Music Lessons in Thousand Oaks
Lessons available at all Instrumental Music locations!
MUSIC LESSONS
One-on-one music instruction is a time-honored way of learning to play. Due to the complex nature of how we interact with a musical instrument the feedback of a private instructor is essential. While it is possible to learn in a group setting, the distractions and limited individual interaction may drastically inhibit your progress. Private lessons are one-on-one sessions which meet once a week. During your lesson, you and your instructor focus on your goals and progress at a relaxed, comfortable pace.
Music lessons for all ages & levels!
Because our music lessons are private you won't have to deal with a room full of kids or an intimidating group of experienced players. All you need is a desire to play or improve and our teachers will take you where you want to go at your own pace. Your private lesson will be fun and tailored specifically towards your interests and goals. You'll have fun, progress at your own pace and learn what interests you. Weekend and evening lessons are available for busy schedules.
Learn to play guitar, not pretend!
While some programs teach you to pretend to be a rock star. We teach you how to play your instrument and great players ROCK best! For legitimate ensemble experience our Thousand Oaks location offers RockShop™ which is a group setting that supplements private study. In addition, we also offer Student Showcase events without the hype and exorbitant fees.
Thousand Oaks Instructors

Derol Caraco
Guitar, Blues, Jazz, Rock, Metal, Improv
I have been teaching on Mondays at Instrumental for 20 years. Since my late teens I was taught and mentored by Ted Greene. I also learned a lot from Scott Henderson, Larry Carlton, Joe Pass, and a bunch of shred rockers. I taught at Musicians Institute in the late 80's. I've toured and recorded with Windows, Lee Oskar, Fear, Nancy Sinatra, Billy Ray Cyrus. My former students have gone on to play with Ray Charles, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jewel, Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Bros, Colbie Caillat, Helen Reddy, Ozzie Osbourne. I am very patient, but like to challenge my students. I am expert in making harmony and theory easy to understand and apply. I like to give my students the tools to be able to play any style of music that pleases them. If you are a beginner or a part time player I'll make it fun. If you are looking to develop into a pro, that is my specialty.
Lesson Days: M 2-9pm
Rates: $140-$175

Fredy Schiftan
Guitar
Freddie Schiftan has been teaching at Instrumental Music for over five years. He is an accomplished international classic guitarist. Born in Spain and growing up in South America, later traveling to the Middle East. He achieved new levels of understanding Flamenco music and what it means to be a Flamenco Guitarist. While studying in Israel he was awarded several musical awards for his performance and style. Freddie welcomes students of all ages and levels to offer the basics and secrets of hand performance. Dating back to the 1860's and the Invention of the modern classic guitar first origination in Spain.

Julianne Corette
Piano and Voice
Julianne Cornelius has been singing and playing piano for over twenty five years. She has performed at many venues in Los Angeles and Southern California as well as the Southwest including The House of Blues, The Viper Room, The Karma Lounge, and The Palms. Julianne has also been involved in many studio/recording projects throughout the years. In addition to performing, Julianne has been teaching vocal lessons and piano lessons for more than 10 years. Julianne's vocal lessons incorporate vocal technique/placement, proper breathing, strengthening of the voice/increasing vocal range, and performance/stage/mic technique. Her piano lessons focus on all areas of musicianship including note reading, rhythmic skills, body posture, proper fingering, artistic expression, music theory, songwriting and vocal accompaniment skills.
Lesson Days: Tues. Wed. Thurs.
Rates: $140-$175 / month

Matt Corette
Guitar and Voice
Matt Corette is a graduate of Musicians Institute. He has studied privately with Shrapnel recording artists, Paul Gilbert, Bruce Bouillet, and Scott Henderson, as well as many other accomplished musicians. Matt specializes in all styles of rock, heavy metal and shred guitar, but plays blues, country, classical, jazz and reggae with equal knowledge and passion. He has been a guitar instructor at Instrumental Music since 2004.
Lesson Days: Tues. Wed. Thurs.
Rates: $140-$175 / month

