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I’ve been playing guitar since college, and considered myself a half way decent
player for someone self taught and playing for my own enjoyment. I’d taken a few lessons over the years, but never clicked
with any of the instructors and never stayed with anyone for more than a couple of sessions. So, I’d learn what I could
from friends, books, and DVD’s and made very slow progress over about 40 years of playing. Then one
evening I had the pleasure of hearing Dave play and was absolutely blown away by how beautiful his music was. I remember thinking
to myself, “Now that’s the kind of music I’d like to be able to play”. So I approached Dave during
a break and before I knew it, I was signed up for lessons. That was almost two years ago and I’ve covered way, way more
distance in those two years than in all the years before. The first thing I realized, about ten minutes
into my first lesson, was how little I knew about the guitar. Then slowly, over the next weeks and months, the pieces of the
puzzle started to fall into place. I still have a long, long way to go, but I can definitely see some light
at the end of the tunnel. Without
question, Dave is an exceptionally talented and versatile guitarist, but I really think that his true talent is teaching others.
He seems to know just how to nudge you along, step by step and guide you through the process of building the foundation you
need to transition from a casual player to a musician. At first, I remember being frustrated by how difficult
it was to get past some of the hurdles, but I kept hearing Dave’s voice saying “there are no shortcuts”,
so I’d just keep at it and before long things started falling into place. So, if you’re interested in learning how to really play the guitar, and if you’re
willing to put in the time, there is absolutely no question that Dave Schroeder is the guy you need to hook up with. He’s
a delight to be around, an absolute gas to play guitar with and he’ll take you on a journey that will blow your mind.Michael McDonald
James Leonard Leading the way in Abstract Art - Click Here
"Dave has held my hand and walked me through the world of guitar since the beginning.
I've gone from playing open chords to playing fancy jazz chords. His approach is to listen to your needs and start
where you are. I've taken many many lessons from some great players in the past, but none as competent as Dave.
He's transforming me from a guitar player to a musician!!"
~ James Leonard
Dave is a great teacher for all levels of ability. I came to him when I was 15 or
so. At that time I had been playing for about a year, but didn't really know anything about reading music, scales, or
harmony. My only goal at that time was to learn enough to make it into my high school jazz band by my junior year. Junior
year rolled around and not only did I make it into the jazz band, but I also received an award at the LMC Jazz Festival that
year for "Outstanding Soloist."
I continued studying with Dave until I was accepted to the University
of Southern California, where I majored in Studio/Jazz Guitar. I know that I would never had made it there if not for Dave.
He has a talent for keeping things simple yet challenging. He preaches fundamentals while putting a major emphasis on playing
the guitar in the lessons. He used to let me sit in on his gigs and would actually call my house every once in a while just
to see how my practicing was going. Dave's personal investment in his student's needs is what makes him a great teacher.
Of course it doesn't hurt that he is also a burning player!
~ Keegan Anglim
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| Lee Williams and his family |
Lee Williams - You Tube - Autumn Leaves, Sophisticated Lady - Click Here
Dave
Schroeder is a class act! When I began lessons with Dave about seven years ago I didn't know the first
thing about how music works. I had played rock and roll for years, but still had no real clue. I couldn't
even explain in musical terms what I did know. I didn't know a flat from a sharp, much less read music,
or understand music theory. I had begun to listen more closely to jazz guitarists, and was really taken with the genre.
Needless to say, when I tried to emulate what I heard them play, I was lost. I knew there had to be more. I was
fortunate enough to be referred to Dave by a local music store. When I first saw Dave play, I thought to myself,
I'll never get there. However, Dave reassured me. He told me that indeed I could play jazz,
but that there were "no short cuts." I never forgot it, nor did Dave. Dave, himself
a former student of the great Jazz guitarist Ron Eschete, provided me with all of the necessary tools, and encouragement along
the way. For the next four years, I looked forward to, and loved my lessons with Dave.
I have since continued
to study jazz guitar on my own. Needless to say, Dave was right along. Buy following his lead, I am now proficient
with Jazz guitar, and my love for the music has continued. I have since studied with some other instructors, some
of those fairly notable. But, in all honesty, none have come close to Dave. Not only does he have the music
theory (melody harmony, etc.) down pat, but he is everything you would hope for in a teacher of any kind. The
fact that we are still friends, and stay in contact, is a testament to that!
