Juan V. TakeLessons Instructor music, Guitar Los Angeles, CA

I began playing guitar at the age of 14, inspired by guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, and have been involved with music ever since.  I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music at Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles, where I studied jazz guitar with the legendary Jimmy Wyble, and classical guitar with Richard Pattie, then received a Masters Degree in Commercial Music/Performance at Cal State Los Angeles, where I studied guitar with Tom Hynes and Matt Elgart, and also pursued private studies with Barry Zweig.

While at Cal State, I was a featured soloist in the Cal State Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Benedict.  As a member of the Orchestra, I also composed and arranged music for the orchestra and small jazz combos.  My composition “Spasibo” is the title track of one of the most recent CDs recorded by the Cal State jazz ensembles.  

I joined the Music Department faculty at Cal State in 2005, where I teach jazz history, a graduate thesis writing seminar for music students, and coach small jazz combos and the Commercial Music Ensemble.  I also teach a jazz guitar basics class at Los Angeles City College in that school’s Community Services program, as well as give group guitar lessons at LACC (in English and Spanish).   

I have worked as a leader and sideman in many jazz and popular music settings throughout Southern California.  My bands play out regularly, and perform extensively at private parties and corporate events.  Other performance credits include The Esquires Big Band, Los Jovenes del Son, a Cuban music ensemble where I play the Cuban tres, a guitar-like instrument, and freelance studio recording sessions.  I have also performed professionally on Latin percussion, electric bass, and trumpet.

I have more than 30 years' experience as a teacher and musician, in a wide variety of ensembles and academic settings. I enjoy helping my students balance their learning experience in such a way that they're doing equal parts "fun" and "heavy lifting", in order to achieve proficiency in a way that produces results as quickly as possible, but also builds good practice and performance habits.

What I teach

Electric guitar, acoustic guitar, electric bass, music notation, performance preparation, ensemble skills, music theory, musicianship.


MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

I try to tailor each student's lesson(s) to his or her individual learning style and approach.  A typical lesson might include some technical information and exercises from a method book, some music theory and musicianship knowledge, and working on learning songs.  By approaching the instrument in this, way, I believe it's possible to maintain a student's interest and enthusiasm, and build good working habits at the same time.

It’s not just about playing the instrument well, however.  There are many other factors that go into making good music and enjoying the process.

Playing and writing music can be very enjoyable, whether one does it individually, or in a group setting.  It can be accomplished with the right approach, and by investing a reasonable amount of time in the process.

SPECIFIC THINGS I TEACH

• Jazz guitar: beginning through advanced
• Rock/pop/folk guitar: beginner through advanced
• Jazz improvisation
• Using guitar effects and processors (amps, distortion/reverb/etc)
• Basic guitar and bass maintenance (string change, minor adjustments)
• Ear training
• How to play in a band
• Reading standard musical notation
• Playing different musical styles
• Finale music notation software
• Musicianship

I teach all aspects of guitar playing, specializing in Jazz, Rock/Pop, Blues, and Latin. I also play electric bass, Latin percussion, and basic trumpet. I have performed professionally on all these instruments, though I consider myself a Jazz guitarist primarily.

Listen to the audio samples I've posted; they will give you an indication of styles of music I can help you learn.

music, Guitar

“I have booked Juan V. for numerous events.  He has always delivered a classic performance, and delighted our clients.”

-Anastasia K. Mann
Chairman and CEO
CORNICHE GROUP, INC.

“Juan V. is not only an exceptional musician, but he is probably one of the most professional musicians with whom I have had the pleasure of working.”

-Jean Dalton
Musical Director
St. Dorothy’s Catholic School, Glendora,