Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin and Ukulele « Community Music Center

Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin and Ukulele Teachers

Banjo Teachers
Bass (electric) Teachers
Guitar (acoustic) Teachers
Guitar (electric) Teachers
Mandolin Teachers
Ukulele Teachers

Banjo Teachers

SANDY BRASSARD (2006), banjo, guitar, (acoustic, electric), bass and mandolin. Sandy was the first female guitarist to win a full scholarship in Classical Guitar at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music in 1983. She has since traveled extensively in Europe and South and Central America studying local folk music styles. Sandy is in a trio that performs originals. She performs on four CDs currently available, the most recent a solo guitar album of Classical, Spanish and Jazz music. Her experiences include teaching in the senior program through the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, and leading the Spanish choir at Mission Dolores Church. Sandy’s love for teaching spans all age groups and includes music performance, composition, theory, history and just plain having fun. Sandy is proficient in Spanish.
Mission District Branch

ERIK PEARSON (2002), guitar (acoustic and electric), banjo and ukulele. Erik graduated from Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music with degrees in Cultural Anthropology and Music Composition. He has played and recorded in bands since 1990, written chamber music for local choreographers, and performs with internationally known storyteller Diane Ferlatte. The styles he teaches range from old time folk music, singer-songwriters to free-improv jazz-rock. Most recent projects include: Sonya Hunter, Mushroom, Crooked Jades, Nearly Beloved, and Billy Talbot.
Mission District Branch

Bass (electric) Teachers

SANDY BRASSARD (2006), banjo, guitar, (acoustic, electric), Bass and Mandolin. Sandy was the first female guitarist to win a full scholarship in Classical Guitar at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music in 1983. She has since traveled extensively in Europe and South and Central America studying local folk music styles. Sandy is in a trio that performs originals. She performs on four CDs currently available, the most recent a solo guitar album of Classical, Spanish and Jazz music. Her experiences include teaching in the senior program through the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, and leading the Spanish choir at Mission Dolores Church. Sandy’s love for teaching spans all age groups and includes music performance, composition, theory, history and just plain having fun. Sandy is proficient in Spanish.
Mission District Branch

KAI CHU (2010), guitar, electric bass.
Kai Chu received his Bachelor’s of Music in Music Business and Guitar from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. He studied piano at an elementary age, clarinet in concert band, and voice at Berklee. He has extensive experience in rock bands on electric bass and guitar including playing bass in “Immigrant”. Performed at Red Rocks Amphitheater, L.A. Forum, and Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. Teaches rock, blues, and folk styles.
Also speaks Mandarin.
Mission District Branch

MARK KENNEDY (1987), Bass, Guitar. B.A., Castleton College; Ringling School of Art, Berklee School of Music. Private lessons with Dave Cobb, Principal Bassist with Albany (N.Y.) Symphony. Music Director, composer for The Pickle Family Circus, Make* a* Circus and Miracle Theatre. Composer on Academy Award winning film “Clowning Around”. Mark has played on numerous recordings including Susan Chen’s “Harris Nights,” and “For a While”. In 2009 Mark released a c.d.of original tunes entitled “Audrey Does Kennedy”. www.kennedymusicstudio.com
Mission District Branch

STEVE KIRK (2007), guitar, theory. Steve Kirk is a guitarist and a composer and has studied theory and orchestration with Donald Denegar and composition from Lockrem Johnson. He has played with a wide variety of bands since the late seventies including the Bat Area’s own Club Foot Orchestra and has composed music for film, television, radio and video games. He also teaches guitar, music theory and band workshops at Blue Bear School of American Music and his work can be sampled online at stevekirkpop.com or at myspace.com/stevekirkpop.
Mission District Branch

JASON MUSCAT (2007), bass (electric). Jason has been playing professionally since 1990. During those 17 years, he has performed and recorded with Tim Herb Alexander (Primus), Alex Skolnick (Michael Manring, Testament), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Atma Anur (Journey), Will Bernard (Motherbug, T.J. Kirk), Roy Thomas Baker (producer for Queen & The Cars).
Mission District Branch

ERIK PEARSON (2002) guitar (acoustic and electric), banjo and ukulele. Erik graduated from Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music with degrees in Cultural Anthropology and Music Composition. He has played and recorded in bands since 1990, written chamber music for local choreographers, and performs with internationally known storyteller Diane Ferlatte. The styles he teaches range from old time folk music, singer-songwriters to free-improv jazz-rock. Most recent projects include: Sonya Hunter, Mushroom, Crooked Jades, Nearly Beloved, and Billy Talbot.
Mission District Branch

RICHARD SAUNDERS (1999), bass (acoustic, electric). Played with Country Joe and the Fish, Eddie Jefferson, Richie Cole, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson, Pickle Family Circus, and SF Mime Troupe. Recorded with Country Joe and the Fish, The Cleanliness and Godliness Skiffle Band and Jessica Williams.
Mission District Branch

