Call (925) 695-7060

Call (925) 695-7060

Mark Guitar Lessons Dublin CA

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Dublin CA Guitar Lessons with Mark

Most of my Dublin CA guitar students want to learn a variety of music genres, which helps with keeping their guitar lessons fresh and exciting. They say ‘variety is the spice of life’ and that is certainly true with music and music lessons.

In my 40+ years of playing guitar professionally, I’ve played with bands of many music genres. I teach students to not only play guitar in many different genres and styles, but I also teach them how to play banjo, mandolin and ukulele if they have an interest.

Some of my students are in the school band, some are not, but they all want to play in a band. Most guitar students have dreams of being rock stars – and why not? Most big rock stars had no idea when they were in the 3rd or 4th grade that they would attain the success and celebrity they achieved.

A third-grade student taking guitar lessons from me likes that I am – ‘quick and to the point’. In third grade! He has a busy schedule!

A fourth-grade guitar and recorder student likes that the way I teach is ‘fun, yet challenging.’

I teach guitar lessons to a wide range of students in Dublin CA . If you know of someone with dreams of rocking down the house – have them give me a call.

Guitar & Banjo Lessons with Mark
Dublin CA
(925) 695-7060

Picking the Right Guitar for YOU

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 Don’t take a Banjo or Uke to a Guitar Shredding Fest

So you’ve decided you want to play? The next step is finding the right guitar for you. There are a couple of things you should consider before deciding on your purchase. For example:

  • Choose the type of guitar that interests you most so you’re passionate and motivated to play. Don’t pick up an electric guitar if your heart is set on a bass.
  • Get the right size. Especially if you are shopping for a child; something too large can make it physically impossible to reach the correct frets or strings.
  • Don’t buy the cheapest guitar you can find. You will get what you pay for, so it’s not a good choice if you’re really dedicated to becoming a good musician. Also look out for guitar packages that offer a plethora of items at an incredibly low price.
  • The name brand guitars are not always the best. I would recommend reading reviews – sometimes reviewers can address the same issues you may be concerned about.
  • Select the style and colour of your choice. Self-explanatory.
  • Do your research! These are just a few quick tips, but if you want the perfect guitar, it will require some research. Hey, nothing worth having is ever easy, right?

Guitar & Banjo Lessons
Livermore CA
(925) 695-7060

In-Your-Face Guitar Lesson

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Place your guitar in a convenient, ‘in-your-face’ location

Increasing accessibility of your instrument can make you practice way more. I discovered this when I had brought my guitar to my parents’ house. Normally, I keep it in the case and on the amp if I’m at my house. Since I had left my guitar case downstairs and randomly decided to practice upstairs in my room, I had stuck my guitar on top of my dresser. As much as I didn’t like having a crowded tabletop, I actually ended up picking it up randomly quite a few times and practicing. Consequently, I got a greater amount of practice last week playing off and on whenever I walked by my guitar.

This leads me to the conclusion that placing your instrument in a convenient, ‘in-your-face’ location would most likely result in you practicing more. I ended up practicing while watching TV, which although not recommended, it worked out for me since I become wrapped up in guitar and just had the TV on in the background. I did this with music as well – keep in mind, this might make it harder for some people focus. Either way, try keeping your instrument somewhere you can just grab it and play any time you get a spare moment, that way you get additional practice time!

Guitar & Banjo Lessons
Livermore CA
(925) 695-7060

More Guitar Playing in 2015! – Pleasanton – Livermore CA

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Crank Up Your Guitar Skills with Lessons from Mark

As the New Year begins, you may find yourself yearning for something new. A whole world full of joy can be found in a musical instrument. Guitar has long been many music lovers’ first choice when deciding

upon an instrument – it is an unforgiving, yet riveting instrument. For instance, guitar requires accuracy – one wrong fret and you’re out of tune. However, don’t take this as discouraging for it can only carve a

better skill set for one who practices and wishes to master the art of playing guitar. The key is dedication and determination. Time and time again, we may find ourselves lacking motivation. Yet, that is no reason to give up.

Struggle is a part of the journey. When you find yourself lacking in inspiration, read about musical artists that you admire, browse posts on how to improve your skills and fix your mistakes rather than let the

guitar defeat you. Many great artists find themselves in pitfalls along the way to their successes; the learning process may be slower for some than others (like myself), but by following a sufficient practice

routine, you will be sure to accomplish your goals.

So, start this New Year off right and put your best fret forward and reap the rewards of your determination to master guitar!

Guitar & Banjo Lessons with Mark
Livermore & Pleasanton CA
(925) 695-7060

Rock Star Guitar Lessons from Mark

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Mark helps develop rock-star guitar players.

