Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Violin, Cello, Bass,

Ukulele, Vocals and more!

 
 
We have quality instructors and a great atmosphere for learning. In addition to private lessons we offer many fun workshops and
group events.
 
 
 
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Christopher Acquavella

Mandolin & Guitar

Christopher Acquavella is a classical mandolinist & educator from San Diego, California. He graduated First Class Honors from Trinity College of Music in London, England. Chris studied under the instruction of Alison Stephens and participated in Master Class with Caterina Lichtenberg. He performs classical repertoire on both modern and baroque mandolins, using period techniques. Chris won the Wolfsan Foundation Music Award in 2004 and was awarded the TCM Trust Silver Medal for String Studies in 2006. He represented Great Britain in the European Guitar and Mandolin Youth Orchestra in 2003. Chris Acquavella performs at major venues across Europe and America both in a solo and chamber music capacity. He has shared the stage with some great musicians such as David Grisman, Mike Marshall, Avi Avital, Alon Sariel, Jeremy Kurtz, Zura Dzagnidze and Alison Stephens. Aside from chamber music, he concertizes as a soloist & orchestral musician with various orchestras such as Trinity String Ensemble (UK), Dartington Festival Orchestra (UK), E.G.M.A. (DE), New City Sinfonia (USA), Camarada Chamber Ensemble (USA) and the San Diego Symphony (USA). Chris is currently a member of the Ger Mandolin Orchestra, directed by Mike Marshall. Chris Acquavella has performed & taught workshops at the CMSA Conventions, and at the Mandolin Symposium in Santa Cruz. Aside from teaching and performing on the mandolin, Chris spends time composing new works for mandolin & mandolin ensembles. Several of his works will soon be published by Haus der Musik Trekel. Please call for tuition and availability. All music styles and levels are taught. Beginners - advanced musicians are welcome.

    Lesson Plans:
  • 30 minute weekly lessons
  • 60 minutes weekly lessons
  • 60 minute lessons “Every Other Week”

Mobile: (858) 380-7328
www.chrisacquavella.com
Email: cracquavella@gmail.com

Joe Azarello

Piano Lessons, Music theory Lessons

Elton John, Billy Joel and BB King all share the same cool 3- & 4-note chord shapes and sounds in their music. Learn to pay like your piano heroes and play your favorite songs. Play by ear or learn to read notes as we study the application of chords and scales in the Pop, Rock, Blues, New Age and Jazz Piano Styles in today's music. The subjects of beginning Classical Piano, Jazz in more detailed depth and Composition are also being offered.

Learn the elements of the Art of Improvisation with former Buddy Rich Orchestra alumnus pianist Joe Azarello. He is currently accepting a limited number of students for private piano lessons and electronic keyboard instruction for beginning and intermediate levels.
 
Lessons will cover the subjects of Jazz, Popular and Classical piano, Beginning and Intermediate Rudiments and Music Theory. Instruction also includes ear training, soloing, reading Fake Book chord changes and how to practice the Blues.
 
Joe has over 46 years of experience teaching private and group lessons and has taught clinics and jazz camps for the San Diego Jazz Artist Guild and the Young Audiences School Concerts.

joe@joeazarello.com
619.955.8677
www.joeazarello.com

 

Janet Beazley

Bluegrass banjo, pennywhistle, recorder, flute, beginning dobro, viola da gamba
 
Janet Beazley is an accomplished bluegrass banjo player, singer, songwriter, and teacher. She is a founding member of Chris Stuart & Backcountry, a Bluegrass/Americana band that focuses on the original material of acclaimed songwriter Chris Stuart. CSB has toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, the UK, Europe, and in the Middle East. 
A veteran music educator, Janet has taught banjo, harmony singing, music theory, ear training, song writing, improvisation, and band ensemble skills at numerous bluegrass workshops, including the British Columbia Bluegrass Workshop, California Bluegrass Association Music Camp, Summergrass Kid's Camp, Midwest Banjo Camp, American Banjo Camp, Banjo Camp North, Rivertunes, Augusta Heritage Center Bluegrass Week, Munich Banjo Camp, and Sore Fingers Bluegrass Week in the UK. 

Janet was the focus of the profile article in the December 2011 issue of Banjo Newsletter, and her solo CD, 5 South, spent one month on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Survey Chart for Top 15 Albums. The song, “Julia Belle,” spent eight months on the Top 30 Songs Chart, reaching #9. Janet produced and engineered all of the CSB band albums, as well as solo projects by IBMA award-winner Chris Stuart and flat-picking guitar virtuoso Eric Uglum. 