Guitar (acoustic) Teachers

SANDY BRASSARD (2006). Banjo, Guitar, (acoustic, electric), Bass and Mandolin. Sandy was the first female guitarist to win a full scholarship in Classical Guitar at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music in 1983. She has since traveled extensively in Europe and South and Central America studying local folk music styles. Sandy is in a trio that performs originals. She performs on four CDs currently available, the most recent a solo guitar album of Classical, Spanish and Jazz music. Her experiences include teaching in the senior program through the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, and leading the Spanish choir at Mission Dolores Church. Sandy’s love for teaching spans all age groups and includes music performance, composition, theory, history and just plain having fun. Sandy is proficient in Spanish.
Mission District Branch

KAI CHU (2010), guitar, electric bass. guitar, electric bass.
Kai Chu received his Bachelor’s of Music in Music Business and Guitar from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. He studied piano at an elementary age, clarinet in concert band, and voice at Berklee. He has extensive experience in rock bands on electric bass and guitar including playing bass in “Immigrant”. Performed at Red Rocks Amphitheater, L.A. Forum, and Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. Teaches rock, blues, and folk styles.
Also speaks Mandarin.
Mission District Branch

LARRY DUNN (2004) acoustic and electric guitar. Studied with Dale Brunner (Johnny Smith) and Jackie King (Willie Nelson). Signed with/recorded for Warner Bros., Rounder, and Rhino record companies. Has written, recorded and produced 5 indie CDs. As a published songwriter has had music placed in film and television, MUZAK, recorded by other artists and included on compilation CDs. Has toured throughout the U.S. and opened for: Stevie Ray Vaughn, Four Tops, Bonnie Raitt, Tower of Power, Dr. John, Stylistics, Robben Ford and John Lee Hooker, among others. Has worked with Big Joe Turner, Bo Diddley, Steve Cropper, John Oates and Eddie Money.Teaches: flat pick and hybrid finger picking (fingers & pick). Genres include: blues, rock, jump swing, r&b, folk and country Has taught for 18 yrs., working with beginners as well as students who can play. Lessons can include notated studies of: scales, licks, arpeggios, chord inversions, reading and song/solo transcriptions with the accompanying theory and music history. Also enjoys teaching songwriting. www.larrydunnmusic.net
Mission and Richmond District Branches

PATRICK GREENE (2001), guitar (acoustic, electric).
Patrick Greene received his Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Music and Jazz Performance from Sonoma State University and a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Marquette University. His teachers include: Randy Vincent, Sid Jacobs, Anthony Peterson. Patrick has performed locally since 1994; currently with Patrick Greene Trio and Swoop Unit. He produced first CD in 2001 and teaches jazz, blues, funk, and rock guitar privately. He is currently the co-leader of the JazzMasters Workshop ensemble with Eddie Marshall.
Mission District Branch

PEPE JACOBO (1995), guitar (acoustic and electric), percussion (drum set and Latin). Pepe Jacobo received his Diploma in Music from the University of Costa Rica. He has studied with Stewart Mars, taken private classes with Antoni Saroni, Pete Magadini and many others. Pepe creates and performs original music on guitar and percussion. His teaching emphasizes the mathematics of time signatures, music therapy, scales, chords, open tones and fun.
Also speaks Spanish.
Mission District Branch

Mission District Branch

STEVE KIRK (2007), guitar, theory. Steve Kirk is a guitarist and a composer and has studied theory and orchestration with Donald Denegar and composition from Lockrem Johnson. He has played with a wide variety of bands since the late seventies including the Bat Area’s own Club Foot Orchestra and has composed music for film, television, radio and video games. He also teaches guitar, music theory and band workshops at Blue Bear School of American Music and his work can be sampled online at stevekirkpop.com or at myspace.com/stevekirkpop.
Mission District Branch

WILLIAM LUDAN (2000), guitar (acoustic). BM and MM, SFSU. Performed locally as soloist and chamber musician. Performed in master classes for renowned artists Carlos Barbosa-Lima, Manuel Barrueco, Abel Carlevaro, David Leisner, Michael Lorimer, David Russell and George Sakellariou. Studied ensemble performance with the Alexander String Quartet. Performed for live radio broadcasts and works with other instrumentalists. Also speaks Japanese.
Mission and Richmond District Branches

MARCELO PUIG (2010), Classical, Acoustic, and Electric Guitar. MarceloPuig grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina where he studied classical guitar at the Manuel de Falla Music Conservatory as a child. He then began playing American and Latin American pop music, Folk, Rock and Blues in his teen years. As an adult, he discovered Brazilian music and jazz and then once he moved to the Bay Area, Argentine Tango music. Marcelo is an active local performer with over 20 years of teaching experience in soloing, accompanying, and singing popular music, as well as chords, rhythms, progressions, scales, patterns, chops, licks, and tips for improvising. Visit Marcelo’s website: www.tengotango.com
Mission District Branch