Whether it’s just a dream or fantasy for beginning or mid-level guitar students, becoming the next rock star is possible. Rock stars come from every corner of the world, so Dublin, San Ramon and Pleasanton CA can definitely produce the next mega-hit rock band.

Becoming a rock star involves a lot more than just great guitar lessons like the ones Mark provides. Learning from a pro guitar player who has been on tour with many famous performers provides future rock stars with the opportunity to learn what life on the road is like for a band – the good and the bad.

rock-star-guitar-lessonsA great way to gain some insight into the music industry and some of the challenges that every rock star seems to encounter on the road to fame and fortune is to watch some documentary videos on various performers, bands or music styles.

Here are a few videos recommended by Mark that future San Ramon, Dublin & Pleasanton guitar rock stars may enjoy:

  • Muscles Shoals – you won’t believe how much music came out of this little town in Alabama.
  • The History of the Eagles – Great insight into the trials and tribulations of keeping a hit rock band together.
  • Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – more insight into keeping it together for the long haul.
  • Song of the South – How the Allman Brothers launched the Southern Rock sound and how tragedy can alter the future of a rock band.

Rock Star Guitar Lessons Special available now through December 25th. Gift certificates now available for stocking-stuffers for that special guitar player or banjo, bass guitar, ukulele or Mandolin student.

For every 2 private lesson gift certificates purchased, we will throw in 1 free lesson.

That’s 3 private one hour lessons in your home for $150, plus a free method book, a $75 savings to you!

Through December 25th you can buy unlimited packages, but on December 26th only one package per customer.  This also includes unlimited family members for each lesson. Which can be a parent and 2 children at same time

You can gift wrap the book – when it’s opened, the recipient will find gift envelope with 3 sixty minute guitar lesson gift certificates inside.

Holiday Specials & Gift Certificates
Guitar & Banjo Lessons
San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton CA
(925) 695-7060

Online Guitar Lessons

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Guitar Lessons via Skype

Lately, I’ve been stacked with work and obligations that I’ve barely been having time to breathe! Days with back-to-back school, work, side jobs, charity projects, and personal stuff is making me feel like a machine. Nonetheless, I’m working on downsizing to make my life a little easier. In doing so, I’ve had to cut out time from guitar lessons since my lunch breaks for work have been cut short – I’ve had to do 30 minute lessons at a time, and sometimes skip them.

Fortunately, I have a guitar teacher who focuses on his students’ successes – Mark pointed out that lessons should be 1 hour long rather than 30 minutes to be getting what I initially signed up for. I feel the average guitar instructor would probably think why not get paid in full for half-time sessions? If the student doesn’t know or care, why should I? Not Mark! In fact, I had my first Skype guitar lesson to accommodate for my random availability. It went just as well as a live lesson!

snuggie-guitar-lessonBeing the lazy and exhausted person I can sometimes be, it was most convenient for me since I didn’t even have to roll out of bed – I just propped up my iPad and pulled out my guitar while continuing to be warm and cozy in all my makeshift snuggie blankets (well I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing one of those, but after trying to make a functional jacket-like garb, I see the benefits of having an actual snuggie – or wearing a jacket or robe backwards).

Although it was online, Mark was able to catch and correct my mistakes such as improperly arching my fingers and not doing the finger stretches correctly. He told me he teaches students all over the world via webcam, which is great because that means you have an excellent, accessible guitar teacher no matter where in the world you are, so long as you have a WiFi connection and webcam.

To take online lessons, you follow the same protocol – simply go to his calendar, see what availability works for you, and sign up for a lesson. Try it out, it will be worth your time!

The Value of Private Guitar Lessons

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Professional Private Guitar Lessons are Better than Cookie-Cutter In-store Guitar Lessons

One of the most important things when selecting a music teacher is selecting the right music teacher. Getting along with your music instructor is one thing, but the quality of the lesson they deliver is equally important – not anyone can arm you with the tools for success in the music world. From my experience, I have found a private teacher is much better than music teachers found at stores such as the Music Exchange. There is more consistency – instructors at stores can be there today and gone tomorrow, leaving you frazzled and confused. Whether you’re looking for a music teacher for yourself or for your child, there are some imperative things to consider in the process. Here are some tips – time to get picky:

  • Research their background and qualifications
  • Examine their teaching experience
  • Ask for references
  • Check out their lesson plan
  • Agree on policies regarding fees, cancellations, etc.
  • Try out their teaching style
  • Make sure you are comfortable and get along with the instructor
  • Set goals and make sure you instructor helps you reach them

Fortunately, I did not have to search too long and far before I found Mark in the Tri-Valley. If you’re interested, check out his availability online, at your convenience, to set up a lesson and see if he’s the right teacher for you. Like they always say, different strokes for different folks – good luck with your search!

