I provide personalized in-home piano and guitar lessons for adults in select San Diego communities. Whether you are a complete beginner, returning to an instrument after many years, or hoping to develop skills you already have, lessons can be tailored to your experience, interests, and goals.
Adult students begin music lessons for many different reasons. Some have always wanted to play but never had the opportunity. Others took lessons as children and would like to start again. Some want to learn favorite songs, accompany themselves while singing, understand music theory, write music, or simply enjoy a creative activity away from work and daily responsibilities.
You do not need any previous musical experience to begin.
Adults generally have a clearer idea of the music they enjoy and what they hope to accomplish. I take those preferences into account when planning lessons.
Your lessons may focus on:
Some adults prefer a structured method with clear, progressive assignments. Others are more interested in learning particular songs or developing a specific skill. I can combine these approaches so that lessons remain organized without losing sight of the music that inspired you to learn.
For beginning adult piano students, I primarily use the Faber Adult Piano Adventures series. This method provides a structured introduction to reading music, rhythm, chords, technique, and music theory without presenting the material in a child-oriented format.
The method books give lessons a logical progression, but they do not have to be the only music you play. I can supplement the curriculum with songs and pieces that reflect your interests and current ability.
Adult piano lessons may include:
Students learn on their own piano or digital keyboard. This makes it easier to apply each lesson directly to the instrument used for regular practice.
My approach to adult guitar lessons is flexible because guitar students often have very different musical interests and goals. I may use a method book when it provides helpful structure, but lessons do not necessarily need to follow a single book from beginning to end.
Depending on your goals, I teach guitar through a combination of:
Adult guitar lessons can include open chords, chord changes, strumming patterns, riffs, melodies, scales, lead playing, fingerstyle techniques, songwriting, and practical music theory.
You can learn on either an acoustic or electric guitar. If you do not yet own an instrument, I can offer general guidance about choosing a guitar that is comfortable, playable, and appropriate for the kind of music you want to learn.
You do not need to know how to read music before beginning lessons. Reading music is a skill that can be developed gradually.
For piano students, standard notation is generally an important part of the learning process. Guitar students may use standard notation, tablature, chord charts, or a combination of methods, depending on their goals.
Many adults are concerned that work, family, and other responsibilities will prevent them from practicing enough. You do not need to devote hours every day to make progress. 5-10 minutes a day, most days a week, is enough time in the beginning to make progress. Why? Because you likely won’t just stop at 5-10 minutes and will want to keep going. Consistency is what counts.
There is also no recital requirement and no need to compare your progress with anyone else. You can learn at a pace that works for you.
With in-home lessons, you do not need to travel to a music studio after work or add another commute to your schedule. I come directly to your home, and you learn on the same instrument you use for practice.
In-home instruction can be particularly helpful for adults who prefer a relaxed, private learning environment. Lessons are one-on-one, so the entire session is focused on your questions, interests, and progress.
I currently provide in-home piano and guitar lessons for adults in select San Diego communities, including:
Because I travel directly to each student’s home, availability depends on location, scheduling, and travel time between appointments.
You are not too old to begin learning music, and you do not need to reach a particular skill level for lessons to be worthwhile. The goal can be as simple as learning songs you enjoy and making music a meaningful part of your life.