Mark Newstetter - Balboa Guitars
Mark Newstetter - Balboa Guitars

Mark Newstetter - Balboa Guitars

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Interested musical styles
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Introduction: I'm devoted to teaching. This is not merely a sideline for me. I've put over twenty years into developing my teaching method and have had hundreds of students who have found great enjoyment playing their favorite music and learning about the way music really works! I really enjoy seeing a student develop new skills. Some people take longer than others, and I enjoy the challenge of finding what works for each student. It's my job as a teacher to adapt my method to the individual.
Overview

Hired 14 times

1 employee

15 years in business

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Featured Projects

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Specialties
Interested musical styles

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Reviews
Exceptional 5.0

13 reviews

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Valentin U.
May 23, 2015
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Guitar Lessons
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Lorna K.
Jun 4, 2015
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Guitar Lessons
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Audrey M.
Oct 1, 2015
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Guitar Lessons (for adults)
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Pidge M.
Oct 25, 2014
Mark is an exceptional guitar teacher. I came to him when I was "relearning" guitar, after about a 12 year hiatus from when I initially learned to play. His teaching style is simultaneously relaxed and laser-focused, which makes for enjoyable lessons that also really help me to achieve significant progress week over week. He gives great, specific feedback and it's always in a positive context. His own guitar playing is amazing, and his knowledge of music and music theory is expert-level. He is always very flexible in terms of focusing on what is most important to me -- he easily shifts gears between teaching me fundamentals, to working on specific songs I'm learning to play, to helping me understand chord theory and musical notation, to giving me feedback and help in arranging songs that I am writing. I have worked with a lot of music teachers over the 35 years that I have sung and played music (guitar, piano, clarinet, and voice) and Mark is the best of the best. His lessons are worth so much more than what he charges -- every session is master class level.
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Rick L.
Dec 28, 2013
I began lessons with Mark as an adult who had been soured on music lessons as a kid. I was a 3 chord player (not a good one) who wanted to learn music and the instrument. Mark has patiently made me a better player (and better appreciator of music) than I would have thought possible. He is a master at teaching the fretboard, chord construction, how to deal with difficulties and how to enjoy what you are doing. I know now more theory than I thought possible. Picking up the guitar is now one of the most rewarding and enjoyable things I do, and I have Mark to thank.

FAQs

  • What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

    Lessons rates are; $50 for an individual one hour lesson $270 for a series of 6 lessons. ($45 per hour/lesson) This rate includes my lesson book worth $20 $400 for a series of 10 lessons. ($40 per hour/lesson) This rate also includes my lesson book worth $20

  • How did you get started doing this type of work?

    I've been playing the guitar since I was nine years old. By the time I was in my thirties I had played at dozens of clubs, been in a few bands and had extensive performing experience as a solo artist. It's tough making money as a musician, so I've had many "day jobs" over the years, but splitting your life in two also takes its toll. Teaching guitar has enabled me to keep my whole life focused on what I love most.

  • What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

    Students sometimes think that they have to please the teacher. As far as I'm concerned, the only person a guitar student needs to please is their self. Getting good on the guitar is the result of diligent practice. You have to enjoy the process. Ultimately others will enjoy hearing you play when you've reached a certain level of proficiency. My job is to help you get there - but you're not doing it for me, but for yourself.