Private Lessons:
I'm available for private guitar lessons in my Berkeley, California home as well as via online Skype Video Lessons (available worldwide). Topics may include (but is not limited to) acoustic guitar techniques, fingerstyle guitar technique, composition, alternate tunings, improvisation, chords and music theory.
All levels and ages welcomed! Email me to inquire about availability and rates.
Email: talktoazsamad (at) yahoo (dot) com or via the contact form.
My teaching style and material is influenced by my studies with many great teachers over the years including Mick Goodrick, Bret Willmott, Rick Peckham, David Tronzo, Jon Damian, Hal Crook (during my time at Berklee College Of Music), Eric Roche, Thomas Leeb, Stuart Ryan, Jacques Stotzem, Jon Gomm and Gottfried Gfrerer (in guitar workshops and private lessons in the UK and Austria) as well as John Stowell, Ben Monder, Adam Levy and Sten Hostfalt via one-off workshops and private lessons (in New York, Boston and the San Francisco Bay Area).
Online Lesson Policy:
Online Lessons are payable via PayPal and is due prior to the lesson. You may cancel a lesson for any reason and receive a full refund if notified at least 48 hours in advance prior to lesson time. You must have Skype installed on your computer and have access to a high-speed internet connection as well as a webcam.
Workshops:
I conduct 1-2 hour long guitar workshops and shorter Q&A sessions. There are also handouts to supplement the workshop learning experience.Besides conducting workshops, I've also been on faculty for the Berklee College Of Music Summer Guitar Sessions.
Testimonials from previous/current students:
"I learnt more than I ever did in the past few months with my previous guitar teacher simply because he (Az) can effectively get the message across while keeping the subject matter simple. You won't regret it!"
Arthur Song, age 17, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
"Az Samad is a wonderful musician and teacher. He is familiar with a vast array of guitar styles and techniques from classical to contemporary. What's more, he knows how explain the guitar in simple terms."
Eli Harrison, M.Mus. student, San Francisco, California.
"Az Samad is not only an incredible performer but has the ability to explain the techniques behind his phenomenal playing. His knowledge expands from Classical to nearly every contemporary style under the sun. Along with his teaching skills, Az has the ability to truly inspire his students to be outstanding musicians. Mr. Samad's teaching style is perfect for beginner, intermediate and advanced students!"
Alex Upegui, SJSU B.A. in Vocal Performance, San Jose, California.
"As a student of many guitar instructors, Mr. Az Samad stands among the greats. His humble and patient approach, along with a wide breadth of knowledge, combines to create a perfect learning environment. Mr. Samad has an innate ability to pinpoint problem areas and focus your practice in a way that is enjoyable and highly productive. Simply put, a lesson with Mr. Samad is a truly 'Azesome' experience."
Mason Hutchinson, SJSU Undergraduate, San Jose, California.
"Az Samad was born to play teach and play the guitar! He is a natural! His style of teaching is easy to understand. Each time I met with him I was amazed at how easily he could get his point across. Every time I asked him a question in class, he was always knew the answer. Az is an excellent teacher! He is patient, kind and an expert at his craft! You will do well to learn from him."
Barbara Ramos, SJSU Music Education Major, San Jose, California.
"As a private student of Az, I can simply say that no other private lesson I've attended was as comprehensive for both practical & theory. Not a single minute was wasted. The session I attended filled me full of new knowledge & vision that I later applied to my very own music.
Az was so helpful that he was even willing to let me organize a group workshop for my guitar community, ACPickers. Everyone who attended the workshop had nothing but good things to say and were satisfied with the overall output! I'm already looking forward for the next one which is coming soon at the end of the year!
Az is not only a great performer - full of sense of humor but also great educator who is willing to teach and share all that he has learnt and experienced!"
Yowech Yong, Guitarist and Music Teacher, Malacca, Malaysia.
Writing
I’m also available for freelance writing gigs on guitar and harmony topics. Email me to inquiry.
Performing
I'm available for performances for your special event. They include festivals, private/corporate dinners, weddings, parties, public events, club dates and house concerts. I play solo, in a duo, and in larger bands, depending on your needs. Your happiness is my happiness :)
Email: talktoazsamad (at) yahoo (dot) com or via the contact form.
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