Teacher Philosophy

Nothing is more crucial in learning a musical instrument than feedback and direction from a trained instructor in a private setting. I have encountered many students that are "self-taught" or have learned from online lessons. The problem with this type of learning is that more often then not the student ends up practicing the exercise or technique learned the wrong way. The student must then "unlearn" this bad habit and then "re-learn" the correct way.

Finding a music instructor can be frustrating if you don't know exactly what to look for. Good guitar instructors in particular can be hard to find because a lot of teachers tend to just teach songs without really educating how to play and understand the instrument. Be careful with the big teacher finding services because they usually employ younger teachers that might be good players but not necessarily good teachers (A lot of the time they hire them over the internet without even meeting them as well). I have developed a system over 15 years of teaching and thousands of lessons that works great for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students. I like to custom tailor each lesson and the overall learning plan for each student depending on age, music preference, and realistic time availability for practice.

Instructor Experience

- 15 years of Private Guitar and Bass Instruction Experience.

- 4 years as a Guitar and Bass Instructor at Yamaha Music School of Fountain Valley and Saddleback.

- 2 years as Princeton Review Instructor.

- Graduated Honors with a Bachelor of Music Performance Degree in Classical Guitar and Baroque Lute from the University of California, Irvine.

- Studied Rock Guitar with Rusty Anderson (current guitarist for Paul McCartney as well as studio guitarist for Elton John, Perry Farrell, Animal Logic, Ricky Martin, and more).

- Studied Classical Guitar with David Tanenbaum, Scott Tennant, Ricardo Cobo, and John Schneidermann. Performed in Master Classes for David Tanenbaum and Ricardo Cobo.

- Studied three years of Jazz Theory with Alan Rowe (Stan Kenton Orchestra, Keith Jarret).

- Studied nine years of classical piano.

You Will Learn

-Proper Technique- Exercises to strengthen fingers and build dexterity/finger Independence. Also finger picking, sweep picking other advanced techniques.

-Improvising- Lead guitar playing and soloing. Scales, modes and arpeggios.

-Ear Training- Learn how to "pick-up" a song on your own. Interval identification training.

-Songwriting- All aspects of writing your own songs including chord progressions, riffs, melody, and lyrics.

Rhythm- Strum patterns, finger picking rhythms, downstroke alternative rhythms, funk grooves, etc.

Theory- Jazz theory and chord analysis, intervals, major key formula, etc.

Notation Reading- Used predominately for classical and Jazz music training. Also learn Tablature reading.

Testimonials

"I really couldn’t imagine learning guitar from anyone other than Mark.  Why?  Well, two main reasons.  First, Mark knows his stuff.  We work mostly on “classic rock” and blues – my loves – but venture into jazz and country every once in awhile.  It’s one thing for an instructor to teach you the mechanics of how to play an old blues song like Champagne & Reefer.  Or Stairway To Heaven.  Or Day Tripper.   It’s quite another to teach you the theory behind why these songs sound as they do.   And give you the tools to improvise off of their basic structure.  Mark is by far the most knowledgeable musician I’ve ever met.  But just because you know something doesn’t mean you can teach it to others.  The second reason I love working with Mark is because he is a natural-born teacher, with a tremendous amount of patience.  As a guy with a career and family, Mark has always understood – and paced – my lessons based upon life’s demands.  Pretty much my entire ability to play guitar is owed to Mark.  I wholeheartedly recommend Mark to any guitar player – beginner or experienced – and look forward to many more years of lessons!"

Lyle Swart, Guitar Student since Sept 2002

"I highly recommend Mark to anyone wishing to learn how to play the guitar or bass.   In the four plus years I've been taking guitar lessons he has helped  me improve my playing ability and knowledge of music theory dramatically.  I especially enjoy Mark's method of instruction as he mixes exercises, technique, music theory and songs and  allows you time to grasp the material before moving on to the next  topic. Mark has an extensive knowledge of all styles of music.  He has taught me rock and blues and given me a new found appreciation for jazz.  Mark's professional manner,  easy going personality and enthusiasm have made learning the guitar an enjoyable experience."

Nick Renn, Guitar Student since July 2004

" I feel Mark is a great teacher and he really knows how to structure his lessons. The structure of Mark's teaching is something that I notice the most. Mark sets up his lessons so you grow as a musician properly. Not having too much information to overwhelm you but enough so you grow at a steady pace. Mark has a great personality and makes you feel that you are not only his student but also a friend. I would recommend Mark to any new or seasoned musician."

Brian Hester, Bass Student since Feb 2004

Mark is a talented instructor; If I don't get what he's saying, he finds different ways to communicate the same idea. I'm grateful to find someone with this approach to teaching.

Laura Carter, Guitar Student since Nov 2005

“I’ve been taking jazz guitar lessons from Mark for a year and a half. He is a “Class-A” instructor and very patient (trust me on this). He has an excellent teaching method allowing the student to progress at their own pace. His lessons include performance along with theory with the result being a comprehensive knowledge of the instrument as well as the music.  I would highly recommend Mark as your teacher.”

John Robinson, jazz guitar student since April 2007

"Mark Hamrock truly enjoys watching his students excel. Marks success, I feel comes from his easy manner, positivism, punctuality, computer skills and overall knowledge of all kinds of music. The lesson plans are absolutely customized to each student, offering each student the ability to take it to the next level and each session builds on the previous..........
Mark has been an invaluable teacher to me but I regard him more as my music coach, coaching me against learning bad habits, how to prepare for a recording studio, music instruments and brand names to consider buying and helping me to develop skills that will come in handy as I grow with my instrument and the band. Everyone can't believe I have only been playing for a year…I have a secret weapon...it is Mark Hamrock."

Michael Brindley, Bass Student since Aug 2004

Serving clientale in all areas of Orange County, California, with Guitar lessons and Bass Lessons including the cities of- Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Coto de Caza, Crystal Cove, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, El Toro, Foothill Ranch, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Orange, Portola Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Joaquin Hills, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Tustin, Westminster.