CURTIS RENSHAW (1981), guitar (acoustic). BM, University of Redlands; MM, SF Conservatory of Music. Studied with George Sakellariou, Jose Rey de la Torre and Patrick L. Read. Taught at University of Redlands and Loma Linda University.
Mission and Richmond District Branches

ZAC SELISSEN (2009), guitar. MM San Francisco Conservatory of Music. BA University of St. Thomas. Principal teachers include Marc Teicholz, Christopher Kachian and Joan Griffith. Studied guitar pedagogy, compositon, transcription/arrangement. Performs locally with a tango quartet as well as in a guitar duo that covers a variety of styles including jazz, bossa, classical, ragtime, tango, and original compositions. Has extensively performed and recorded with rock and folk bands in the Twin Cities. Chosen to perform at GFA festival in San Francisco 2008.
Mission and Richmond District Branches

TODD W. SWENSON (1992), guitar (acoustic, electric). Studied at Hartt Music School, Boston University. Bandleader and freelance performing and recording artist (rhythm and blues, jazz, country, rock and original compositions). Currently with Big Bang Beat, The Soul Delights, Trainwreck, A Classic Duo with William Fiege, Sonic Strut, Woody Vermiere Band. Performed in the past with Mary Wells, Jules Broussard, Percy Sledge, Bette LaVette, Roger McGuinn and many others. Taught privately for 30 years as well as guitar classes at UCSF for 10 years.
Mission and Richmond District Branches

Guitar (electric) Teachers

KAI CHU (2010), guitar, electric bass.
Kai Chu received his Bachelor’s of Music in Music Business and Guitar from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. He studied piano at an elementary age, clarinet in concert band, and voice at Berklee. He has extensive experience in rock bands on electric bass and guitar including playing bass in “Immigrant”. Performed at Red Rocks Amphitheater, L.A. Forum, and Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. Teaches rock, blues, and folk styles.
Also speaks Mandarin.
Mission District Branch

PATRICK GREENE (2001), guitar (acoustic, electric).
Patrick Greene received his Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Music and Jazz Performance from Sonoma State University and a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Marquette University. His teachers include: Randy Vincent, Sid Jacobs, Anthony Peterson. Patrick has performed locally since 1994; currently with Patrick Greene Trio and Swoop Unit. He produced first CD in 2001 and teaches jazz, blues, funk, and rock guitar privately. He is currently the co-leader of the JazzMasters Workshop ensemble with Eddie Marshall.
Mission and Richmond District Branches

STEVE KIRK (2007), guitar, theory. Steve Kirk is a guitarist and a composer and has studied theory and orchestration with Donald Denegar and composition from Lockrem Johnson. He has played with a wide variety of bands since the late seventies including the Bat Area’s own Club Foot Orchestra and has composed music for film, television, radio and video games. He also teaches guitar, music theory and band workshops at Blue Bear School of American Music and his work can be sampled online at stevekirkpop.com or at myspace.com/stevekirkpop.
Mission District Branch

TODD W. SWENSON (1992), guitar (acoustic, electric). Studied at Hartt Music School, Boston University. Bandleader and freelance performing and recording artist (rhythm and blues, jazz, country, rock and original compositions). Currently with Big Bang Beat, The Soul Delights, Trainwreck, A Classic Duo with William Fiege, Sonic Strut, Woody Vermiere Band. Performed in the past with Mary Wells, Jules Broussard, Percy Sledge, Bette LaVette, Roger McGuinn and many others. Taught privately for 30 years as well as guitar classes at UCSF for 10 years.
Mission and Richmond District Branches

Mandolin Teachers

ACHILLE BOCUS (2009) Mandolin. Achille was born in Milan, Italy and has a diploma in music from the Milan Conservatory of Music. He has studied mandolin with Dorina Frati and conducted Milan’s largest and oldest mandolin orchestra, the Orchestra a Plettro Città di Milano. Achille has more than 20 years of teaching experience ranging from private mandolin lessons to solfege to theory to orchestral musicianship skills. He is currently teaching with mandolin serenade and Co-Director of the San Francisco Mandolin Orchestra. Achille is also a fan of American and British popular music and has performed in groups on the electric guitar and bass.
Mission District Branch

Ukulele Teacher (beginners only)

ERIK PEARSON (2002), guitar (acoustic and electric), banjo, and beginning ukulele. Erik graduated from Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music with degrees in Cultural Anthropology and Music Composition. He has played and recorded in bands since 1990, written chamber music for local choreographers, and performs with internationally known storyteller Diane Ferlatte. The styles he teaches range from old time folk music, singer-songwriters to free-improv jazz-rock. Most recent projects include: Sonya Hunter, Mushroom, Crooked Jades, Nearly Beloved, and Billy Talbot.
Mission District Branch