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
By opening my ears to not only the Music, but the desire of my students, I can deliver a personalized and individual service. I will check out the Music you're into and learn tunes you want to learn because I want you to feel like I'm investing just as much time and energy into this as you are. I am a motivated, flexible and dedicated teacher who wants to share the beauty of Music with as many people as I can.
Seeing a students face as they finally get the fingering or strumming down just right on something they've been struggling with. Whether it be a tune they love, or just an excerpt in a guitar book, it's amazing to know I helped. I also enjoy seeing the light bulb go off in my students head when we are discussing Music Theory or chord relationships and they truly understand what I am saying. That is a remarkable feeling.
Overview
Hired 101 times
Serves La Mirada, CA
Background checked
1 employee
13 years in business
Business hours
SunClosedMon9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2020
2019
2018
2017
Services offered
Interested musical styles
Guitar type
Acoustic
Electric
Work location
My customers travel to me
I travel to my customers
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and work quality.
Excellent 4.9
74 reviews
5
99%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
1%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Andy T.
Jul 30, 2019
•
Hired on Thumbtack
So far I've only had one lesson with Steve but I'm already so excited to begin this journey. Having played guitar for many years on and off being self-taught, it was an incredibly rewarding experience to finally learn the concepts behind what I was playing.
In just one lesson I already feel like I'm beginning to fill crucial gaps in my foundational knowledge and that's a testament to Steve's teaching style. He's extremely attentive and receptive to how I'm playing and will adjust his lesson based on what I'm doing well and what I'm struggling with. When you're learning anything whether it's math or guitar, instructional ability is just as important as expertise and Steve definitely has demonstrated that he has both. Looking forward to continuing to grow my skills with him!
Details: 18 - 25 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • No, cannot read music • What the teacher recommends • Jazz • Rock • Folk • Classical • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Guitar Lessons
Jeff B.
Jun 27, 2019
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I can't thank Steve enough. I have only had a few lessons so far and already I can feel myself growing and learning. I came from knowing practically nothing about the guitar and I am feeling more confident every day thanks to Steve.
He is very friendly and answers all of my questions. The price for his lessons are also great.
Each time I go to him for a lesson, I don't even notice the time fly by, it's just a blast to learn from him.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • No, cannot read music • Acoustic • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location
Guitar Lessons
Sarah C.
Mar 11, 2021
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I feel very fortunate to have found Steve. He has perfected teaching guitar over Zoom which I’m sure is not easy. He is great at adapting his teaching style to the needs of his learner. He is very good at assessing when to move on and when to keep practicing a skill while keeping a 7yo engaged. My daughter loves his lessons and I’m learning a lot too!
Details: 6 - 9 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • Acoustic • What the teacher recommends • No, but the student is planning to purchase an instrument • 30 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet) • At the pro’s location
Guitar Lessons
Kevin H.
Jun 2, 2017
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I took my first lesson with Steve on Thursday 6/1/17. I'm very happy with him and his approach to teaching the guitar. I've been playing for many years and I know where my short comings are with the basics. Steve is helping me stay focused and rebuild my foundation. Plus he's teaching me how to read music. Which I know will be priceless in the long run with this or any instrument. We are keeping it simple and focus on reading music, music theory and the application of what I already know, but now connecting not just know how to play but the why behind the notes, chords, scales, modes, etc. I feel like a beginner all over again and I'm looking forward to each weeks new lesson. I feel like I've got a capable guide to help me along the way, at and affordable price as well.
Steve's Guitar and Bass Lessons's reply
Thanks for saying that Kevin, really appreciate it!
Guitar Lessons
James S.
Nov 2, 2020
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I have been taking guitar/music theory lessons from Steve for the past couple of months. I can honestly feel myself improving in almost all aspects of playing the guitar since we’ve started.
Lessons are structured really well with some warm up exercises, sheet/sight reading, then learning new chords and scale techniques.
Would highly recommend if you want to improve as a musician or hobbyists
Details: Guitar • Beginner • 26 - 44 years old • Music subjects (notation, analysis, ear training) • Fundamentals (pitch, rhythm, chords, etc.) • 45 minutes • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location
Music Theory Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Stephen Ostaszewski
FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I usually speak with my new clients over the phone first to discuss where they are at with the guitar and where they want to go. Based on that conversation, I bring a variety of guitar method books and manuscript paper to the lesson and see what the student can and cannot do and we begin the learning process at a point that is mutual. I also spend a bit of the first lesson talking about Music with my student to know what they enjoy and to simply get to know them better.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have my Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Performance and have been playing the guitar for over 15 years. I've also taught guitar lessons for over 5 years and currently work part-time at two music schools. I also play bass in a band and am composing original music for my own group. I can bring my knowledge and experience from years of performing, teaching, rehearsing, composing, and improvising to the lesson space.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I was hired as a substitute guitar teacher at a music school and realized how rewarding giving a lesson felt.
