I found Mark because I wanted to learn to play heavy metal, but as soon as he sits down and starts fingerpicking, you realize the depth of this teacher's skills. Mark knows more about guitar than anyone I have ever met. He can play every style of guitar you can imagine... and play it extremely well. His teaching style is relaxed and you do not feel pressured as though someone is looking over your shoulder making sure you do everything right. He seems to introduce a new technique at exactly the right time and everything starts to click. I can't recommend Mark highly enough. You rock!!! read more

Hi all. Mark provided the entertainment for our NGA of Hancock Park hosted dinner party on Saturday night. Marks music set the mood and filled the party with the perfect vibe. I highly recommend Mark. read more

I've had a guitar since high school but dropped out of lessons after just a few months. 12 years later, I've still got the guitar, but I never learned to play it. I decided to try lessons again because I wanted to have a fun, relaxing post-work activity that wasn't watching TV all night -- plus I hadn't been very successful at trying to teach it to myself for the past decade. Lessons with Mark are fun and relaxing, but he still helps push you just enough to make it rewarding as well. The perfect combination. And of course, since he's an expert in many different styles, he can teach you whatever you want. I decided to branch out and focus on classical, and he helps me get through the book (The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method), while also teaching music theory, sight reading, ear training and memorization skills. But on weeks when I know I'll be too busy to practice, we just go through a super simple Beatles song and have fun listening to the song, playing it and singing. it's been such a joy to learn new things and feel a sense of accomplishment with guitar, and I would absolutely recommend him to anyone who wanted to learn how to play. read more

Been studying guitar with him for a year, and can say he's a solid teacher. Attentive, knowledgeable, and makes learning accessible. As a beginner, I come with a ton of questions which he easily explains the answers to along with tutorials. The end of each lesson means a recorded video of the day's lesson which is extremely helpful when practicing at home. You won't go wrong having Mark as your teacher! read more

Mark was great. He played at our wedding/cocktail and performed with exceptional skill and professionalism. When we inquired about a few songs not listed on his play list, he was still able to accommodate without question or reservation. (And he did GREAT renditions of them :) All in all he contributed to making our a wedding day a great success. read more

I love taking lessons at Mark's -his place is really cool and the acoustics sound really good. When I first started taking lessons I just wanted to learn a few beatles and pop songs but mark really inspired me to learn other genres and I am now learning to play classical pieces which are challenging but fun. Overall I would say that Mark is an excellent guitar teacher and he is a good fit for students at all levels. read more

We love Mark! He is so talented and such an amazing patient teacher. Flexible scheduling and always inspired and motivated my son. Couldn't have asked for a better person or teacher. read more

Mark was nothing short of AWESOME - in EVERY way possible - from start to finish! Hugely professional and talented, adaptable and kind - thank you utterly for making our Mom SO happy, and our party SO special, Mark! Do not hesitate to grab Mark if he is available for your event, large or small - his music made all difference at our family gathering. read more

A guitar teacher was something I'd been putting off too long. I'd been playing for years, self taught and I needed help. Mark's great. He was able to identify the help I needed and vastly improved my abilities in a few short meetings. He's very reasonable, patient with my bumbling fingers and he can play ANYTHING, so every month I buy a new package and continue on. I'm only getting better. read more

Mark is an amazing Guitar player and instructor. He's very professional at the same time he's caring and encouraging. I'm so glad I found him and I really recommend him. read more

I hired Mark for guitar lessons and he was great. He was always very patient with me, 100% professional, had a great knowledge of what he was teaching, and always addressed any questions I had. Also, i found his rates to be very reasonable compared to what else was out there. I would recommend Mark for any level guitar student. read more

I came to Mark with some experience in playing bass and guitar. He was very knowledgable with both and taught me a variety of new techniques. I would recommend Mark for all skill levels, novice to professional as well as a list of different styles. Apparently he teaches Spanish Flamenco as well, which I want to venture into sooner rather than later! read more

Mark is an amazing player and a very good teacher. He's proficient in multiple styles and his approach emphasizes both technique and performance. After only a few lessons I learned how to break out of my habits and feel greater confidence playing in all positions of the neck. I feel that ultimately this will lead to more creativity and versatility in my playing. read more

Mark played at my wedding during cocktail hour. I had a semi formal event and his musical talent and professionalism were perfect for my wedding day. I'm sure my guests appreciated the live music. I don't plan on getting married again, but I would highly recommend Mark for weddings or any other special event. read more

Mark is seriously the best for so many reasons. Let's start from the beginning: I sent him an email with my phone number inquiring about his services. He got back to me through text message within MINUTES of me emailing him. He sent me videos of him playing, a list of songs he plays regularly, the price he charges and all of the sites containing his reviews. We set the date and he asked what time we wanted him there. Leading up: Mark was very communicative and organized and confirmed ahead of time what songs we wanted played for processional, bridal entrance, exit, and cocktail hour. And then he was super flexible when we were indecisive and constantly changed our minds up until the last minute. Day of: Mark showed up on time, played everything perfectly, and many of our guests commented on how awesome he was and how refreshing yet elegant it was to have acoustic guitar playing at our wedding instead of violin or harp. Bottom line: Mark is the best. His rate is affordable and well worth the money. HIRE HIM NOW. You won't regret it and your guests will thank you. And then you'll thank him. read more

