Looking to take those extra steps beyond the YouTube tutorials? Want an expert teacher who is passionate about nurturing and encouraging student development and discovery? We would love to help you grow as a guitar player and lover of music. All of us at the CA Virtual Guitar Academy have been teaching and playing guitar for more than 20 years in nearly every style of music. We're all former shredder/metal player turned classical/finger style guitarist has played in jazz bands, classical ensembles, rock bands, and bluegrass groups. Drop us a line and we’ll be more than happy to hear all about your hopes and dreams with the guitar. We'll work with your schedule and your favorite styles of music to come up with a routine that will see you get even more excited and engaged with that guitar. Let’s have fun on this journey together!
Overview
Current Top Pro
Hired 13 times
Background checked
6 employees
4 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Credit card, PayPal, and Venmo.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2024
Services offered
Interested musical styles
Rock
Blues
Country
Folk
Guitar type
Acoustic
Electric
Work location
My customers travel to me
I work remotely (phone or internet)
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
26 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
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Read reviews that mention:
Cj V.
Feb 9, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Robert was incredible to work with! He did a great job understanding where I was in my guitar playing journey and tailored our lessons specifically to help me get better. He is extremely knowledgeable as a guitar player and was able to relate to all of the different types of music that I was trying to play.
I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking to further their guitar skills!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Acoustic • Rock • Blues • Country • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • I'm flexible • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Dr. A.
Jun 14, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Robert is AWESOME. I’m in my 40s and re-learning after time spent on a dissertation chewed up my guitar skills. I’m learning so much that I should have learned when I began as a teenager that no one else taught me - and should have. One thing that makes Robert stand out is that he makes sure you’re ready to go — working on things like grip and hand positioning — and doesn’t just throw you some tabs. I’m gradually breaking 30 years of bad habits and improving as a player. He’s also very patient and non-judgmental. He gets it if you’re not Hendrix. In fact, he encourages you to play slowly before just tearing into something. Again, this guy is awesome.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Electric • Rock • Yes, the student has an instrument • 30 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet) • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Guitar Lessons
Robert O.
Jun 14, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
I’ve had a very pleasant experience taking classes with Robert. He’s very patient, encouraging, and has the right technique for teaching guitar. He has been quick to respond and has been accommodating with my requests. I’m happy to continue taking classes with him.
Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • Acoustic • Rock • Blues • Yes, the student has an instrument • 30 minutes • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Mia Z.
Oct 28, 2024
Robert is amazing. He came recommended from a friend, and I could not be more grateful. Our lessons are so interesting because we address the technical aspect of things, but he always infuses these really interesting insights about music, memory, and engaging with both of these. He makes practicing guitar an experience, and not a task. It hasn't been easy to pick up guitar playing as an adult, and Robert always, 100% of the time, hears me out if I'm running into a problem or am getting frustrated. He takes the info and, basically on the spot, comes up with really creative ways to support me. It's incredibly clear how individualized his lessons are, and how tailored they are to each student. I very truly could not recommend California Virtual Guitar Academy more highly; my only complaint is that we could only select three items that we, as students, appreciate about working with the Academy. There's so much more that could be said.
Shannon y.
Oct 28, 2024
Absolutely fantastic guitar teacher! My 11-year-old son has learned so much, and it’s clear he enjoys every lesson. Robert is patient, encouraging, and tailors each session to keep things fun and engaging. He not only teaches technique but also inspires a love for music. We couldn’t be happier!
Credentials
Background Check
Robert Nance
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I typically charge by the month. If a client is interested, I am more than happy to discuss a broader payment plan that would come in at a lower rate for the student.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I start with figuring out exactly what makes a student tick. I love learning about the kinds of music they are most drawn to, share some of my own favorite music with them, then lay out a rough blueprint for how we can get them on the path to success that is clear, cut, and easy to follow.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I majored in classical guitar performance at NYU and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. I have played guitar since I was 12 years old, have started and played with a number of bands while in high school and college, and during my graduate program.
