One-on-one instruction rooted in groove, theory, and real musicianship. In-person in Oakland or online — tailored to you.
Private lessons in all of the following — all ages, all levels. Every lesson weaves in music theory, ear training, and improvisation.
Acoustic and electric. Rhythm, lead, songwriting, and all the theory you need to play what you hear.
Groove is everything. Fingerstyle, slap, locking with a drummer, and the feel that makes a band sound right.
Pocket, feel, and time. Beats, fills, rudiments — and how to serve the song without overplaying.
Classical foundations meet jazz harmony and modern production. Chord voicings, comping, and composition.
Technique and tone from the ground up, with room to explore jazz, folk, and improvisation alongside the classics.
Tone, range, and articulation. Scales, melodies, and getting comfortable making music — not just noise.
Breath, resonance, range, and finding your own sound. No cookie-cutter technique — just honest singing.
Scales, harmony, ear training, and reading music. Taught in context — through real songs, not dry exercises.
Both formats are available. The right choice depends on your instrument, setup, and location.
Lessons take place at the studio in Oakland. Best for younger students and anyone who wants hands-on feedback, direct instrument guidance, and the energy of playing together in the same room.
Online lessons work well for most instruments and all skill levels. All you need is your instrument, decent lighting, and a reliable connection. Students across the Bay Area and beyond are welcome.
Lessons are built around where you are — not where you "should" be. Every student gets a path that challenges and motivates them.
Never held an instrument? Perfect starting point. We build fundamentals the right way — posture, tone, and theory woven in from lesson one, not tacked on later.
You know the basics but feel stuck. This is where the real growth happens — breaking bad habits, developing real technique, and finally understanding why music works the way it does.
Conservatory prep, audition coaching, studio work, or deep dives into specific styles. Advanced students get rigorous, challenging instruction — no comfort zones.
No two lessons look exactly the same — but every lesson follows a framework built around improvement that sticks.
Every session opens with technique exercises and a review of last week's material. Consistency compounds — this is where habits form.
New techniques, concepts, songs, or theory — paced to your ability. Hard enough to challenge, clear enough to actually learn.
Woven into every lesson. You'll understand why things work — not just copy patterns. Ear training makes you a real musician.
Every student leaves with a specific assignment — what to practice, how to practice it, and why. Accessible in the student portal.
Real songs you actually want to play. Repertoire is selected to match your skill level and taste while stretching your ability.
Room to explore, experiment, and make music — not just run drills. Playing freely is a skill, and it's trained just like technique.
"Music is a language. I teach you to speak it."Simon Keyser-Petty — CJC Graduate, 10+ Years Teaching, Oakland CA