Jonathan H. Guitar, songwriting, Music Theory San Francisco, CA

I have played guitar for 18 years studying at Indiana University where I received a Bachelor of Music in guitar performance and at Musician's Institute where I received the performers certificate.  I've played over 500 shows including performances with my band, solo and as a part of a stage production of "School of Rock," for which I was lead vocal/lead guitar.  In my own studies I have focused on rock, blues, jazz, country, funk, classical and have been writing for 5 years.  My song "Misunderstanding" was on the hit show "Gilmore Girls" for which I became and member of ASCAP.  I have alot of professional experience under my belt and most importantly am crazy about playing guitar which is infectious and carries over into teaching. 

I am able to teach students of all ages and abilities.  With each new student I listen to where they are, if they've had any previous playing experience, and I move forward accordingly.  I take into consideration they style of music listened to so that he/she can start to have success.  I am more laid back but I preach consistency (15 minutes/day is better than 2 hours one day a week).  I start with open chords, except with young children then I cater to their hand size and use more single note playing, melodies, three-note chords, etc.  I can't emphasize the importance of the right hand technique in strumming and early on I try and get the player used to both up and down stroke.  With concentrated effort the student after a short time will have a working knowledge of the open chords and will be familiarized with bar chords.  I will introduce the student to all styles of music and if the interest is there we can get into blues/jazz improvising techniques which ofcourse is used all over rock, country and funk.

Rock, blues, jazz, country, funk, improvisation, classical, reading, theory, songwriting

Musician's Institute - Guitar Performance - 2003-2004
Indiana University - Guitar Performance - 1995-1999
Fremd High School - - 1991-1995

Guitar, songwriting, Music Theory