
I'm a Los Angeles native playing music passionately for more than 33 years. I started playing music at 9 years old and my love for music has only grown. I teach privately at several music stores as well as a community college in Walnut. I have extensive experience in teaching music for the last 20 years. My training is vast and have been mentored by world class teachers in every area of study. You will be in good hands when you study with me. Also I have done many tours in the U.S. and abroad to places like Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, to name a few. I have performed with The Ten Tenors from Australia, David Hasslehoff, Davis Gaines (Phantom Of The Opera), Patty Andrews, Liew Mathews (Nancy Wilson), Jim Stubblefield of the group Incendio (Flamenco, Latin) and Luis Bonilla (New York jazz composer/trombonist with the Mingus Band, The Lincoln Center Orchestra and Marc Anthony). I currently work at Mt San Antonio College (Walnut, Ca) as a part time accompanist in the Vocal Jazz dept as well as rhythm section coach for the jazz band program. I have extensive experience with young students having taught for many years and I work in education for Los Angeles Unified School Dist. I teach practical things that students can use and I tailor the lessons to the student in ways to bring out the best in the student.
Subjects taught:
•Guitar (Electric and Acoustic)
•Vocals (Vocal Coaching)
•Bass (Electric and Upright)
•Music Theory
•Composition
•Jazz, Classical, Latin, Rock, Blues
Mt San Antonio College A.A.
Music 1988
Outstanding Jazz guitarist Pacific Coast Collegiate Jazz Festival,
Berkley Ca 1987-88
Cal State University Los Angeles Music 1991
Outstanding Jazz bassist Pacific Coast Collegiate Jazz Festival,
Berkley Ca 1991
Studied voice privately with Dr. Maurice Allard from 1993-95.
Currently working as accompanist and coach for the Mount San Antonio
College Music Dept 2003-present
Students that are mature enough to understand the material. Children over 9 years preferred but will make an exception after we discuss terms.
I use various effective techniques in which the student builds strength, agility and lasting musicianship skills. You can choose some of these areas or learn them all:
*Musicianship and Ear
Training
*Sight Reading
*Strength Building Exercises (Instrumental and Vocal)
*Music Theory
*Rhythm Studies
*Scales and how they apply to Chords and Melody
*Building your own repertoire of music (Instrumental and Vocal)
For vocal students, I use a method handed down to me from Dr. Maurice Allard. A very comprehensive technique focusing on tone production, breathing and support. I will give you a large range of exercises, including scales, to train your muscles and your ears. I do many relaxation exercises similar to the Alexander method to unlock your voice.
On guitar, I use my own system of mapping your fretboard, theory, sight-reading, rhythm studies and improvisation.
On double bass I do many of the same but with using the Simandl and Rabbath methods teaching bowing technique.
On electric bass the same as above and I can teach pop, jazz, rock, funk (slapping).
I know these instruments inside out. I have been obsessed with learning everything about my voice and these instruments for many years. I enjoy sharing knowledge with my students. I want you to know as much as about music and your instrument as you will allow me to show you.
I have always believed that teaching is inspiration and structure while maintaining a positive attitude, keeping the lessons fun, and rewarding. I can give you tools to help you create on your own. In other words, a program that gives you confidence in learning beyond what you already may know while employing an approach you will find useful for years to come. Every lesson is recorded on a CD so you can refer to the lesson when you need reinforcement at your leisure.
Overall I believe you will find me patient, understanding, positive, encouraging and professional all along your educational journey. I want to teach students to feed themselves once they have learned to fish (in a manner of speaking). In other words, wouldn't you want a teacher to give you the gift of learning on your own long after you have studied with them? Learn all the fundamentals to allow you to explore the music world on your own once you have gone through my program. Let me help you and I will assure you a very pleasant learning experience. Contact me today. I would love to hear from you. 626-833-0089
Prices at my home studio are $30 per half hour and $60 per hour. I can offer a discount of $5 per each lesson on 5 lessons paid in advance. I can do house calls to your home but they can be expensive due to cost of travel and limiting my schedule to offer more lessons at home. Call me for quote on in-home lessons.
"Ruben is one of the most versatile musicians I've ever known. The man is a chameleon. He can play Jazz, Folk, Latin and classical with the utmost integrity, true to form, and with astonishing flare. Lookout for this man!" - Harvey Barkin "L.A. Jazz Scene"
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