Dave Schroeder is indeed
a class act!
~ Lee Williams
TJ's Website - Click Here
"Dave is by far the best guitar instructor I have ever studied with. He equipped
me with the musical tools I use every time I pick up a guitar. In addition to being a veritable dictionary of guitar
technique and music theory, Dave is definitely the most talented guitarist I know personally (and one of the nicest people
you will ever meet)."
~ T.J. Hill
Jason Roberts and his group Nice Monster - Click Here
I’ve been playing guitar
for 23 years and I’ve worked with a dozen guitar teachers, and Dave is not only the most accessible instructor I had,
but also the most proficient player. Dave manages to take a complex style of guitar playing and create a sound that is uniquely
his own. I learned a great deal from him about playing jazz guitar specifically and the guitar in general. For Dave, the guitar
is truly an extension of himself. I’ve met few people who share Dave’s passion for performance, teaching, and
music.
Currently, I perform guitar in two rock-oriented bands in Sacramento, California (www.myspace.com/nicemonster and www.christiankiefer.com), write and record with those bands as well as my own solo material (www.kjasonroberts.com), and I teach Literature and Composition as an Assistant Professor of English at Sierra College in Rocklin,
California.
~ Jason Roberts
Dave has been an excellent teacher. As a beginning guitar student, I enjoy Dave's
style of teaching. He keeps me motivated and has an incredible amount of patience. He always finds a way to explain material
in a way you can understand. To hear him play keeps me motivated. He has an incredible amount of talent and is
a very nice, easy going person. Not only do I see Dave as a very good teacher, I also see him as a good friend.
Thanks Dave!!
~ Frank Drost
I took lessons from Dave Schroeder for four years while he was
in Long Beach. When Dave decided to move to the bay area, it was the right thing for him personally, but
a disappointment for me to lose such a great teacher. The time I had spent with him moved me from a rudimentary
knowledge of guitar to learning reading skills, understanding some theory, and having an appreciation for jazz guitar that
I still enjoy today.
While I’ve tried other guitar instructors since, none have had the
combination of chops, music theory knowledge, and passion for jazz and teaching that Dave has.
Dave turned
me on to a lot beyond the usual scales, modes, and standards. One of his strengths was his fine 7-string solo
guitar work. In the time I took lessons, he shared some of his chord melody playing and helped me develop a vocabulary
of chords and substitutions. His discipline in how he approached learning for himself was something I also used to improve
my playing.
Beyond all of this, his passion and enthusiasm for jazz guitar was a strong motivator that kept me
listening to other players and trying to learn more all along. He’s the best!
~
Gordon Fogg
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| The Amazing Vocalist Dorothy Collins |
Dorothy Collins Web-site - Click Here
I played with Dave Schroeder during
my formative years of jazz, and I consider him to be one of my greatest influences. As an accompanist, he helped me to discover
my own style, giving me freedom, encouragement and solid support. As a player I found that his spirited, playful, and sensitive
style was very much an extension of who he was: a man who loves music, people and loves life! It has been great to see him
enjoying his success, sharing the music and teaching others with that same enthusiasm.
We had some great times
driving to gigs all over LA and Orange County (and aboard yachts), talking on the CB radio. Once I revealed my Jazz Club lottery
fantasy, which he proceeded to talk me out of, saying "You can't make any money owning a jazz club!" We played
'My Favorite Things' for Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards, who gave us a wink and a nod. Ate lots of 'two in a
bowl' soup. Were featured on local TV shows, and played with lots of great musicians over the years: Martin Matthews,
Jeff Jorgenson, Cecelia Coleman, Mark Massey, Justo Almario, and many more. It was a great time. He's been a mentor, a
partner and a great friend. I feel lucky to know him.
~ Dorothy Collins
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| From the left - Dave, Naomi, Jay, Diana, Dick |
Dave Schroeder has been a tremendously influential person in our son's life.
We hired Dave to give Jay guitar lessons when Jay was about 14 years old. Jay wanted to play the guitar but did not want to
do the hard work of learning to sight read. Dave patiently, professionally and with a great deal of friendship to Jay,
worked and worked with him. Today, Jay is a senior at UCLA as a music major with scholarships! He plays multiple stringed
instruments with the double bass being his primary instrument but also plays cello, guitar, electric bass and keyboard.
Jay has been accepted
into many performance groups where sight reading is critical and every time he goes through the process, he thanks Dave!
