Cullen Griffin

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Introduction: Hello! My name is Cullen Griffin and I teach guitar, bass, and ukulele lessons in various styles of music and to people of all ages. I have been playing music for over 12 years now and have taught lessons throughout the last 6 years. As someone who pushes themselves daily to further develop their musical skills, I find it very important to not only give back some of the knowledge I've acquired over the years but to also help others learn how to learn effectively and efficiently. Having spent time learning and playing in various settings, from high school jazz bands to jam sessions to recording sessions, I've been able to distill what's essential across different styles and present them in an easily digestible way, allowing for students to see the connections between their favorite music and the underlying elements of music in general. For each student I tailor a lesson plan built around the student's long term goals. Whether its learning your favorite songs, how to write your own, or taking the steps towards mastery of the instrument, I find it very important to explore music through the artists and styles that caught your ear in the first place. In conjunction with learning your favorite music I will also show you the relevant music theory that applies to the music you love. You will not only be able to play your favorite songs, but will also know how the artists you love made them. That means the tools they used to craft songs will be at your finger tips. There's nothing more exciting then seeing a student's expression when an idea clicks and they realize that they're capable of playing and creating music too!

Overview

Hired 19 times

Serves Long Beach, CA

Background checked

1 employee

12 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.

Featured Projects

6 photos

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Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and value.

Exceptional 5.0

9 reviews

5

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Read reviews that mention:

Nathan C.

2 weeks ago

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Hired on Thumbtack

I studied with Cullen for just over a year and he was a great teacher. In that short amount of time I felt like my playing rapidly improved. To preface this review, it was with great sadness I had to stop taking lessons because my financial situation changed drastically, otherwise I would still be employing his services to this day. Cullen is a great teacher. He shows up on time and with a positive attitude and often has great insight to tackle any difficulty you may be facing as a student. From my own experience, I often get frustrated when learning new or difficult content and he often had very good applications to deal with both my frustrations as well as ways to break the exercises down into more digestible pieces in order for me to learn them better. As I said, he is a very talented musician and he brings his passion for music to every lesson. I saw him once per week and each lesson he would ask me what was troubling me or I felt like needed addressed. In some cases, I wasn't always sure what we should work on and he would quickly observe where I was at with my playing that given week and show me a new technique or delve more into theory, mechanics, or even learning songs that were interesting to me or I wanted to play but felt like were out of reach. He also is quite talented at finger-picking and while it is not my strong suit, I still work on bettering my own technique which is something I never thought I would be interested in. I recommend Cullen for older or younger players alike that are interested in diving deeper into the lifetime journey of mastering the guitar. I hope to see him again one day when I have the means once again. Until then, I will continue to build my skills daily in hopes that when I do see him we can pick right up where we left off. Thanks Cullen!

Details: 26 - 44 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Acoustic • Rock • Country • Jazz • Blues • Folk • Classical • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • My home, venue, etc.

Guitar Lessons

Jeremai s.

Mar 6, 2022

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Hired on Thumbtack

Cullen is a great teacher, he has the patience and takes it step by step. I am new to playing the guitar and I feel like I understand the way he explains it to me and will continue to go back.

Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • Acoustic • Rock • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location

Guitar Lessons

Dan O.

Sep 18, 2020

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Hired on Thumbtack

Although I'm a fairly new student of Cullen's, I feel very confident in giving him a 5-star review. He is an excellent guitarist, but there are many of those around; what sets him apart is that his skill as a teacher matches his own proficiency as a musician. He quickly diagnosed a technical deficiency (thumb placement) that was contributing to a difficulty I was having, and he developed a study plan that matched exactly what I told him I was looking for - a combination of being able to work on both things that were fun (i.e. songs) but also necessary (i.e. scales, chords, rhythmic patterns, etc.) to help effectuate the well-rounded growth I'm striving for. He also puts him time outside of our lessons to both provide and create (in the form of transcriptions) ideal study materials. Prices are a bargain for his level of instruction. Exactly what I was looking for.

Details: 45 - 64 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Yes, can read music staff • What the teacher recommends • Rock • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location

Guitar Lessons

Al F.

Aug 8, 2019

Before Cullen, I had never been motivated to progress by any teacher. He knows my pace is a little slower and he works with that. I really enjoy these lessons, and my skill level has gone up substantially, and I’m very happy with this. My goal was to learn how to play Spanish and jazz music, which he is experienced so it was his pleasure. Aside from the lessons, Cullen is very punctual and organized. I definitely recommend taking lessons from him.

Omar R.

Aug 5, 2019

This dude is an amazing teacher, with a captivating mane. I came to him knowing nothing and I still know nothing, however I am now well versed with the ways of the shred 🎸 Cullen knows his stuff - music theory, scales, chords, songs and handy general guitar knowledge! Ive been a student of Cullen’s for a couple months now and he has always been extremely professional, warm, patient and understanding. If you have the intent to learn sweet new party tricks, improve techniques or simply learn the guitar - I highly recommend sir Griffin to anyone, at any level of playing! A+++

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Cullen Griffin

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I offer 45 minute lessons starting at $50. After the initial lesson, the student pays at the beginning of each month for all the lessons within the month. If taking a lesson once a week, It usually works out to 4-5 lessons per month. I teach in Long Beach but can also travel to you for additional $10 fee. If there is a need to reschedule a lesson, please give a 24-48 hour advance notice to receive a lesson credit. If you're interested in group lessons, please contact me about pricing.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
First, through phone call, I get acquainted with the new student. I ask questions about their current playing ability, their long term goals, taste in music, and just get a general grasp of who they are as a person and musician. When we meet, I bring materials that feel appropriate for the student's current level and goals. During this first meeting I will further assess the student's ability by listening to them play. If the student has no experience then we will begin to get acquainted with the instrument on the first lesson. Usually, we will chat a bit more about musical interests and goals. I take this time to explain practicing expectations and how to best work together in order to have fun while learning easily and effectively.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been playing music for over 12 years and have done so in various contexts ranging from playing in high school jazz bands, my own musical groups, guitar ensembles, recording sessions and live solo work. I've also been teaching lessons throughout the last 8 years, starting with being asked to begin teaching at a former local music studio while I was in high school. I have studied various styles ranging from rock, blues, folk, jazz, soul, classical, and some Brazilian forms.

Cullen Griffin

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