If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
About Me:
I have been performing as a professional jazz musician and teaching guitar for the past 17 years (and have been playing for the past 29 years). I'm a very dedicated teacher and have a clear and thorough way of teaching jazz improvisation (among many other styles) as well as accompaniment, theory, reading, and many other aspects of playing music.
For me, improvised music is what I am most interested in and passionate about. In my lessons, instead of focusing only on scales, modes, arpeggios, etc., I also focus on training students to play what they hear - and to channel music that is true to them. I love using recordings and transcriptions (learning solos of jazz masters) to help students develop a sense of jazz language, so they can "speak" in an informed, intelligent, and musical way. We can also discuss various possible challenges to expressing creativity, and how to work through them. As I continue to work on my own inner connection - being able to hear what I play and stay in the flow state - I love sharing what I continually learn with students.
Lesson topics include:
Improvisation
Transcriptions/Jazz vocabulary
Learning jazz tunes/standards
Rhythm/Time
Scales and Modes
Theory
Advanced jazz chords and chord melodies
Voice leading techniques
Bossa Nova/Latin jazz
Blues
Reading
Composition
Performance anxiety/nerves
Breathing exercises for playing
Life lessons we can learn from music
Lots more!
Please reach out if you have any questions. Looking forward to working with you!
Overview
Hired 1 time
Serves Long Beach, CA
Background checked
1 employee
19 years in business
Business hours
SunClosedMonClosed
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and value.
Exceptional 5.0
12 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Gurleen K.
Jun 16, 2023
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Scotty is singlehandedly the best guitar teacher I have ever hired, and this statement comes from someone who has been taking guitarlessons since 2011. What sets Scotty apart is his remarkable ability to listen attentively while simultaneously pushing me to surpass my limited knowledge of the guitar. Instead of relying on rote memorization, he instills in me a deep understanding of the instrument.
One of the things I appreciate most about Scotty is his knack for tailoring our lessons to suit my individual needs and aspirations. This personal touch truly sets apart Scotty's teaching style and ensures a unique experience for each student.
Furthermore, Scotty is incredibly accommodating when it comes to scheduling. He understands that life can be unpredictable, and if I ever need to cancel a lesson, within the 24-window notice, he is understanding and flexible. Additionally, he goes the extra mile by sending me detailed notes after each session, allowing me to practice effectively and make progress between lessons. Scotty's supportive nature creates an environment where I feel comfortable enough to sing and explore my creative side.
Above all, Scotty's genuine passion for the guitar shines through in every interaction. I consider myself incredibly fortunate and honored to be his student. Thank you, Scotty, for your dedication and expertise. I eagerly look forward to our upcoming lesson on Wednesday!
Details: 18 - 25 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Yes, can read music staff • Acoustic • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • 45 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet) • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location
Scotty Bramer Guitar Lessons's reply
Hi Gurleen, thank you for such a kind review!! It has been an absolute joy working with you, and I'm so glad you are enjoying and benefitting from our lessons. It is inspiring to see your growth and passion for music and the guitar. Looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday! :)
Guitar Lessons
Sara T.
Feb 19, 2020
Scott's guitar classes are amazing and insightful. He gives all sorts of in-depth information about the theory and ideas behind the music being played. His classes are extremely helpful and I would deeply recommend them to anybody planning on learning guitar.
Joshua C.
Jan 12, 2020
Scott Bramer is a great guitarist and is an equally great teacher. After around one year of meeting with Scott for lessons once a week I was able to achieve my main goal for starting guitar which was to get into my school jazzband. Not only did I get into the band after auditioning out of 4 other guitarists. I also made it into the top combo. Scott is a patient teacher and has a deep understanding of music theory which he is able to relay in his lessons. He is a great teacher and I definitely recommend him for all levels of guitarist who are interested.
Elliott K.
Jan 21, 2023
Scotty clearly has a deep I understand of the guitar and is versed in many styles of playing. He takes a personal and expressive approach in teaching you beyond just technique, but how to express yourself through the instrument.
Scotty Bramer Guitar Lessons's reply
Hi Elliott, thank you so much!! I'm so happy to hear you benefited from our lessons, and have enjoyed expressing yourself on the guitar. I really appreciate the kind review! :)
Otis G.
Jan 12, 2020
I have been taking lessons with Scott for over three years now and have never doubted his knowledge, teaching ability, or overall carefulness and kindness. Whatever question I have that week or day I know that I can always ask Scott, confident that he could create a lesson out of it or teach me exercises to practice at home. Throughout the years Scott has been immensely helpful for my jazz auditions, concerts, and overall achievement. I am lucky to not only have them as a teacher but also feel comfortable enough to call him a friend. I have already recommended him to many of my friends but would recommend him to all levels and ages. He is probably one of the most knowledgeable, understanding, and outright passionate musicians I know.
Credentials
Background Check
Scott Bramer
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Please contact me for pricing and other info.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I will chat with you and assess where you are at, what you have learned already, and what your goals are/areas you'd like to improve in.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been playing guitar for 20 years, and studying jazz for the past 15 years. I graduated from USC Thornton School of Music in 2011 with a degree in Studio/Jazz Guitar. I began performing professionally and teaching towards the end of high school in 2007, and have continued ever since.
After graduation from USC in 2011, I began teaching at Amadeus School of Music in Granada Hills. Then in 2013, I began teaching at Baxter Northup Music in Sherman Oaks and have been there ever since.
