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Tommy
- Rate R819
- Response 1h
-
Students1
Number of students Tommy has accompanied since joining Superprof
Number of students Tommy has accompanied since joining Superprof

R819/h
1st lesson free
- Guitar
- Acoustic Guitar
- Electric guitar
- Blues Guitar
Experienced tutor in Guitar in Los Angeles, Tommy offers private lessons tailored to your needs.
- Guitar
- Acoustic Guitar
- Electric guitar
- Blues Guitar
Lesson location
About Tommy
I began playing guitar 22 years ago. Learning to play my first Beatles song was like walking into a gateway into a magical dimension. And 22 years later, writing and recording my own music, I still get that feeling, like searching for and discovering something beautiful that's yours to share. And I've found a similar feeling in sharing what I've learned about playing guitar with my students.
When I began, I was very shy, very nervous, very self-conscious that I wasn't a great player yet. As a teacher, I remember how I got to the level I'm at - patience and enjoying the journey to get here. I teach with this in mind - no rush, very organic, this is fun and anything's possible.
As I developed as a player, I went past my first love, rock & roll (Beatles, Kinks, Doors, Stones, Zombies, Creedence, Dylan etc) and into its foundation, old American blues, like Skip James, Memphis Minnie, Big Bill Broonzy, Fred Mcdowell etc. I heard in these recordings the essence of rock & roll, but achieved by simply a man or woman and a guitar. That blew my mind. I'd practice blindfolded for hours, days, months striving to reach that level. Rock, blues and folk is really what I have to offer you as a guitar teacher.
Over the last 10 years, I've put a lot attention into learning about recording. I have a recording studio in East LA (we can meet here, it's a great place to focus or at your house). In addition to guitar, I teach audio production, combining the best of analog and digital recording. And can help you understand microphones, mic pres, compressors, A/D converters, Pro Tools, effects and amplifiers if you're interested.
I can't imagine what life would be without music, mine especially. There's so much to learn, but once you have it inside, you'll possess unbelievable powers of expression. I'd love to be able to help you get there.
I had a friend here in LA who mentioned she was looking for a teacher and that's how I began.
I've played guitar, both electric and acoustic for 22 years. I fingerpick, play slide, use open tunings, strum and solo. I studied guitar when I was young, growing up in Baltimore with several teachers and got the tools I needed to form a strong foundation. From there, I became a professional player with my own style by really listening / studying / learning from the players that inspired me.
About the lesson
- All levels
- English
Languages in which the lesson is available :
English
I like to first understand where you're at with guitar, like have you been playing casually for years, seriously for 6 months or did you just get your first guitar and are literally just beginning now. And from there I like to understand what your goals are with it, like to play for fun, to write, to be able to play your favorite songs, to be a professional guitar player or some combination or maybe you're not sure yet. Obviously, there are no right answers and I'm just here to get you to the place you're going to.
Generally, players that know some chords and have played a little for a couple years, but want to get better and be able to play their favorite songs, understand some of the basics of music theory and compose their own songs. It also tends to be people that lean towards rock, folk and blues... not metal, hardcore etc, though I'm not opposed to that :)
Hmm... I guess ask some questions and try to communicate first through messages or by phone and if it feels like someone you get along with. If you do, he/she is probably a good match as your teacher as well.
I saw an artist named Marlon Williams at the Tetragram a few weeks ago. I'm a big fan of the 1950's and Roy Orbison and Marlon fits into that world perfectly. It was nice to see that kind of music being so well received by the audience, especially in an era of a 'performance' being a person sitting behind a laptop.
A few things worth thinking about before reaching out
What is life? Ha, just kidding. Or am I...?
Think about the music you love. Think about where you'd like to reach as a player, like what your general goals are at this point. I think it's that simple.
Rates
Rate
- R819
Package rates
- 5h: R4095
- 10h: R8190
free lesson
The free first lesson with Tommy allows you to get to know the tutor and discuss your needs and expectations.
- 1h
online
- R819/h
Details
A 60 minute lesson is $50 if you come to me and $60 if I come to you. A 90 minute lesson $70 if you come to me and $80 if I come to you. I advise (if possible) coming to me, because my studio is really an ideal environment for lessons.
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