Janet is also an expert on Renaissance and Baroque performance practice, and holds a Doctorate in Early Music Performance from USC. She teaches Early Music at UC Riverside, is in demand as a clinician at Early Music workshops throughout the Western US, and performs on historical flutes, recorders, and viola da gamba with several Renaissance and Baroque chamber ensembles in the So Cal area, including her own group, Accenti. She enjoys teaching bluegrass banjo, penny whistle, recorder, flute and viol to players of all levels of expertise.
 
Janet Beazley
jmbeazley@gmail.com
(858) 353-8668 mobile

www.chrisstuart.com

Phil Boroff

Old Timey and Bluegrass Flatpicking, Fingerpicking, Ragtime and Country Blues, Clawhammer Banjo, Classical and Flamenco Guitar.

 

Phil Boroff offers instruction in many guitar styles and Frailing banjo. He has played guitar for 52 years and is offering instruction in Old Timey and Bluegrass Flatpicking, Fingerpicking, Ragtime and Country Blues, Classical and Flamenco Guitar. Having learned from Ed Lowe of North Carolina, he also teaches clawhammer style banjo. In the early 60's he studied Bluegrass Flatpicking with Clarence White. Phil studied classical guitar at Cal Arts with Segovia protege Ron Purcell. In 1985, seven of his solo tracks appeared on a CD with Andres Segovia. The CD is on the Musicraft Label and is called "A Solo Bach Guitar Recital" MVSCD 100. 

Phil Boroff
boroffphil@gmail.com
To set up lessons, Phil can be reached at (619) 456-6515 or (619) 920-1274

Drew Decker

Guitar and Bass
Master’s Degree in Instruction
Specializing in Beginning to Intermediate Level
Rates starting at $110/mo
 
Lesson Topics
     Getting Started
     Playing in Groups
     Music Theory
     Improvising/Soloing
     Transcribing by Ear
     Songwriting
     Singing and Playing
 
Musical Styles
     ACOUSTIC: (J. Johnson, Dave Mathews, Beatles)
     BLUES/FOLK: (Eagles, Eric Clapton, Johnny Cash)
     ROCK: (Nirvana, U2, Blink 182)
     JAZZ: (Standards, Soloing)
     THEME SONGS: (Star Wars, The Simpsons, James Bond)
 
(619) 200-7498
www.drewdecker.net
lessons@drewdecker.net   

Erica Erenyi

Cello

Erica Erenyi received her Master of Music and a Performance Residency Certificate from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, and holds a Bachelor of Music from Biola University in La Mirada, CA.  While a student, she served as principal cellist for the Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic and the Biola Chamber Orchestra, and was a member of the Biola Honors String Quartet.  She has performed in Europe, Canada, and China, in both orchestral and chamber music capacities, and is active as a freelance cellist in San Diego. 

(760) 822-9156 (cell)
eurekae7@hotmail.com 

Lou Fanucchi

Accordion

Louis Fanucchi studied classical and free bass accordion under international accordion icon Anthony Galla-Rini for eight years, developing a virtuostic technical command and understanding of the instrument as well as a noticeable powerhouse left hand ability rarely displayed by accordionists. He received a B.M. degree in accordion performance from San Diego State University in 1985. From the age of 15, Lou began winning national and international accordion contests. While he maintains one schedule as San Diego’s premiere accordion instructor, he has become the San Diego music community’s “hired gun”, soloing with ensembles ranging from the San Diego symphony to punk and hard rock bands. A dedicated ambassador of the accordion for all genres of music, Lou’s versatility has him playing Italian pop, Gypsy jazz, klezmer, Tex-Mex, liturgical music, classical and the tango of Astor Piazzolla (sometimes in one week). Some of the artists with whom Lou has collaborated include Luciano Pavarotti, Bette Midler, The Gypsy Kings, Jerry Vale, Frankie Lane, Frankie Avalon, Queen Ida, Bob Geldof, The Beat Farmers, The Dave Matthews Band, Frank Yankovic, El Vez, Frankie Valli, The St.Louis Symphony and San Diego Symphonies, The American Ballet Company (New York), Mediterranean and Pacific Cruise Lines, The San Diego Chamber Orchestra, Starlight Opera, The Old Globe Theater and all major theatrical companies in San Diego. Fanucchi is currently resident accordionist for The San Diego Symphony.

