Ryan Acosta
About
I have been playing guitar for over 30 years, and teaching for 28. Hailing from Santa Clara, CA, I was introduced to music and the arts at an early age.
I was first introduced to music by my grandfather, who gave me multiple instruments to play. These instruments included mandolin, violin, harmonica, piano, drums, and guitar. I was naturally drawn to the guitar, as though my hands were meant to play.
Having been self taught for a few years, I started taking formal guitar lessons at age eleven. Having great teacher filled gaps in my knowledge, and gave me tools to go as far as I could possibly imagine.
I started playing with my first cover band at the age of sixteen. We played school events, birthday parties, and dances. Around the same time, I started teaching a guitar class in my high school; something that ultimately became a life-long endeavor.
I have been a fixture in the bay area music scene for many years, and was the guitarist for Divided By Seven. I am currently the guitarist & vocalist for Sons Of Theo.
I have written & published my own guitar instruction book, as well as curriculum for every level. While I typically prefer to use structured and progressive curriculum, I always customize the course of my lessons to meet the needs of each individual student. My aim is to ensure that each student leaves their lesson a better guitar player, as well as a better musician.
*A.A. in music from De Anza College
*28 years of teaching experience
*Published recording artist
*Published author
I use a method book that I have written for my beginner students, which may be purchased on Amazon. My book covers tab, standard notation, easy chords, and easy-to-play songs to get you started.
Here is a list of a few other books I use for intermediate to advanced students:
* Christopher Parkening Guitar Method Vol. 1 & 2
* Blues You Can Use by John Ganapes
* Jazzin The Blues by John Ganapes
* Metal Chop Shop by Joe Stump
* Sweep Picking & Arpeggios by Joe Stump