The most important aspect of how I teach is focused around enjoying music and excitement for your instrument. I don't really teach to strict adherence to any specific system but instead I love helping people navigate their own path in playing an instrument or making music. Although some aspects of learning an instrument can be challenging, enjoyment of playing music is my number one priority.
Music has been a lifelong passion and journey for me starting when with school band in the 3rd grade. I got my first guitar when I was in 5th grade and later on went to receive by B.A. in Music from UC Riverside in 2013. Just a year before that I received "Best Soundtrack" award from CMF 2012 an international film competition for college students. Since then I have been actively teaching and working as a producer/composer/mixer in Oakland and the greater Bay Area. If you're local to the area you may see me around at show or event - feel free to come say hi!
Overview
Hired 20 times
Background checked
1 employee
11 years in business
Business hours
SunClosedMon10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness, professionalism, and work quality.
Exceptional 5.0
18 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Digne G.
Jan 18, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
Stephen is a thoughtful and supportive instructor who really caters to your needs and interests. I was eager to dive into learning songs, learning some music theory, and most of all enjoying the fun of making music, and he really responded to my requests. He crafted lessons that quickly got me strumming happily away at some of my favorite songs, and always provided the perfect amount of new information and advice so I could take my playing up a notch without becoming overwhelmed. He provides you with a google folder of all the lesson materials which is v helpful, and he's got all the answers when I ask him endless questions about theory or technique. Best of all, he's just a joy to work with and he creates a warm environment to explore and have fun!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Acoustic • Folk • Country • Yes, the student has an instrument • 30 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)
Acumen Productions's reply
Thank you for the very thoughtful and kind review Digne! Happy to work with you and glad I could help you with learning the guitar.
Guitar Lessons
Shayna Z.
Apr 18, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
Stephen is very professional and productive! Working with him is easy and pleasant. He helped me finish my song recording and post-production with high-quality and good communication.
Details: Singing only (pre-recorded instrumentals) • Pop • 26 - 44 years old • 1 track • 5 minutes or fewer
Acumen Productions's reply
Thanks for trusting me with your song and mixing it as well. It was a lot of fun helping bring your vision to life!
Audio Recording
Phillip N.
Mar 13, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Acumen Productions is great to work with. He was hired to Mix a song of mine in which he was able to do online. Relaying what I needed done through the thumbtack app and him being able to deliver was a great experience. 1 song down many more to come
Thank you so much for the opportunity Phillip! It was a joy working on your track. Looking forward to working together again in the future.
Audio Recording
Tem W.
Apr 15, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
Stephen is very knowledgeable and professional. He has a good ear for music and is very skilled at what he does. I am definitely coming back for another track.
Details: Instruments only • R&B / Soul • Hip-hop / Rap • Pop • 26 - 44 years old • 1 track • 5 minutes or fewer • Mixing • Mastering • Editing • Pre-production • Post-production
Acumen Productions's reply
It was a pleasure working with you Tem! I'm glad I could be of service to you in the creation of your track. Looking forward to working with you again.
Audio Recording
Gema C.
Mar 30, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
I’ve taken guitar lessons with Stephen for several months and I’m so happy with the progress I’ve made. Stephen is a talented musician and teacher who is patient, knowledgeable, and always encouraging. His lessons are well-structured and tailored to my individual goals and interests, which has made learning guitar a fun and rewarding experience.
One of the things I appreciate most about Stephen is his ability to break down complex concepts into manageable pieces, making it easy for me to understand and apply them to my playing. He is great at providing constructive feedback and helping me identify areas for improvement while maintaining a positive and supportive attitude.
Overall, I would highly recommend Stephen to anyone looking to learn or improve their guitar skills. He is an excellent teacher who cares about the success of his students. Thank you, Stephen!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • Acoustic • Rock • Blues • Jazz • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • Remotely (phone or internet)
Acumen Productions's reply
Thank you so much Gema! It was a pleasure getting to work with you and I appreciate the thoughtful words.
Guitar Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Stephen Fong
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I will normally quote an hourly rate for mixing and songwriting projects, but for lessons I charge in blocks of 4 at a time for the following time blocks:
4x60 minute = $400
4x45 minute = $320
4x30 minute = $250
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
With new clients and students the most important thing is figuring out their goals and where they want to go. That might be learning a particular song, or creating a series of songs, but I try to figure out what is most important and then what experience they may already have so we can start in an area that will keep the highest interest in their lesson/project.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
20+ of years of guitar playing and along the way have picked up a few instruments such as piano, bass, as well as DAWs and synthesizers.
Graduated with a B.A. in Music from UC Riverside in 2013
Received "Best Soundtrack" CMF award in 2012
Avid Certified Operator - Pro Tools 2018