Rogerio Peixoto
Guitar
Rogerio Peixoto is a passionate teacher who enjoys helping aspiring players to reach their own goals. With 30 years of experience spanning four different countries and several styles, he was a performing classical guitarist in his native Brazil when he attended the world renowned Musicians Institute in Hollywood, acquiring improvisational and compositional proficiency.
After a period in Spain and France he returned to the US in 2013, and has been performing, recording and teaching ever since, with credits including session work at Capitol Studios, performances in NYC and Southern California, and compositions partnered with guitar luminaire John Pisano.
He has a solo instrumental album with virtuosistic pieces by composers as Bach, Tarrega and Villa-Lobos, and is currently working on a record of his own writing, combining several types of guitar. A genuine lover and player of often very different styles, Rogerio is equally versed as a teacher of classical guitar, blues, rock, metal and Jazz/Latin.
Lesson Days: Mon. Tues. Wed.
Rates: $140-$175 / month

Lori Martinez
Guitar
Lori has been teaching guitar and ukulele for the past decade ,tutoring students from five to eighty. After graduating Dick Grove's School of Music where she learned improvisation, reading and playing with other musicians she joined her first band.
Lori has performed at various venues playing an array of styles from blues , top 40 and originals in English and Spanish.
Lesson Days: Mon. Tues. Weds. Thurs.
Rates: $140-$175 / month

Victor Bisetti
Drums
Victor Began playing drums at age 14. Studied privately with Ralph Humphrey. Attended Los Angeles City College and California Institute of the Arts for Music. He started working professionally in the mid 1970's in clubs, small concert events and general working situations. In the 1980's he played in several rock bands and began teaching. In 1990 he began working with the Los Angeles band Los Lobos, that lasted up until spring of 2005. Since leaving Los Lobos, he has continued to teach and work more in the recording and composing side of music as well teaching. He has created new techniques for teaching young drummers which help today's young student connect with other young players much sooner than when he was growing up. Victor believes that music will always be here to share and to save our souls, hearts and minds……. Victor Bisetti has been teaching at Instrumental Music since November of 2008, and has had great success with all his students. Many are now starting college and are prepared to continue in music.
Lesson Days: Tues. Wed. Thurs.
Rates: $140-$175 / month

Dave Bates
Guitar
Dave's obsession with music began in 1982. His 26 years of musical experience has sculpted him into a diverse and talented musician and a dynamic performer. Musician's Institute – Dave is a graduate of Musician's Institute – Guitar Institute of Technology. He received a Professional Music Degree in 1996. Dave was recently featured in a promotional CD for GIT entitled "MI JAMS Vol. 2". In addition, He has studied Digital Recording and Classical Music at Pierce College. Dave plays guitar for the band Bleed. This band features Robin McAuley on vocals (MSG, Grand Prix, V project) The band regularly performs nationally. http://www.Bleedrocks.com
Dave has been a private guitar instructor for over 14 years (averaging 70 students a week). He has done clinics for T.C. Electronics and Drum TV. He played guitar in the House Band on the TV set of the Warner Brother's Show "Zoe" was in the house band for the CBS TV show "The Whitey Ford show
Lesson Days: Saturday
Rates: $140-$175 / month

Jym Schwartz
Guitar, Bass, Mandolin, Banjo and Ukulele
Jym Schwartz started playing guitar the the age of 14. He continued to study music throughout high school and played in a number of bands in the Detroit are. He then went on to study music at Macomb College in Michigan and has since then been teaching music for more than 35 years. Jym is our senior instructor at Instrumental Music and has been teacher here for 16+ years. Jym is the perfect match for any aspiring guitar player looking for all the right paths to take on becoming the best musician you can be.
Lesson Days: Monday through Friday 3PM to 11PM
Rates: $140-$175 / month

Rick Sailon
Classical Violin, Fiddle (All Styles), Mandolin, Guitar & Bass
Music Major-UNLV. Over 25 years of teaching experience. Some of his students include Ben Stiller, Thomas Gibson (Criminal Minds), Jeanne Tripplehorn, Judd Appatow (movie producer) and John Fogerty 2 sons Shane and Tyler. Rick’s done extensive touring, TV, move and session work for Laura Branigan, Dolly Parton, Johnny Carson, Jim Messina, South Park and Walker Texas Ranger… Rick teaches all styles and all ages from beginning to advanced.
Lesson Days: Monday through Saturday 11AM to 9PM
Rates: $140-$175 / month