 

Give the Gift of Guitar/Banjo/Ukulele Lessons – San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton

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Guitar, Ukulele, Banjo and Mandolin Lessons from a Pro

Do you know of someone who wants to learn to play guitar, ukulele, banjo or mandolin in San Ramon, Dublin or Pleasanton CA?

Black Friday is approaching and soon the gift buying season will be in full swing. If you’re thinking of giving a guitar, ukulele, banjo or mandolin as a gift – we have a few suggestions for you. Black Friday Guitar Lessons Special available now through December 25th. Gift certificates now available for stocking-stuffers for that special guitar player or banjo, bass guitar, ukulele or Mandolin student.

For every 2 private lesson gift certificates purchased, we will throw in 1 free lesson.

That’s 3 private one hour lessons in your home for $150, plus a free method book, a $75 savings to you!

Through December 25th you can buy unlimited packages, but on December 26th only one package per customer.  This also includes unlimited family members for each lesson. Which can be a parent and 2 children at same time

You can gift wrap the book – when it’s opened, the recipient will find gift envelope with 3 sixty minute guitar lesson gift certificates inside. You might want to check out Austin Bazaar for great prices on guitars, banjos, ukuleles and more.

Holiday Specials & Gift Certificates

Guitar & Banjo Lessons

San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton CA

(925) 695-7060

Learning a Musical Instrument has Many Advantage

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The many rewards of  music (guitar!) lessons

As I’ve pointed out in some previous blogs (and will continue to do so in the future), learning a musical instrument has many advantages. For example, playing a musical instrument improves cognition and memory, reduces stress, and helps teach perseverance.

music brain developmentI have already been reaping the benefits of picking up guitar, including in the social realm. I often bring up my current successes and failures with guitar in everyday conversation with friends and family, or whenever I meet someone new.

People are always fascinated to hear my story of how I played guitar when I was in high school and how I decided to pick it up again recently. It especially comes as a shock when they realize how and when I find time to practice – for example, during work hours in my car anytime I can get away from my ball and chain desk for a break (shh…) . I’d have to admit guitar has unleashed a side of my personality that I lost somewhere along the way of adolescence and adulthood. Though the stresses of ordinary life suppressed my love for music, starting guitar again has helped me in more ways than one since I started. I feel more interesting, creative, sharper, and well-rounded. I love it!

Learning an instrument can open up a side of yourself you may have never met before; give yourself the opportunity to grow as a person and let your musical personality shine – pick up your favorite instrument and give yourself a chance to be someone new!

Here’s a great article on music and brain development and how music helps auditory learners.

Reading Music for Guitar Lessons

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Mastering Guitar Method

Hal Leonard Guitar Method read musicThe second book Rex introduces in his lesson plan for beginner guitar players is called Guitar Method (Book 1) by Hal Leonard. I remember the first edition of this book – I had received it with my guitar many years ago, and seeing that it’s still in use today goes to show that it must be an excellent beginner book. Rex employs the second edition of this book, an upgraded version which comes with a CD so you can hear what your music can sound like. I’m yet to find out what else is on the CD; I’ll follow up on that in a future blog.

Comparing to when I tried using the book on my own versus using the book with Rex’s guidance is like the difference between night and day. It makes it so much easier to decipher the techniques with the help of a knowledgeable instructor. I love how the book introduces some basics on your guitar such as the parts of guitar, how to tune it, proper playing position, and how to read music, before getting into how to play notes on each of the six strings.

My last lesson was especially informative as I learned the foundations of reading sheet music – read on for a quick overview.

  1. The lines on sheet music do not represent guitar strings. Notes are written on a “staff” which as 5 lines and 4 spaces. A treble clef represents guitar music.
  2. Every line and space represents a letter. From the bottom up, the lines are E, G, B, D, F. You can remember the letters with the phrase “Every Guitarist Begins Doing Fine“.
  3. From the bottom up, the spaces are F, A, C, and E.
  4. Measures divide the staff. A bar line signifies the beginning and end of a measure and a double bar ends a piece of music.
  5. Guitar notes always have 4 beats per measure; each staff will have a time signature with the number 4 on the top half.
  6. Last, notes represent number of counts (length) of music. There are whole, half and quarter notes which indicate how many beats to the note.

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Mastering these concepts will make reading music more fluid and easy. Once you understand the basics, it will be less overwhelming and complicated! Happy practicing, my fellow musicians.

Learn to Play Guitar in the Privacy of Your Own Home

Our guitar instructors come to you to give you personal one-on-one lessons in the privacy of your own home. We cover Dublin, San Ramon, Pleasanton, Livermore and all cities in east and south bay

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Contact us for guitar lessons or more information at:

Guitar Confidence
4101 Dublin Blvd
Suite F, #537
Dublin, CA 94568

(925) 695-7060

guitarconfidence@gmail.com

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