I hired Mark for the last 4 months for my 13 year old son, and he is absolutely an amazing guitar instructor. He is extremely kind and professional. He has the patience, skills, demeanor, and knowledge to teach any genre of music on the guitar. My son looks forward to his lessons every week, and I have seen such a difference in my son's skills since he has been working with Mark. I highly recommend MARK!!! read more

I've been taking guitar lessons with Mark for 5 months now and am loving it. I look forward to every week. Mark is an incredible teacher! My goal has been to learn my favorite rock songs, and Mark has broken down the chords for songs from the Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins, and Hole. Mark breaks down the instruction, keeping it simple for me. I like that he knows my goals and shows me how to accomplish them. He lets me take video with my phone so I can easily remember what I learned during the lesson so that I can practice what I learned throughout the week. Right now I have an electric guitar, but when I get better I'm thinking about getting an acoustic so I can learn spanish guitar. Mark is an expert at spanish-flamenco and classical guitar, so it would be really cool to learn that too one day. I know Mark has a variety of students from all ages from kids in grade school to adults with all different goals from metal to Jimi Hendrix and I know he will set you up right. I met a few of his other students at a recent gig of his and we all agreed that Mark is an outstanding teacher and an incredible musician. We are all really grateful to him for sharing all of his knowledge with us. read more

Mark played at our home for 3 hours this past weekend for a teacher retirement brunch party. He plays beautifully and was so responsive to our request to focus on classical Spanish guitar pieces. The music volume was just right so that our guests could comfortably socialize. He has a huge repertoire and is really eager to respect your wishes. What a great vibe his music added to the party. He is so easy to work with and is professional every step of the way. Highly recommended!! read more

Without a doubt, Mark is the best guitar teacher in L.A. I've tried loads! He's a remarkable musician, patient, enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable. In only a few short months, he's taught me everything from pop to folk to rock (Oasis, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran etc) with multiple fingerpicking and strumming techniques. I really appreciate that I can bring any piece of music and he's able to quickly break it down and make it playable while each lesson leading me to gain confidence and expand my skills. I highly recommend Mark for any player, at any level. read more

I decided to do a package of lessons with Mark after speaking to him and I'm glad I did! There was a substantial improvement in my technique after just a few lessons. He was very patient with me even though I was just starting out. I felt at ease under his instruction which I think is important. Mark is very well versed in everything from rock to classical. He's a true professional who clearly enjoys sharing his knowledge. Thank you! read more

Unfortunately Mark and I weren't able to work together for long as I had a tough time fitting our lessons into my schedule, but I really enjoyed our time together! He is super understanding and comfortable to work with and is so skilled and knowledgable about the guitar! He was able to answer all of my questions and work out the intricate details regarding scales and chords with me, and just took things step by step, always willing to be flexible regarding what kind of music I wanted to learn and how I could tackle the song at my own pace. He was also always really easy and accommodating when it came to rescheduling/time issues. Thank you for a great experience Mark! :) read more

Mark gives my 12-year old son private lessons. He is so convenient and flexible with our schedule. My son had taken 24 weeks of group lessons and was then ready for privates. He was hesitant to do this, perhaps a bit shy. However, Mark has been so great for him. He has been taking private lessons every other week since January 2014. We couldn't be happier. Even on a busy sports day, when tired and hungry, my son looks forward to his lessons with Mark. He has also learned a lot as Mark delivers instruction well and taps into my son's rock and roll interests. read more

Mark played at our wedding during the cocktail hour and I can't stop getting compliments from our guests on how great he was. He brought on a level of elegance to the atmosphere and worked with our requests during the planning stage as well. He even added a song that was not in the wide selection of repertoire. Very professional, great pleasure to work with. read more

I am a wedding planner and booked Mark for one of my August weddings and he was amazing!! He played for the cocktail hour and made it truly elegant with his beautiful music. He is definitely my go-to guitarist from now on. Thank you, Mark for your beautiful music and for being so wonderful to work with! Can't wait for our next event together! I highly recommend booking Mark for your event! read more

If you are looking for a guitar teacher Mark is your man. Mark has been instructing two of my children since Elementary school. They are now in High School. Mark is incredibly talented and has an extensive musical background. He is a natural teacher and knows how to relate to different age groups. He has patience, is kind and respectful, offers encouragement, has a flexible schedule, and finally as a mom who did not like the idea of inviting a stranger into my home--is completely trustworthy. He is now available to teach via skype, which becomes very handy when the kids become much busier in High School. I am the mom of two kids who enjoy and play electric and acoustic guitar (all genres) with confidence. They have a lifelong appreciation for playing music, and a wonderful hobby. My house is always filled with music :) We are all indebted to Mark for his wonderful ability as a teacher. I've always thought that when the kids are in college, he can start teaching me. :) read more

Mark is an excellent and laid back teacher. He wants you to learn what you love so he's willing to dive into whatever styles you enjoy...and he's well versed enough to teach you whatever you may be interested in. I would definitely recommend giving Mark a try no matter level you're at. read more

I've been taking guitar lessons from Mark for a number of months now and I can't recommend him highly enough. I grew up playing blues guitar off and on, but I wanted to get back into playing full-time. Mark is extremely knowledgeable in a number of different genres and playing styles, from hard rock to blues and classical with a bit of theory thrown in. He's also incredibly patient and willing to work through original material or help you learn a new song on the fly. Not to mention he's just a really great guy. If you're just starting out or if you've been playing for a number of years, Mark can help you achieve your goals as a musician. read more