and clarinet) system and
new to guitar. This is a new idea to both families and we are not
sure how it would work best - 1 hour for both, or 15 minutes each
and then 30 mins. together or other ideas? Ideally north
Berkeley, at either families home or at teachers site. How much
and who is good?
susan
Hi, I would highly recommend Ernie Mansfield as a guitar
instructor. Please contact him at 510.524.2055
ernie AT mansfieldmusic.com
Tom
May 2005
I'd like to recommend Clark Suprynowicz, my daughter's bass
guitar teacher, a composer and musician and all-around
great guy. He's fluent in dozens of musical styles, from
jazz through through rock classical and contemporary, he
also teaches composition, and he's and a most inspiring
musical influence for any teenager. My 15-year-old
daughter, not too easy to impress, thinks the world of him:
he's easy to get along with, patient and just all-around
cool. Clark has worked as a bassist with John Zorn, Bill
Frisell, Art Lande, Max Roach, and Tom Waits, and his
operas are brilliant.
You can reach him in Berkeley at
clark AT famousbrandmusic.com, 1723 Stuart St., Berkeley Ca.
94703 tel: 510 649 9119. His Web site is
www.famousbrandmusic.com
Vicky
Oct 2004
11 yr old girl wants to learn to play electric guitar.
Looking for a patient person to teach very basic guitar.
Not interested in a class (too shy)
Thanks!
In response to the request for a guitar teacher for individual
lessons (not a class), I can highly recommend Peter Morley. My
son has gone to him now for 3 years, and started from ground
zero--never having even touched a guitar before his first lesson.
Peter, as a father of 4 children, is extremely patient, kind,
supportive, and successful with his students. And, besides, he's
very ''cool,'' having performed in his own band. Our son (now 18)
continued his lessons even during a very bad bout of senioritis,
when everything else went by the wayside. Peter is located in
Albany and can be reached at 847-3432.
Norma
My daughter (and lots of her friends) learned to play guitar
from Lisa Zeiler, the lead guitar for the band ''Rebecca
Riots''. Lisa is fantastic with teens, a really accomplished
guitar player, and a wonderful person. Kids and teens
idolize her, for good reason. Her phone number is 845-5432.
Christine
Sept 2004
Our 14 year old has become interested in playing the
electric guitar. He is taking beginning band in high
school. We are seeking a patient and fun person to give
him private lessons. We'd prefer someone in north berkeley
or who would be willing to come to our house, but we are
willing to go farther for the right person.
My 15 year old son has been very happy with his electric
guitar teacher Kerry Yates. He teaches in North Berkeley
and charges a reasonable 24$ a half hour. His phone
number is (415)681-3649. A couple of my son's friends also
take lessons from him and are also pleased with him.
millie
Jan 2004
I have seen the listings for acoustic guitar teachers, but
wonder if there are any other recommendations for women who
will work with a fourteen year old girl who likes hard rock,
punk music etc. Oakland would be best, but Berkeley or Albany
is fine.
Lisa Zeiler has experience with teaching teenagers. She is a
wonderful guitar player and is very present with her students
as well as hip to the young culture. She has a studio in
Oakland on College Ave. Not sure of the exact address but her
phone number is 845-5432. Feel free to e-mail me if you have
any questions
martha
Lisa Zyler is an awesome guitar teacher and well-versed in punk
and hard rock (as well as all other types of music). She teaches
out of her studio on College Ave. Phone # is 510-845-5432
My son not only adores her, he's learned a lot and can really
play his guitar now.
Laurel
November 2002
My 14 year old son wants to take up guitar. He has no
expereince. I am looking for recommendations for
teachers in the N Berkeley area if possible who are
good with teens and beginners. He'd like electric guitar
but is fine with acoustic as well.
Alisa
My daughter, almost 16, has taken guitar from Brian Bertino
for a year and a half or so. This is the first musical
instruction she has taken and Brian has been really able to
inspire her as well as teach her.
He teaches at Cedar and Grant. 510-845-4704
Sandra
I recommend Brian Bertino as a guitar teacher, 845-4704.He taught my son
last year, when my son was a HS freshman, and focused the lessons on the
kind of music my son was interested in.--Joan S.
In response to the person recently seeking guitar lessons:
I heartily recommend my teenage daughter's teacher, Caren
Armstrong. She teaches in North Berkeley and in the Oakland
Hills. She is a very patient, skillful, and upbeat teacher, with
a sense of humor and a great ear. She teaches using songs of folk
and older rock styles - both strumming and finger picking. She
can be reached directly at carensing AT aol.com, or you can contact
me
-Zach
Reply for Guitar Teacher. I highly recommend Jim Gleason. He is able to
teach teens at their own level - uses whatever music they like to get them
excited about guitar. He teaches out of his home in Piedmont. His number
is 923-9522.
Kerry
Electric Guitar for Teen
My son, age 12, takes electric guitar lessons from Brooks Lundy, an exuberant
and talented twenty-something year old man who has is also studying for his
teaching credential. Brooks is very positive and very open to Jesse's
musical interests (Hendrix and Santana) while teaching him lots of technique.
He's near Lake Merritt in Oakland. His number is 465-3029.
Lili (2/00)
For about a year my son has been taking bass guitar lessons from Jack Gates
at Blue Note Music on Telegraph 644-2583 learning rock n roll. He
seems to like him a lot.
Ginger (2/00)
I highly recommend Chris Solberg as an electric bass guitar and guitar
teacher for teens. My son, 13, takes weekly lessons for 1/2 hour for
$25/lesson. Chris really pushes him, yet imbues a love of music at the
same time. Plus, my son thinks he is cool because he was the guitar
player with Santana in the early 1980s. Chris teaches at Tupper & Reed
in downtown Berkeley and also gives lessons in other locations. He's
very flexible, fun, and devoted. He even came to the King Jr. High band
performance a few months ago! His phone # is 510-547-8719.
Maureen
My son has been taking guitar lessons from a wonderful man in
Berkeley. He is quite patient, and "hip". He likes the student to
pick which tunes to learn and my son is playing alot of Rolling Stones
and Beatles tunes. He is taking accoustic but it all translates to
electric. He is on Cedar and Grant (maybe it's Mc Gee) behind Subway
Guitars, the little white building with all the clouds on it. The
teacher's name is Brian and his phone is 845-4704
Laurie (7/00)
My 15 year old son has been taking guitar lessons from Robbie Dunbar
for the last 3 years or so. Robbie is an incredible musician, but
beyond that he is full of life - unbelievably enthusiastic about
teaching music. My son is always in a good mood after his lesson.
Robbie comes to our home weekly and charges a reasonable rate. We
tried two other teachers prior to him, both of whom were good
musicians, but who really didn't seemed that enthused about teaching
music. I wholeheartedly recommend him! If you want further info
please e-mail me.
Joan (7/00)
Regarding the request for a hip but patient guitar teacher: Our 15-year old
son has had a wonderful experience studying piano with Robbie Dunbar, who
teaches electric and acoustic guitar as well as piano in Berkeley, Oakland,
and the Walnut Creek area, and who is also an active performer, chiefly on
electric guitar. He is extremely supportive to kids at all levels. We've
probably heard over 100 of his guitar students at recitals over the years,
and their enthusiasm has been impressive. He's at (925)962-2200.
Ron (7/00)
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