(619) 948-3774

lafanucchi@gmail.com

www.loufanucchi.com

Kathleen Green

Violin / Fiddle
Bluegrass Fiddle
Celtic Fiddle (Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, P.E.I)
Old Time Fiddle
Suzuki Violin Instruction (Beginning books)
Traditional Instruction
 
Kathleen Paseka started studying violin in 1975 playing solo performances in classical and folk music. She has studied violin and fiddling with the great Scottish Fiddler Bonnie Rideout and Cape Breton fiddler and composer Jerry Holland. She has studio recording experience with several local performers and has performed  at The Barn in Margaree, Inverness County, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada for a series starring internationally acclaimed fiddlers Buddy MacMaster and Howie MacDonald videotaped for the Discovery Chanel 10/13/2000. Kathleen and her students have been filmed on several local television specials including Irish in San Diego and KPBS (San Diego).
She and her students have played special performances for the San Diego Wild Animal Park’s Festival of Lights and for the sneak preview documentary Small Wonders at the Ken Theater in Kensington, San Diego (1995). Kathleen was primary Suzuki instructor and orchestra director for Oak Park Music Conservatory, teaching violin to Kindergarten through 5th grades, orchestra for the 4th and 5th grades, and volunteer violin coach at San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. She’s been teaching adults and children (starting at age 3) privately since 1997 at House of Strings, Acoustic Expressions and Old Time Music in San Diego.
My primary goal is to teach my students to have fun while learning their instrument and to get them playing real music right away with emphasis on learning to read music, expression and intonation.

(619) 274-2865

kathleen.green@med.navy.mil

KEV—Kevin Rones

School of Guitar Wizardry™
Specializing in Adult and Kids Guitar
and Beginning Ukulele
KEV also offers Group workshops on a variety of subjects.
You don't have to be Great to Start.
But you Must Start to be Great.
Get started the right way! It's Fun!
To find available lesson times email : kev@kevmusic.com
Acoustic and Electric guitar
Classic Rock, Fingerstyle Guitar, Blues Guitar, Alternative guitar,
Traditional guitar....
• Adult Beginner and Intermediate
• Specializing in Kids 8 - 16

I love teaching Kids . I love teaching beginners. You will learn a variety of techniques and styles and have fun learning . The Guitar Mentoring program is more than just a guitar lesson. My focus is teaching you how to become a better player. You will learn techniques to improve your playing and I work with each student to help them achieve their personal playing goals.
 
Learn songs by your favorite artists.
Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Jason Mraz, Beatles, Dylan,
CCR, Bach, Mozart, Keb' Mo, James Taylor, Doc Watson, Tommy Emmanuel....or pick your own "goal songs" and we will learn how to play them.

UKULELE
Be a part of the ukulele Craze!
It's Fun. Learn Beatles tunes, or Somewhere Over the Rainbow by IZ or songs like Breakdown by Jack Johnson, Soul Sister by Train or I'm Yours by Jason Mraz.
• Learn basic ukulele chords and strums
• Learn how to read Ukulele Tabulature
• learn to read standard Musical notation for Ukulele
• Learn moveable chord positions
• Learn advanced fingerstyle techniques
• Learn how to read chord charts
Traditional Hawaiian Ukulele uses basic strums and chords set to Hawaiian lyrics. The chords are basic and the melody is sung, Usually in Hawiian. I teach non-traditional style Ukulele that includes a variety of techniques used by todays popular artists and masters of the Ukulele. My students will easily be able to play along at Traditional Ukulele gatherings as well as perform solo ukulele pieces, jam with friends and play popular songs on their Ukes.

Kev (Kevin Rones) is the founder of the San Diego Guitar Society, a solo acoustic performer, top competitor in the International Fingerstyle Guitar Championships, and a promoter of the Perfect Pitch and Acoustic Underground concerts.

kev@kevmusic.com
www.kevmusic.com

Robert R. Rotzler

Violin and Viola

  • Classical
  • Gypsy
  • American Roots Music
  • Rock
  • Jazz

Robert has extensive experience as a teacher of stringed instruments as well as a conductor and composer. His education includes study in violin performance and Jazz under some of the masters of the instrument. He has performed in chamber orchestras, in symphony orchestras, quartets, and has a diverse repertoire of musical styles.

He has been affiliated with the New Expressions School of Music in San Diego since 2004 and has been giving private instruction since 1979. He specializes in all levels of violin and viola instruction for string players as young as age four to build a strong foundation in technique, expression and music theory. He has prepared students to audition successfully for ensembles such as San Diego and East County Youth Symphonies, as well as adult orchestras and for acceptance into national music schools and conservatories.

He has been playing the violin, viola and mandolin in the award-winning world beat fusion band, Middle Earth Ensemble since 1998. Middle Earth Ensemble is well-known for playing for world renown belly dancers and has toured all over California and Hawaii.

