Guitar Lessons in Los Angeles and Online

Teaching Sample - How to Instantly Bring Life to your Strumming

Why private guitar lessons work

You get real-time feedback from a seasoned professional

Learn whether or not you are playing something correctly the first time you play it.

You'll see results instantly

Guitar lessons include simple tips in addition to bigger picture learning. You can actually feel like you're getting better, because you are!

You'll receive personalized guidance

Learn the exact path you need to be the best guitar player you can be. No more sifting through endless YouTube videos.

How my guitar lessons stand out

I have been teaching the guitar since 2005.

After teaching hundreds of students, I have honed in on my personalized approach to meeting all of my students’ needs.

I am very patient and nonjudgemental.

I make sure that my students feel comfortable on their musical journey. All of my feedback is given carefully, so my students can feel encouraged while learning what they need to work on.

I understand the importance of practice, but also understand that life can be very busy.

I guide all of my students through personalized practice plans so they can move forward without feeling overwhelmed.

Play in comfort.

I am very focused on developing healthy techniques and playing habits in my students. Simple adjustments to posture and playing position not only makes it easier to play, it prevents player's injuries from developing.

Teaching Sample - Perfect Left Hand Technique in 10 Easy Steps

Guitar lessons for kids and teens

Private music lessons have numerous benefits for children of all ages.

Many studies show noticeable improvements in academic performance including cognitive, vocabulary, and reading and writing skills. Developing an effective practice routine as a young child will have lasting effects on skill development that will stay with the student into adulthood. Being a musician also has many social benefits, since the student will have the ability to perform with other musicians as their skills develop.

I recommend students be at least 6-8 years of age before starting guitar lessons

It is important to develop finger strength before starting to learn guitar. The guitar a young student has is also very important for their learning experience. If you are looking to purchase a guitar for your child, I can recommend a guitar that is suitable for their age. These instruments are all relatively inexpensive.

If your child is younger than 6, I recommends piano lessons.

After developing basic abilities on the piano, it is very easy for a child to transition to other instruments. Owning an acoustic piano is not required for piano lessons, a simple electric piano will suffice. As an alternate to piano lessons, ukulele lessons are also a great primer to guitar lessons since less finger strength is required to play a ukulele.

To find out more about my recommendations for your child, book a lesson today!

Please review my travel locations for in house private lessons. I recommend in person lessons for a child instead of online lessons.

Learn rock, jazz, classical, and more!

I provide guitar lessons in the following genres and topics:

• Rock Guitar

• Jazz Guitar

• Classical Guitar

• Fingerstyle Guitar

• Bluegrass “Flatpicking” Guitar

• Heavy Metal Guitar

• Folk Guitar

• Songwriting

• Improvisation

• Fretboard Theory

• Arranging for Solo Guitar

• Reading Musical Notation and Tablature

In addition to teaching guitar, I teach voice, piano, and ukulele!

In-person guitar lessons in Los Angeles and online

I teach in home guitar lessons in Los Angeles, California. I am located in Los Feliz, so lessons are given in the following areas:

• Los Feliz

• Atwater Village

• Silverlake

• Echo Park

• East Hollywood

• Glendale

• Burbank

Should you live outside of these areas, please reach out to me for a travel quote. Online lessons via Zoom are also an option!

FAQ

Reviews

"I’ve been to a few instructors and musicians, and I can honestly tell you Alan is the best. Lucky to have him. He provides a nice balance of technical, theory, and musical spirit/mojo. Excellent at spotting your strong spots and weak spots."

- Leo T.

"Alan has been teaching my son guitar for three years, since first grade. I didn't know what to expect at such a young age, but my nine year old is truly becoming a great guitarist! Alan is kind and treats him with respect, and I never have to push him to practice because he wants to keep improving his skills. Alan is also really easy to communicate and work with as a parent. I recommend his lessons highly!"

- Maggie S.

"Alan is a superb teacher. First, he is a master of many musical styles. His knowledge, interest in his students’ goals, and ability to listen enable him to teach any student, from beginner to advanced musician. After many years of playing rhythm and basic fingerstyle guitar, I am learning to solo and improvise with Alan. I know firsthand how he not only helps his students improve their technical skills, but also to make music and have fun with it. I wholeheartedly recommend him."

- Michael K.

"I have been studying guitar with Alan for several years and he is nothing short of being a stellar teacher. His assets lie in his approach to teaching and his knowledge of music. He acknowledges my achievements and carefully considers what would help me move ahead. He then suggests useful and manageable assignments that lie just far enough beyond where I am that I am challenged, but not frustrated. I could not be more enthusiastic about recommending him as a teacher for guitar, and I trust it would be the same for any instrument he offers to teach. Thank you, Alan."

- Mindi T.

"Alan is a wonderful teacher for new to advanced students alike. Working with Alan, I have taken my guitar playing and musicality to a whole new level, in rapid time. Alan has a knack for meeting students where they are, and offering the tools and guidance for their specific journey."

- Samara D.

"Started from 0 with Alan and by the end of the first lesson was playing one of my favorite songs ever. Keeps it interesting by teaching things that you enjoy learning, while still covering the fundamentals and basics. Always responds in a timely fashion and is always excited to teach. Also provides great tools for scales and tabs and breaks things down patiently. Alan is a good dude and I strongly recommend him to anyone who is interested in learning guitar, or learning more about the guitar."

- Parker Z.

"Started from 0 with Alan and by the end of the first lesson was playing one of my favorite songs ever. Keeps it interesting by teaching things that you enjoy learning, while still covering the fundamentals and basics. Always responds in a timely fashion and is always excited to teach. Also provides great tools for scales and tabs and breaks things down patiently. Alan is a good dude and I strongly recommend him to anyone who is interested in learning guitar, or learning more about the guitar."

- Parker Z.

"Alan is the man! He is very patient and understanding. There were a few instances in which I did not understand a particular concept. Alan took the time to explain them in a way that made sense to me. 10/10. I highly recommend booking lessons with me man Alan."

- Bryce G.

"Alan is helping me with vocals so I can be a better singer when playing my guitar. I have been playing guitar for over 30 years but never really vested time into my voice. My goal is to perform comfortably as a solo singer/songwriter type gigs. Immediately Alan found and is helping me correct a few critical foundation issues that I was doing which caused a negative impact on my vocals. I am making significant progress and still have some work to do. I feel in a few more months with Alan’s coaching I will be ready to go out gigging again and show my new vocal range. Alan has great focus and attention during the lesson which results in awesome homework for that next lesson."

- Emmanuel D.

"Alan is an excellent music teacher! He has taught my son for years and is professional, engaging, and very talented!!"

- Julie B.

"Alan is an unbelievably talented teacher- I have had so much trouble learning music and he’s really the first one to be able to explain things in a way I could understand! He always knows what to focus me on and what the next Step is. He’s honestly not just a talented musician but an extremely talented teacher, thank you so much 🙏 I can’t sing his praises enough 🎶"

- Galeet F.

"I have been taking voice lessons with Alan for almost four years. He is a terrific musician and teacher. If I could give him more than five stars I would!"

- Marianne N.

"Alan is the best instructor I've ever had! I've had my guitar for over 6 years, and he is really helping me to start dedicating myself to learning! He makes the process more enjoyable, easier and I'm always looking forward to the next class!"

- Rafa G.

"Alan is great. Our 6 year-old has learned an enormous amount over the past six months, and can really play the Ukulele now. Alan is great with him - always on time, always with a great lesson plan. We'd strongly recommend Alan to anyone!"

- Justin Z.

Check out what some of my students have said about me!

Get in Touch

To book me for lessons or a performance, or if you have any questions, please reach out!