37 years guitar playing experience, 31 years professional gigging and booking experience. Teach classical and flamenco fingerstyle, blues and jazz progressions and improvisation.

I've known John Rybak for years because he's the organiser of Quaranpalooza, a day-long monthly online concert raising money for cancer research that he started when The Plague was in full swing and nobody could play gigs. He's continued this laudable project even after the lockdown, and it remained a monthly event until very recently (it's now every few months). I'm impressed by how kindly, selflessly and efficiently he took on the sheer amount of work involved with herding a large number of musical cats, dealing with last-minute cancellations, technical failures and more, and coordinating the whole thing month after month for a good cause. Not once have I seen him lose his cool or be nasty to anyone. I've also been to several of his performances, both solo and as part of a band. He is not only an engaging performer who keeps people dancing around the tables but also a good-natured fellow possessing the vast store of patience necessary for a teacher, who will guide students with compassion and respect, encouraging them through a shared love of music, rather than ever snapping at them or making them feel incompetent just for being beginners: he remembers what it's like to be one. Go to John and you'll be treated well and probably share some invigorating chuckles too!

I heartily recommend my musical colleague John Rybak. He has decades of extensive experience not only in teaching music but also in arranging and composing music, as well as organizing local, national, and international musical events. John has extensive knowledge of a wide variety of eclectic musical styles. John is very patient and has worked with people of varying personalities and needs. He has a sense of recognizing the potential of each person he interacts with and is adept at giving objective, constructive, and honest feedback. He is a pleasure to work and collaborate with.

I highly recommend John as a teacher. He is a phenomenal musician, fluent in multiple styles of playing. I met John through QuaranPalooza, a recurring livestream music festival that he hosts. A portion of the proceeds for this festival goes to Bay Area Cancer connections, and he has worked tirelessly to build this community and continue giving to those in need. John is one of the hardest workers I know and is also a great communicator. And best of all, he is passionate about music and everything that makes music come to life and impact humanity for the good. He loves to incorporate unique chord progressions and bring out the true feeling in every song he plays. He teaches with both heart and intellect; so you will not only gain incredible technical proficiency with John but also the in depth expression that makes the notes sing.

I am happy to recommend John Rybak as an online guitar instructor. He has honed his instrumental skills through decades of experience on stage, playing live shows from upstate New York to the SF Bay Area. He brings the same genuine passion for music to both his live shows and his private lessons.

Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced player looking to refine techniques, John can tailor lessons to fit your current experience and goals. On both acoustic and electric instruments, from Delta blues to Pink Floyd (not to mention his own material!) John has a depth of experience that can't help but benefit any student of the guitar.

John is such a kind soul, and a soulful kind of guitar player! I really have enjoyed sharing the stage with John and he knows how to encourage a talent and highlight what you’re doing well, while being a helpful guide during more challenging periods of growth in your craft! John is an avid, dedicated and unique musician, but his people skills make him great instructor and I’m so excited for his perspective students reading this review now, John has heart and dedication and will guide you in your next guitar chapter helping you reach the next level! During this time, there’s no better time to hone in on your curiosities, instincts, and desires! Let’s get this guitar thing down!

It's a privilege to recommend John for giving guitar lessons on this platform. I'm a fellow guitarist/vocalist/performer (with nearly 60 years of playing under my belt) who's known John for about half a decade. He is a community-minded person, a deft guitarist, a compassionate individual, always encouraging, reliably shows up, and makes it his business to support other players in being their best selves. I'd say those qualities are key to being a powerhouse guitar teacher. I wholeheartedly recommend John without hesitation or reservation.

John is a great musician and experienced guitarist. Over the time I've known him, I've seen him play at a high level and with a fascinatingly diverse repertoire. I believe that any student who is interested in the kinds of music he plays will benefit greatly from studying with him. Give it a go!

I've known John for over 10 years both as a friend and musical colleague. John's work as extends well beyond his playing. Over the years we have played a number of musical events.. 5 years ago John online ( Zoom cast ) musical series called "QuaranPolooza " which started out with local musicians in the Bay Area and expanded to include musical artsits from a number of different countries and ran as long 10-12 hrs per episode. Organizing and producing an event such as this is no easy task and very John produced these episodes with out a hitch. The vent also served a affective fund raiser for a nonprofit orgainzation "Bay Area Cancer Connections" . John's ability to give clear instructions most was major factor in the success of the series.
Finally, John also spend many years as as a guitar instructor, where he was an effective teacher giving clear in helpful instructions that gave his students help instruction in the progress they made.
With that give John my whole hearted recommendation.

I first met John in 2020 as part of his charity work when he booked me to sing online shows to fundraise for Bay Area Cancer Connections, since then he has assembled and produced many line ups and raised thousands for BACC, I’ve attended his performances in Alameda, Hayward, and Berkeley to enjoy his band and have had the privilege to open for shows he has produced, John is always welcoming, kind, and professional and any student or venue would be fortunate collaborate with John. - Katherine Park

I know John from college and he is an awesome human being! We’ve played music together for over 30 plus years. What I appreciate about his teaching method is that he is very thorough and patient with his students. He always finds ways to encourage his students the best way to learn. John is also a great collaborator! He has hosted/organized an online music performance page to raise money for cancer research for the last 6 years. Highly recommend taking guitar lessons with John!

One of the best artists I've ever heard, and honestly, you will miss out if you miss him perform. By the way, 'Run Run Rudolph' is one of his best renditions, just my two cents. Don't miss out.

John is a top notch human! He comes from a place of love and understanding. The world needs more Johns!