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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
I have been teaching guitar for 17 years. I have experience in playing, writing and performing music of all genres. I specialize in teaching music composition, improvisation, and performance. Music is my passion and I love working with students of all ages and encouraging their progress through inspiring a rewarding and intimate relationship with music.
I hold a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling and have had the unique experience of applying psychological principles to add to the creative and personal growth of all my students. Please reach out to see if working together will be a good fit.
1 hour - $85
45 minutes - $65
Available in person or on Zoom.
Overview
Hired 48 times
Serves Playa del Rey, CA
Background checked
1 employee
17 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Services offered
Interested musical styles
Guitar type
Acoustic
Electric
Work location
I travel to my customers
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
46 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Justine L.
Dec 8, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
I've been playing guitar for a year now and have had Fred as a teacher for the past 5-6 months. I could not have improved as much as I have this year if it weren't for Fred's teaching and guidance. My biggest goal when I got my electric guitar was to play the Hotel California guitar solo, and Fred helped me tackle this challenge, building the stepping stones I needed to eventually play the full solo at speed.
Fred allowed me as a student to choose all of the songs we worked on so I could practice the songs I loved. In addition to rock, he taught me to play a jazz song (Misty), Alt/Indie (Rex Orange County), and pop (Gracie Abrams), and encouraged me to sing while playing as well. It is clear that Fred cares about not only improving my playing but also fostering a lasting passion for music.
I also expressed interest in learning the music theory, so Fred delved into popular chord progressions that were used in the songs we worked on. He also taught me some scales and introduced some complex chords. Before taking lessons, I used mostly open chords, but Fred has taught me how to play all over the fretboard. Fred also puts in the effort to find the best arrangement for the songs we learn and modify existing tabs to be more accurate/easy to play.
Details: 18 - 25 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, can read music staff • Electric • Rock • Folk • Blues • Jazz • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • 45 minutes • My home, venue, etc.
Guitar Lessons
Brian E.
Jun 17, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
I’ve been taking guitarlessons with Fred for several months now, and I couldn’t be happier with the progress I’ve made. Fred’s patience is truly remarkable; he takes the time to ensure I understand each concept before moving on. He has an exceptional ability to explain the theory behind the music, making complex ideas easy to grasp and apply.
What sets Fred apart is his personalized approach to each lesson. He tailors the instructions to fit my individual needs and learning style, ensuring that I’m always engaged and motivated. Whether I’m working on mastering the basics or tackling a challenging song, Fred provides clear, step-by-step guidance that helps me improve with every session.
Fred’s focus on learning songs I want to play has made the experience even more enjoyable. He listens to my interests and incorporates them into the lessons, making practice feel less like a chore and more like a fun and rewarding journey. If you’re looking for a guitar teacher who is not only knowledgeable and skilled but also genuinely invested in your musical growth, Fred is the perfect choice. Highly recommended!
Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • No, cannot read music • Acoustic • Rock • Yes, the student has an instrument • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Guitar Lessons
Robyn C.
Jun 16, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
I wish I could choose all five qualities instead of only the three allowed by thumbtack! Fred has been absolutely an amazing teacher for our 16 year old daughter. He is gentle, supportive and meets her where she is at both musically and in terms of her capacity to take on new material, and musical theory. He has allowed her to guide the direction in musical genres they explore and is open to it all. She has grown musically quickly, starting off learning chords in the very beginning, cut to 7 months into it playing a Dulcimer and singing Tom Petty’s “Free Falling” to her entire school. Also I should add our daughter struggles with mental health issues, and Fred has been so incredibly understanding and supportive and has contributed to our daughter finding peace and refuge in guitar and singing. We are very grateful and we highly recommend Fred as an instructor.
Details: 14 - 17 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • What the teacher recommends • Classical • Folk • Jazz • Blues • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Guitar Lessons
Amber R.
Jul 11, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
I hired Fred to teach my husband how to play acoustic guitar as a surprise gift. We started off with the expectation of just trying things out but ended up continuing the lessons.
Here is what my husband had to say: Fred is a really great instructor. He has a plan for each lesson and adapts to your interests and skill level. I have come a long way from not knowing anything about music to playing entire songs with difficult chords and styles. Fred is most importantly patient and persistent. He wants his student to succeed and works on improving their skill in an approachable way. We’ve also had Fred do some introductory lessons with kids and he has been great there too.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • Acoustic • Country • Classical • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Guitar Lessons
Samantha S.
Apr 21, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
I started guitarlessons with Fred about 3 months ago and the experience has been great! Prior to these lessons I’d dabbled with self-teaching but wanted some more structure and motivation to play. He’s really good at tailoring lessons to your music taste and I really liked how he used segments from songs I like to teach me various techniques (hammer ons, pull offs, slides, etc.). Would highly recommend!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • No, cannot read music • Electric • Rock • Blues • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Guitar Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Fred Labunikher
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Prices for in-person lessons vary by location.
I do offer zoom lessons in addition to in-home lessons.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The first lesson is an important time to access a student's level of experience, communication style, and musical goals. From here it is all about learning the techniques and styles that match with the students goals! I personally believe that allowing students to pick the songs they'd like to learn allows them to see learning guitar as an activity they can have fun with, instead of "needing to practice" it.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I graduated with a B.A in Psychology and a M.A in Mental Health Counseling. My degrees have helped me better understand how to best relay information to my students, use motivational techniques, and how stimulate creativity and musical growth a fun way! I have a unique understanding of the motivational road blocks that students encounter. I use this knowledge to put together individualized lesson plans for all my students and help them succeed in an efficient time period.