He has also been a member of the University Avenue String Quartet since 2008 and has played many local venues and events since joining them. He is a dedicated musician who shares his knowledge and passion with those for whom he plays as well as with his students.

(619) 246-5474
rrotzler@hotmail.com
website: www.violinteacherforyou.com

Dan Sankey

Mandolin, banjo, Fiddle, Guitar
Learn to play all your favorite Bluegrass songs and fiddle tunes with one of San Diego's most renowned Bluegrass players. Dan has performed throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, performing at Bluegrass festivals, corporate events, Casinos and concert venues. Dan has also done extensive theatre work for the Old Globe Theatre, The San Diego Rep, La Jolla Playhouse, The North Coast Rep and Lamb Players Theatre. He has also performed at the Hotel Del Coronado's Christmas dinner show for the last nine seasons. He currently plays banjo and fiddle with the Scott Gates Band. Dan has a degree from Ventura College in music and has been teaching for over 15 years. Be it Banjo, Fiddle, Mandolin or Guitar, the student will learn proper technique, music and scale theory, chord knowledge, practice tips and improvisation. Lesson scheduling is very flexible.

Call or e-mail Dan at (619) 838-9515
or DANS6937@gmail.com for further information.

 

Christopher Shannon

Guitar
I have been playing guitar since I the age of eighteen and have been teaching beginner to advanced students for the last ten years. I have performed in Rock, Hard Rock, Swing Metal and Rock-a-Billy bands, released two records and toured the U.S., Canada, and Germany. I make the lessons fun as well as educational, helping my students to learn the songs they want while developing solid rhythm technique. Other lesson topics include; lead technique, music theory, notation and improvisation.
(Cell) 862-485-1126
chrisinferno@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

Susan Simmons

Voice
Ms. Simmons graduated with honors from the University of Kansas earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Theory.  She has a Master of Music degree in Applied Voice from the University of WI-Milwaukee.
In addition to voice lessons, other teaching includes Vocal Music (Elementary School) and Kodaly Musicianship at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.
She has performed extensively in musicals, operattas, plays and murder mystery dinner theater in Milwaukee, Chicago and San Diego at the Skylight Theater, Candlelight Dinner Theater, Marquis Public Theatre, Lyric Opera San Diego, and CCT. 
Specializing in Bel Canto and musical comedy styles, she has also worked with Jazz and Gospel singers.  Beginners of all ages welcome.

  • Study breathing techniques.
  • Increase your range.
  • Don’t be pitchy – improve your intonation.
  • Become an even greater asset to your choir.
  • Gain confidence through Performance Workshops.
  • Get that role – prepare audition pieces.
    (858) 349-8490

Ben Zinn

Guitar, bass guitar, lap steel, pedal steel

Ben Zinn has been helping people achieve their goals in guitar and music since 2001, and is passionate about teaching students of all ages and skill levels. As an instructor, Ben combines traditional teaching methods with ear training and improvisation to create well rounded experience for the student. Proficiency and creativity are both emphasized in lessons that are designed to be both fun and rewarding. Ben is an avid performer, regularly playing a wide variety of genres. Blues, Oldies, Soul/R&B, Funk, World Music, Classic Rock, Country, Musicals, Ragtime, Gospel, Acoustic fingerstyle, Travis picking, Chicken pickin', Slide guitar, Chord melody/solo arrangements, Lead/rhythm techniques, Music theory, and reading music are all topics that can be covered in lessons. Ben welcomes children and beginners with the same enthusiasm as adults and experienced players. Ben also offers Bass Guitar, Lap Steel, and Pedal Steel lessons. Please call or email for rates!

Benzinn111@gmail.com
402-612-0208

Bari Zwirn

Guitar and Ukulele
Bari Zwirn is a self taught guitarist who especially enjoys teaching beginning musicians. Whether you're a young child who has never played before, or an adult who just wants to play camp fire "sing alongs", Bari is comfortable helping you coordinate strumming, chording and singing. Focus will be on keeping rhythm, finding your vocal key, and becoming comfortable with simple styles of playing. Theory and tablature are touched on but not emphasized.

Bari has been a long time classroom teacher and enjoys leading school song assemblies. She also teaches guitar and ukulele for after school programs.

Bari enjoys teaching individuals and family groups (parent-child, siblings...). She currently plays and sings in a local folk/pop group www.woodnlips.com and helps to host a weekly open mic in Santee on Thursday nights.

Please contact her at bzwirn@me.com or cell: 954-594-0068.