He has already gotten credits for indie films which is all sight reading work.
Dave is a true professional, and a very, very talented musician.
I have also hired him to perform for several
of my professional events and he is always a hit!
He will always be a part of this family's life.
~ Diana Rubottom
As a kid being around my dad, who was
very musically inclined, I learned a few things about music; but never took it seriously. I picked up and
began playing the guitar about five years ago at the age of 40. After self-teaching myself for about two
years I wanted more. I went to a local music store and spoke to the owner about taking guitar lessons and
I was fortunate enough that he referred me to Dave. I thought
I had a pretty good idea about music going in with Dave; I soon learned I did not have a clue. Dave has
taught me so much about music theory, how songs are written, chord progressions, various scales, jazz vs. pop music, how to
really listen to a song to hear what the artists are doing with the music, etc…I still feel I have not touched the
surface of what Dave can teach me. Not only
does he have the technical skills and knowledge to instruct, but more importantly his easy going personality enables him to
impart his knowledge to his students. Dave also teaches guitar to my 18 year old son. Although
my son and I have very different tastes in music, Dave tailors our lessons to our likes while still imparting the basics,
the foundation, for us to build upon. Dave is an excellent teacher and I look forward to continuing to
learn from him. Not only did I find a great guitar teacher in Dave, I found
a new friend.
~ Bob Palermini
I have known Dave for nearly 20 years now. Our friendship began as I detailed in my testimonial
regarding my hiring him to perform at events I had hosted; please see that testimonial for details although in synopsis, that
friendship began after seeing his true kindness and professionalism in his work arena in the late 1980s. In the mid 1990s,
I wanted to take guitar lessons and I knew Dave was a teacher. I began taking lessons from him. I do want to mention that
my time was divided thinly between work, beach volleyball (which I was playing quite "seriously") and guitar. He
was a wonderful teacher; I had taken lessons for other instruments as a youth and my previous teachers would simply "push
their agenda" on me at a pace THEY felt was correct and if I ever showed up at a lesson with minimal practice since the
week before, they could tell and would let me know. This led to almost a "fear" the day or two prior to a lesson
when I had not done any practicing. With Dave, it was always a pleasant and kind atmosphere at a lesson. Once he saw my general
pattern of how much new material I could learn per week (probably less than most due to my time constraints with practicing)
he tailored his lessons to my scenario and it removed most of the "dread" at going to a lesson "unprepared";
the amount of "dread" not removed boiled down to my inherent personality of never wanting to be unprepared! I recently
contacted Dave again as I am considering taking guitar lessons again and although our geographic locations do not allow me
to take lessons from him, I trust him so much that I simply asked him for some referrals to local teachers where I am at now.
If geography would allow it, I would 100% go to Dave again and pursue the commitment to learn guitar from a true teacher!
~ Lawrence Wang M.D.
Dave Rocks. His dedication to his students is unrivaled. It's been three
years since I've had a lesson with Dave, yet we still keep in very regular contact, finding time to meet for java at least
a few times a year. I took lessons with Dave all throughout high school, where he inspired a deep passion for guitar
and music in me. His approach to teaching always had me reaching for more, while consistently being first and foremost
fun. I am now continuing the pursuit of the guitar at the University of Southern California, which will without a doubt
continue until the rest of my days. As, I am sure, will my relationship with Dave.
~ Jonathan Jovel
When I first started taking lessons from Dave, I had only a basic understanding of the
guitar. I could strum a few campfire chords, but I had no understanding of how music was put together or how to
solo over changes beyond the basic pentatonic rock and roll thing. Within a few lessons, Dave had me soloing over basic
changes and was opening my eyes to the complexity and beauty of how music actually works. It was only through what Dave
showed me that I was eventually ready to go on to learn from his teacher, Ron Eschete, and to eventually earn a degree in
Music. One of the greatest pleasures in my life was to go from being a student of Dave's to being someone he actually
occassionally gigged with. Dave has been an inspiration to me, and continues to this day to be a mentor in my own
musical career, as well as a great friend.
~ Clifford Barackman
I started taking lessons from Dave when I was in 5th grade and didn't stop taking
them until my junior year in high school. I've been a changed man ever since. He is a legend. When I first
met Dave, I knew little about the guitar. He taught me so much, so fast. He showed me things I never dreamed of learning.
