Dave is an amazing teacher! I took lessons with him for a couple months while I was off of work and wanted to use the time to get better at guitar. I'd been teaching myself for a while but was struggling a lot with the physical technique and hitting roadblocks. Dave helped me get way, way further than I ever have with the instrument in a very short time. He's patient, friendly, and really good at breaking things down in a way that's easy to understand. He helped me get past my struggles with bar chords, taught me better ways to think about switching my fingers quickly between chords, and in a short amount of time also had me reading tablature, finger picking, and more. He's a master of the instrument and can definitely teach you anything you want to learn in a practical way. Definitely recommend him if you're looking for a great teacher! read more

I can't recommend Dave highly enough! From my very first lesson, Dave has been instrumental in my guitar-playing journey. He guided me from learning the basics to performing full songs that I had always dreamed of playing (like tunes from the Allman Brothers and Grateful Dead). With his help, I improved from being a 'lonely couch player' to playing in a band and even performing at the Santa Monica Pier! Dave not only has a deep understanding of guitar but also has a real gift for teaching. Beyond his expertise, Dave is genuinely a great person. He brings a positive and encouraging attitude to every session, making each lesson something to look forward to. It's clear that he cares deeply about his students' progress and takes a personal interest in their success--even though it's been years since my last lesson, he still checks in on my progress and asks how I'm doing. If you're looking to make real progress with a supportive, talented teacher, look no further than Dave! read more

Cat On Strat - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me

Not once in my life did anyone tell me I had musical talent until I met Dave. I got hurt at a jujitsu tournament and couldn't really do anything athletic for a while. Pulled his number off a flyer randomly and started lessons. Dave seems to connect with people as they are and speak their language. He framed things in a way I could really understand. The structure of our lessons perfectly balanced skill development, theory and technique - all while learning songs that I loved. He taught me how to teach myself so my development didn't end with our lessons. He even helped me pick out guitars and amps! The guy literally wants to share his gift and love of music. My goal with guitar lessons was to learn a couple campfire songs and kill some time. By sheer luck, I found Dave and he unlocked a whole new dimension to my world. From playing all over the world to strumming silly birthday songs for my kids, none of this would have been possible without that Cat on Strat! read more

Cat On Strat - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me

Dave is great!!! His lessons are so much more than guitar, he's a great musician and generally just a great guy. I love getting to pick his brain about all things music and culture. His lessons are all around a great time and I always leave feeling excited to head into my own week of practice. read more

I have taken guitar lessons from Dave for several years. As an intermediate-level guitarist, I needed a teacher to help me fill in the holes of missing theory, ear training, and correct bad habits from my years of "self-learning" as well as help me learn to play the harder songs from my favorite guitarists and bands. Dave, far exceeded my expectations. He was patient, and thorough, and listened to my input as well. We worked together on a weekly program to move forward in learning the skills and songs necessary for me to become the guitarist I wanted to be. I am now much more confident of my understanding of theory, chords, scales ... and can now focus on specific skills for playing the songs I enjoy the most. Dave is a great instructor from beginner to advanced and can help you become the guitarist YOU want to be. Rick W read more

Dave's lessons helped me grow into the guitar player I always wanted to be but never knew how to get to on my own. He's the rare guitarist that is both great at playing AND teaching - knowledgable and supportive, he knows how to make learning doable and fun to actually progress quickly. If you want to get way better at the guitar and have a great time doing it in a way that is actually achievable, try and book some lessons with Dave. Thanks for your help man!!! read more

I have been taking acoustic guitar lessons from Dave for several years now. I had a basic knowledge of music theory, but needed help with application and guitar technique. With the help of Dave I have made tremendous progress. I would describe it like going from playing nursery rhyme songs to playing more complicated songs with barred chords in additon to flat and minor chord shapes. Dave makes learning the guitar fun and will let you pick the type of music you enjoy playing. Also, since studying with Dave I have learned different types of fingerstyles and he helps with preparation for a performance. Dave has given me valuable tools so that I can accompany myself on the guitar while singing. The individualized private lessons target the areas that you need the most help with. read more

