Want to learn guitar or bass?
Private lessons available to students of all skill levels! Located in Solana Beach, CA and serving San Diego County.
Available Lessons
Choose which lesson type suits you
(50% off first lesson!)
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Designed for the younger student, or someone with a busy schedule.
Cost: $50 per lesson
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Designed for the engaged student, with plenty of lesson time to cover a variety of concepts.
Cost: $65 per lesson
My approach to teaching
My goal as a music teacher is to inspire students by teaching them music that excites them, but also to challenge them with songs and exercises that will improve their technical and theoretical ability. I like to incorporate elements of songwriting and improvisation as well, to allow students to truly express themselves with their own music.
For beginner students, my primary focus is teaching them to play a variety of different songs and techniques, which will give them a good foundation for their instrument. For intermediate and advanced students, I typically hone in on their preferred playing styles and teach them more specific and challenging ideas to expand their technical ability and theoretical understanding. This is also the stage where I emphasize a focus on songwriting and improvisation.
Throughout these lessons, I try to connect with my students on a musical level. My goal is never to force them to learn something they don’t want to play. I try to teach them music that not only excites them, but also improves their ability as a musician. Whether it’s teaching them a Metallica song that involves fast palm-muting and blues-inspired riffs, a Taylor Swift song that focuses on strumming open chords, or a flamenco exercise to work on finger-picking, I find that there are ways to progress as a musician through all kinds of music. I have a very eclectic taste in music, so I’m very comfortable teaching students rock, metal, blues, pop, r&b, funk, jazz, and more.
How do lessons work?
Typically I will come in-person to the student’s house on a weekly basis at an agreed-upon time. I also provide online lessons through Zoom or FaceTime at the same rates as my regular lessons (although in my experience, in-person lessons typically yield better results). Consistent lesson times are preferred, however I can accommodate fluctuating schedules.
As far as payment goes, I currently accept Venmo, cash, or checks. Lesson rates are listed above in the “Available Lessons” section near the top of the page, and I offer 50% off the first lesson. I require a 24-hour notice for any cancellations.
If you’re interested, please contact me via phone at (760) 717-4620 or e-mail me at stoverguitar@gmail.com
More about the teacher
Hello! My name is Will Stover, and I love music! I was born in San Diego in 1993 and have lived here all my life. At age 11, my mother brought home a cheap classical guitar on a whim, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I eventually started taking private lessons from various local teachers, and played in a few bands during and after high school.
I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Cal State San Marcos, where I developed much of my music theory knowledge, as well as a foundation for music production and mixing. I gave a handful of casual music lessons here and there after graduation, but spent most of my time writing and recording music at home while working in the food service industry. I have also played in a handful of bands over the years, and I currently play guitar in the band Ayanami.
I eventually began teaching for the Music Key School in Carlsbad, School of Rock, and U.S. Music Lessons, where I realized how much I love teaching music. I have taught a ton of one-on-one lessons over the past five years, and directed group jam sessions and performance groups for all age groups. I’m now looking to prioritize private lessons, and am eager to teach a variety of new students in the San Diego area!