When I picked up the guitar for the first time way back in 2nd grade, I just wanted to know how to play songs. Dave
not only can teach you any song you want to learn, but also the theory behind it all. He knows so much about music and
loves his job more than anyone I know. I look up to him as a hero. Hendrix and Schroeder. I owe a lot to
this great man and true friend.
~ Richie Peters
I am presently taking guitar lessons from Dave. I am 76 years old and have spent
a lot of time taking guitar lessons to improve myself over the years. If someone was to ask me to recommend a "top
notch teacher" of the guitar, without a moments hesitation it would be Dave. I've had lessons from other great
guitarists, and Dave is not only a great guitarist, he is also head and shoulders above the rest as a guitar teacher.
As a training officer for 18 years in an organized fire department,
I give
Dave an A+ as a teacher, as well as a guitar player.
Respectfully, ~ Bud Christianson
I first
began studying with Dave when I was 13 years old and continued with him for about 6 or 7 years. I still
remember being nervous to meet Dave for the first time and then feeling comfortable with him almost immediately.
His friendly nature puts his students at ease and his love for the guitar inspires them to learn and grow as musicians.
Besides just learning the guitar basics, Dave equipped me with musical knowledge that I still use today.
I have
studied with several guitar players besides Dave. And while all of them were extremely talented musicians,
none were as nearly as good at guiding me in my musical journey. Dave's easy-going nature and patience
create for a very productive learning environment.
I have since gone on to study music at Sonoma State University
and am now a semester away from completing this leg of my musical journey. I know, however, that I would
not have made it this far without the musical tools Dave has equipped me with.
~ Brian Pursell
Dave is the best guitar teacher. He is knowledgeable, talented,
and has great teaching ability. His knowledge can take you as far as you want to go as a guitarist, whether you want to sight-read,
solo, learn heavy-duty music theory, or just learn how to play your favorite songs. Furthermore, he is a good guitarist himself;
he is obviously an amazing jazz guitarists, but there was nothing he couldn't teach me because he could play any style
I thought of. In addition to all this, he has an outstanding teaching ability being able to perceive what the student is struggling
with, and how to relate to them in order to explain how to improve.
When I started taking lessons with Dave, I
essentially never played a musical instrument. Dave not only taught me how to play chords and strum them, but simultaneously
put everything in a music theory background; teaching how to sight read, scales, and so forth. He adapted to whatever
I wanted to learn, be it a song I heard on the radio, or training me for the jazz band at my high school. After taking lessons
for about three years, I went off to college and with the knowledge base I had from my lessons I taught my own guitar lessons
in as a part time job.
My last note on Dave is that you will rarely find a person like him, he Is passionate about
what he does, and exudes a positive attitude. Always on time and in a good mood, you'll enjoy every minute of your guitar
lesson. I'd recommend him to anyone, with full confidence that their expectations will not only be met, but most
certainly surpassed.
~ Yaeer Levi
Dave has really changed my life. When
I was in middle school, I had no musical talent whatsoever. Don't get me wrong; I loved music. But I was entirely lost
when it came to playing a musical instrument. I even failed at playing the recorder back in grade school! But I
was an avid classic rock fan, and I idolized the famous riffs of Page, Hendrix, and the like. I wanted to play their riffs
so I could feel the music too. I
started out taking lessons at the community center, and I must say they stank. The teacher was a good player and all, but
he could not teach. I temporarily ended my music career after these lessons. However, the idea of becoming the next Jimi Hendrix lingered in my mind, and I decided to take up
guitar again. I asked my family friend for a recommendation, and he gave me Dave's name. I strongly believe that Dave is the best guitar teacher around. Not
only can he play (I have seen a few of his awesome gigs), but he can teach. He will come to anyone's house and help
you learn to play the amazing instrument of the guitar.As an attestation of how good a teacher Dave is, I had no musical
talent when I started taking lessons, and neither did anyone in my entire family. But now, I can comfortably say that I
can play the guitar. I am no Hendrix, but I am competent nonetheless. Beyond the tangible effects of Dave's teaching are the intangible effects of just being around
him. Whether it is 7:30 in the morning (a world record!) or late on Sunday afternoon, Dave is always happy and positive.
He will walk in your front door wearing his trademark Hawaiian shirt, and the whole atmosphere around you will brighten up.
