Looking for a teacher in northern California

[Welles]

Can anybody recommend a classical teacher in Sonoma or Mendocino county. I'm self taught, (advanced)beginner level, although I've taken some jazz lessons. It seems that some teachers are reluctant to take on older students (I'm 53).

[JSK]

Welles -- Those are two big counties! Where do you live and/or how far are you willing to travel?

The fellow who made the guitar pictured up left also teaches classical guitar at Santa Rosa Community College and might give private lessons in his home near Sebastopol. If not, I'm fairly certain he'll be able to make a recommendation for someone in Sonoma County, and I could ask him on your behalf.

Incidentally, I'm exactly the same age as you, and earlier this year began taking private lessons in blues and jazz guitar. I think being an "older student" (as much as I hate to think of myself as such) has its decided advantages: we tend to be more commited (as we struggle to make up for lost time), less flakey, less distracted by other pursuits we have come to realize over the years are not worth the effort, and generally more solvent. I can't imagine why any teacher would hesitate to take on an older student. But maybe that's just me.

[Sasquatch51]

Don't know anybody around there....but I do know of an outstanding one in the Pasadena area.

[Welles]

Thanks Jeff. I live on the Mendocino coast, but I travel to the Santa Rosa area often. I'm looking for bi monthly lessons if possible and am willing to travel to places like Sebastopol. Obviously the closer the better but for a good teacher it would be worth it. Please ask your friend for a recommendation. Thanks again!

[JSK]

Will do. If I get any recommendations, I'll let you know via private message.

By the way, my wife and I will be up in Mendocino for our annual four-day New Years getaway from Sunday through Wednesday (at the Stanford Inn). The Mendocino coast is one of our favorite places in the universe! Lucky you!

[Sasquatch51]

Have you checked the GFA website? They have a listing of teachers.

[jrethorst]

On a bimonthly schedule, would Vallejo be too far? Leo Cavanaugh, excellent in both classical and jazz, teaches there. See http://leocav.com/

[sanderdude]

So, Welles: I too live on the Spendocino coast, about a mile from the Stanford Inn. I built my first guitar this summer and am teaching myself to play again after a loong layoff. If you do find a teacher I would like to know who and where.

JSK if you would like to meet me and maybe evaluate my guitar I would really like that. I think I probably know who made your guitar. If I am right he will be coming up here soon to see my luthier mentor.

[JSK]

Sander -- Why don't you leave me a message at Stanford Inn (make sure to spell my name with a "K" -- I often get lost in the computer by people looking under "C") with a phone number where I can reach you (or shoot me an e-mail in the next day). It actually crossed my mind to seek you out when I was up in Mendo this past summer, camping in Van Damme, but I never followed through. I'd love to take a look at your guitar. (I'll be bringing my second-string Sanchis Carpio with me and leaving the "RP" [hint] at home.) That'd be nice to meet you, if we can arrange it.

And Welles, I'm still waiting for some recommendations, so it might have to wait until I get back home, after Jan. 2.

Happy New Year, all.

[sanderdude]

Hi Jeff: Thanks for the reply. My next door neighbor works at Stanford Inn. I will leave you a message today. See you.

[Welles]

Thanks John and sanderdude, I looked on the GFA site and found a few possibilities. The fellow in Vallejo looks good but that might be a little too far. There is a local guy on the web site, Sergei Bassehes, whom I've actually met a few times and heard play, but it never occurred to me to ask him about lessons. Last year I took a huge financial leap and bought a Monrad guitar (He's an old friend), cedar and Mad. rosewood. Amazing guitar.

[JSK]

Gee, Welles, maybe I should invite you (and your Monrad!) over to the Inn as well!

[sanderdude]

The Stanford is one of the few B&Bs in Mendo to serve the public in the restaurant as well as guests. Great Vegetarian food.
Hey Welles! I have you beat by 10 years in the seniority department.

[Welles]

Sanderdude, what's that mean??????

[JSK]

That means he's ten years older than you and me.

[Welles]

I got it. I'm a little slow in the am sometimes. Sure, I'd be happy to show you the guitar. Drop me a message.

[JSK]

Welles, I'm apparently too stupid (or old) to figure out how to use the private message function here, so you either can leave me a message at the Stanford Inn with your phone number, or e-mail me (today) at jeffskross at earthlink dot net. Perhaps you and Sanderdude and I can meet at the inn some afternoon and serenade the guests. Or perhaps promise them we'll stop playing if they buy us a few glasses of wine . . . .

[sanderdude]

JSK: Just click on the user name next to the avatar and you get a drop down box with an option to send a private message to that user.
My neighbor is not working at the inn today and when I called to leave you a message they asked me to call back later because they were busy. Such is life in the country! I am sending you a private message here on the forum with my phone and emale.