Great first session.liked to dialog and questions answered. I'm really starting to feel it. ))

Really can't say enough great things about Dave and his Cat on a Strat guitar method. First there's Dave the person. I started taking lessons with Dave for about two months, and got injured pretty back. My injuries required me to have 2 back surgeries. Dave checked up on me many times, and even sent me a book by Bruce Lee. Bruce Lee also broke his back during an exhibition match. It was just a nice motivational tool. When you're in a dark place, it's sometimes very hard to see light. Just knowing that there's someone out there that truly cares about your well being- words can't describe it. Second, there's the guitar teacher Dave. And man if you thought Dave the person was awesome, wait until you have a lesson. Breaks down the information and gives you just the right amount so you're challenged, but not overwhelmed. He's patient, empathetic, and listens. Dave has written books on guitar theory, so he knows exactly what he's doing. You will get a first class lesson every time you sit down with him! Thanks Dave for believing in me and being a friend when I needed one. You're the best!!!!! read more

David is simply the best guitar teacher. His patience, kindness, and playfulness helped me find joy in learning a new instrument, rather than taking it too seriously. He made the lessons fun and was good about being patient and going at my pace. He explained things clearly and taught in a way that was easy to follow and understand. HIGHLY recommend David if you're looking for a wonderful guitar teacher! read more

David is the best Guitar teacher! Usually it's very difficult to find a teacher that can adjust to your style of learning. I struggled with another guitar class that I had taken because the teacher only had one way of presenting the information. Not with David he made is super easy and broke everything down to simple concepts that I was able to understand. I went from not being able to play chords fluently to being able to strum out some of my favorite pop songs with ease. On top of that David is just an awesome person I was nervous to take guitar lessons again but his lessons are like having a good friend lead you towards your goal. I recommend Dave to anyone novice to pro. I'm glad to be one of his students! Thanks David read more

I have been taking lessons with Dave for about 4 months now and I think he is a great teacher. I was brand new to guitar and it's always been an interest of mine to learn. He is very knowledgeable and professional. Setting up lessons is really easy and he can even skype lessons when my schedule is hectic. I highly recommend for people of all ages and kids too!!! Looking forward to more lessons!! read more

I was really impressed with Dave's knowledge. I'm new to guitar but coming from a piano background I immediately understood his depth of knowledge with the basics, cords and more sophisticated individual string picking. I always get excited when someone is very passionate about what they do, Dave is passionate and has a unique knowledge of rare guitars and who has played what so expect some fun trivia when you get a lesson. Also, one of his clients now plays with STING and I was invited to a private show. So, he's a cool guy to boot. Very reasonably priced too. read more

I've always wanted to learn how to play the guitar. I started taking lessons with David about a year ago (on FaceTime). I am so thrilled about what I can do now . I feel he has helped me to come to this point. I find him very clear when he teaches, very encouraging (which I really needed) and he knows how and when to push me to the next level. He was recommended by a good friend who has been playing guitar for many years.....he told me how helpful he was for him and I'm glad I listened. Kristen Wycoff read more

A fun experience! A great way to learn guitar fast from an enthusiastic master. Dave is patient and will help teach you in a way that works for you. Well worth the money. read more

Dave is an accomplished musician and an excellent teacher. That's a rare combination. I started taking lessons from Dave more than 10 years ago and rather late in life as I never had the time or resources earlier. We started in person in NY, but then continued via Skype when he moved to CA. We didn't miss a beat (pun intended). He is infinitely patient - which I really appreciate since I'm not particularly accomplished, despite his best efforts. He is also very understanding when my personal or business life requires a cancellation or rescheduling of our weekly lessons. He also provides helpful guidance when it comes to equipment and software. But what I appreciate most is the way he tailors lessons to my musical tastes and learning style. I made it clear from the beginning that I had no interest in, or aptitude for, learning to read music. The tab system he uses for our lessons enables me to progress and not experience total frustration (other than the frustration I feel at not being Eric Clapton or Jimmy Page). No teacher is perfect for everyone, but David is for me. read more