Dave makes the lessons enjoyable and free of stress, just the way they ought to be. You will learn the songs and style you
want to learn, and even the music theory behind them. In conclusion, I have greatly enjoyed my lessons with Dave so far, and I can safely assume that I will continue
to do so at least until I go off to college. But Dave's influence doesn't stop there: I look forward to continuing
to enjoy his gift of music for the rest of my days. Thanks a lot Dave!
~David EliahuI think there is a clear distinction between a master of an
instrument and a master of teaching. It’s rare to find both in the same person. Dave
is such a person. I was introduced to Dave when I went to a guitar store to buy my first guitar and asked if they knew a good
teacher. The guy at the store told me , yes indeed I will put you in touch with the
best guitar teacher I myself have experienced. That teacher turned out to be Dave and the guy at the guitar
store turned out to be very right about Dave’s skills. I love Dave’s teaching style, it’s
very practical and hands on yet he subtly introduces the nuances and theory without making it a hugely academic affair.
On top of his excellent teaching and playing skills, his calm and gentle personality puts anyone at ease and in the
right frame of mind to learn. I would recommend Dave to any would be or existing guitar player.
He is really a great person, both in his guitar skills and his personal skills. Thanks Dave for…well
being you! :-) ~Amir Jahanshahi
I have been taking jazz guitar lessons from Dave Schroeder now for
about 15 months
and I cannot begin to describe how thrilled I am with
my progress of learning music theory and Jazz Guitar technique.
I got
introduced to Dave and his music 16 months ago when my wife and I were
checking out one of the local retirement
homes in San Ramon for my
in-laws. Near the end of the tour we heard the most incredible Jazz
guitarist play old
and current jazz song standards that were simply
incredible. That particular day, Dave was hired to give a 1 hour
performance to the residents of that retirement home. Dave’s playing
just blew us away at our very first meeting.
After his very well
received set, I asked if he would give me Jazz guitar lessons. After
a few polite email exchanges,
Dave agreed to take me on as one of his
students. I have had other guitar teachers in the past but they are
miles
away from approaching the excellent background in music and
teaching skills that Dave possesses.
What really
separates Dave from other guitar instructors is that he has
truly mastered the guitar on so many levels and has so many
years of
teaching experience that he has developed proven teaching techniques
and tools on his own to make it
so much easier for a novice like myself
to come up to speed quickly on music theory and applying it to learning
and mastering the fundamentals of basic jazz guitar. Dave has
de-mystified scales, chord progressions, scales, keys
and so many other
elements of music theory and jazz guitar technique that would normally
make my head spin.
Dave is also a terrific listener, teacher, and friend. He is
extraordinarily flexible and takes the time to
customize each lesson
and to put the student at ease when explaining how to overcome a
difficult practice piece
or helping the student overcome a difficult
musical concept or technique. He is at once incredibly patient but
gives
careful and steady guidance to allow the student to progress at
his own pace or comfort level. Dave is also sensitive
to the fact that
you are working, married, have a family with kids, and can’t always
find the practice time
to
be ready for the next lesson. Being flexible
has been a lifesaver for me and simply removes that element of
stress
of not being 100% ready for your next lesson.
If you have set musical goals for yourself with regard
to playing the
guitar, Dave’s lessons and unique approach to applying very creative
teaching techniques
will help you attain the goals with a thorough
understanding of music theory. I have always been intimidated with the
prospect of learning how to read music but Dave has been able to
restore confidence in my ability to read music
and at the same time
improving my guitar playing skills. His thoughtful and careful
selection of songs and exercises
reinforce the lessons and build upon
the previous topics learned in the last lesson.
I really feel that I
was lucky to find Dave as I consider him to be not
only one of the best guitar instructors out there but also one of
my
best friends. His positive can-do attitude is infectious and he
challenges you to become a better guitar player
by setting the example.
Just listen to some of his recorded work and you will see what I mean.
Dave was also
partially responsible for steering towards my current
employer, Voyage-Air Guitars where I am currently employed as
a
Salesman. He suggested that I research travel/practice guitars and my
research uncovered the Voyage Air Travel
Acoustic guitar. After
purchasing one of their Songwriter OM6 Folding Ac
oustic Guitars I liked
the product
so much that I went to work for the company. Thanks Dave!
And thanks for taking me on as a student. I look forward to
every
lesson and you make learning jazz guitar a truly enjoyable experience. ~Wesley
Lem
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