Music Improvisation & Theory
While an instrument may have unique characteristics, the elements of melody, rhythm, and harmony still apply. For centuries, students of music have studied with teachers who did not play their specific instrument; this allowed them to approach their instrument in ways they may not have otherwise been realized.
Dr. G, a guitarist, learned musical concepts, including jazz improvisation, music theory, and harmony, from pianist Jimmy Amadie. These concepts helped him develop other ways of playing the guitar and significantly improved his musicianship.
Dr. G also teaches music lessons to musicians, regardless of their instrument. He has taught players ranging from the age of 12 to 66 on the saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, flute, trombone, violin, voice, piano, keyboard, and acoustic (upright) bass. The only requirement is that the player already has a basic technical proficiency on the instrument; this involves knowing how to produce a consistent tone and locate the notes.
Subjects include, but are not limited to, music improvisation (jazz, classical, and contemporary), theory, harmony, composition, and sight reading.
In-person lessons are available to those living in the Claremont area and online.
Mission Statement
To provide the highest quality lessons to students of all ages and backgrounds. Lessons are organized so one lesson connects to the next. The aim of the lessons is to encourage, inspire, and develop a student’s innate creativity and musicianship.
The learning process goes far beyond music itself: the lessons learned apply equally to life. Learning music is as much an inner journey as an external one (e.g., technique, theory, etc.)
Self-reliance is at the core of the lessons, equipping students with the confidence, knowledge, and wisdom to learn from themselves.
Since 1992, I have helped hundreds of students achieve and surpass their musical goals. Lessons are well-organized and develop a deeper understanding for each student.
Saving time and optimizing the learning process are two of the greatest benefits I offer to students.
✅ Over 30 years of teaching and performing experience
✅ Musicology PhD
✅ Teaches voice, trumpet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, violin, piano, acoustic (upright) bass, trombone, flute, and clarinet.
✅ All levels and styles
✅ Kids, teens, and adults
“Seth is a fantastic teacher: I was always provided with enough fundamentals to do the heavy lifting required to progress on the instrument, encouraged to explore my own musical tastes and learn songs I loved, and was always taught with a patience and understanding support that gave me the confidence…
Seth taught me what it means to have music as a companion in my life and gave me the tools to discover what that looks like for me.
He is truly a once-in-a-lifetime teacher.”
Joel B.
Lesson Information
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Monthly tuition applies only after the first lesson. The tuition secures the time slot. Payment is due in advance of the first lesson of each month.
The first lesson is $100/hour or $75/45 minutes.
Monthly tuition* for one-on-one private lessons is $200 (30 minutes); $300 (45 minutes); $400 (60 minutes). *Based on four weekly lessons per month
Payments can be made via cash, check, Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App.
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Currently recitals are done over Zoom. They have been great success since the first one in 2016.
Over 60% of my students live outside of the Southern California area, therefore online is the only viable option at this time.
Recitals are open to the public and recorded so they can be shared with friends and family who cannot attend the live recital.
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The amount necessary ranges depending on several factors.
The quality of the practice is more important than the total time.
Many years ago, a young man contacted me about guitar lessons. He expressed his eagerness to learn but mentioned that he had only 10-15 minutes to practice three or four times per week.
I told him I had long suggested players need a minimum of three or four days per week, 30 minutes per practice session.
While I was skeptical at first, I told him that we could try it out and see how it goes. I said that he would have to practice exactly as I recommended as each second mattered. He agreed.
Much to my surprise, he made consistent progress over the next six years.
Student Recitals
All students can benefit from performing for a recital, regardless of their skill level. Recitals provide experience that practice alone cannot.
Because more than half of students live across the United States, recitals are conducted online.
This recent recital video demonstrates the variety of music. Students with the least experience begin the recital with the more advanced ones following.
Contact Dr. G
Interested in scheduling a lesson? Fill out the form or call/text 818-308-5899. Dr. G will respond soon.
Note: all basic information about lessons is contained in the Lesson Information above.