Music Lessons

Guitar - Voice - Bass - Music Theory

 Ruben Ramos - Instructor

"Patient, postive, and professional is my philosophy. I can with confidence, tell you that you be studying one of the best teachers you've had. Music is my passion and I love sharing it with others. For more than 23 years I've studied and performed with the best instructors for many years and have performed extensively here in town and abroad. You will find me patient and positive all along the way and making the lessons FUN! My method lays it out for you in a concise manner and I give you a practice routine you will need to reach your musical goals. So give me a call so we can start you on the path to reach your goals within this wonderful world of music!"  Please feel free to call or email me to ask questions about my program.

626-833-0089

I would like to hear from you, please call or send me an email "click here"

About Me

I'm a Los Angeles native playing music passionately for more than 33 years. I started playing music at 9 years old and my love for music has only grown. I teach privately at several music stores as well as a community college in Walnut. I have extensive experience in teaching music for the last 20 years. My training is vast and have been mentored by world class teachers in every area of study. You will be in good hands when you study with me. Also I have done many tours in the U.S. and abroad to places like Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, to name a few. I have performed with The Ten Tenors from Australia, David Hasslehoff, Davis Gaines (Phantom Of The Opera), Patty Andrews, Liew Mathews (Nancy Wilson), Jim Stubblefield of the group Incendio (Flamenco, Latin) and Luis Bonilla (New York jazz composer/trombonist with the Mingus Band, The Lincoln Center Orchestra and Marc Anthony). I currently work at Mt San Antonio College (Walnut, Ca) as a part time accompanist in the Vocal Jazz dept as well as rhythm section coach for the jazz band program. I have extensive experience with young students having taught for many years and I work in education for Los Angeles Unified School Dist. I teach practical things that students can use and I tailor the lessons to the student in ways to bring out the best in the student.

Subjects taught:
•Guitar (Electric and Acoustic)
•Vocals (Vocal Coaching)
•Bass (Electric and Upright)
•Music Theory
•Composition
•Jazz, Classical, Latin, Rock, Blues

Mt San Antonio College A.A. Music 1988
Outstanding Jazz guitarist Pacific Coast Collegiate Jazz Festival, Berkley Ca 1987-88
Cal State University Los Angeles Music 1991
Outstanding Jazz bassist Pacific Coast Collegiate Jazz Festival, Berkley Ca 1991
Studied voice privately with Dr. Maurice Allard from 1993-95.
Currently working as accompanist and coach for the Mount San Antonio College Music Dept 2003-present

I also teach guitar classes for the City Of Pasadena for their Youth Arts Program

Subjects Taught

Ages Taught

Students that are mature enough to understand the material. Children over 9 years preferred but will make an exception after we discuss terms.

Lesson Details

I use various effective techniques in which the student builds strength, agility and lasting musicianship skills. You can choose some of these areas or learn them all:

*Musicianship and Ear Training
*Sight Reading
*Strength Building Exercises (Instrumental and Vocal)
*Music Theory
*Rhythm Studies
*Scales and how they apply to Chords and Melody
*Building your own repertoire of music (Instrumental and Vocal)

For vocal students, I use a method handed down to me from Dr. Maurice Allard. A very comprehensive technique focusing on tone production, breathing and support. I will give you a large range of exercises, including scales, to train your muscles and your ears. I do many relaxation exercises similar to the Alexander method to unlock your voice.

On guitar, I use my own system of mapping your fretboard, theory, sight-reading, rhythm studies and improvisation.

On double bass I do many of the same but with using the Simandl and Rabbath methods teaching bowing technique.

On electric bass the same as above and I can teach pop, jazz, rock, funk (slapping).

I know these instruments inside out. I have been obsessed with learning everything about my voice and these instruments for many years. I enjoy sharing knowledge with my students. I want you to know as much as about music and your instrument as you will allow me to show you.

I have always believed that teaching is inspiration and structure while maintaining a positive attitude, keeping the lessons fun, and rewarding. I can give you tools to help you create on your own. In other words, a program that gives you confidence in learning beyond what you already may know while employing an approach you will find useful for years to come. Every lesson is recorded on a CD so you can refer to the lesson when you need reinforcement at your leisure.

Overall I believe you will find me patient, understanding, positive, encouraging and professional all along your educational journey. I want to teach students to feed themselves once they have learned to fish (in a manner of speaking). In other words, wouldn't you want a teacher to give you the gift of learning on your own long after you have studied with them? Learn all the fundamentals to allow you to explore the music world on your own once you have gone through my program. Let me help you and I will assure you a very pleasant learning experience. Contact me today. I would love to hear from you. 626-833-0089

Pricing and Business Terms

Prices at my home studio are $40 per half hour and $60 per hour. I can offer a discount of $5 per each lesson on 5 lessons paid in advance. I can do house calls to your home but they can be expensive due to cost of travel and limiting my schedule to offer more lessons at home. Call me for quote on in-home lessons.

Teaching Locations at my studio or in your home:

• Covina, CA
• Glendora, Ca
• Pasadena, CA
• Sierra Madre, CA
• Walnut, CA
• Monrovia, Ca
• San Marino, Ca
• South Pasadena, Ca

References

"Ruben is one of the most versatile musicians I've ever known. The man is a chameleon. He can play Jazz, Folk, Latin and classical with the utmost integrity, true to form, and with astonishing flare. Lookout for this man!" - Harvey Barkin "L.A. Jazz Scene"

What Students have to say

Student Review by Ben I. - Jun 10, 2008 "I have been playing guitar on my own for several years. The only “lessons” I ever received was from friends, and attempting to learn from music books and tabs. I started lessons with Ruben and suddenly saw more than just strings and frets to be plucked, but started to understand how the guitar worked, and the music that could be created was endless. I was exposed to a lot of different music styles, even at a beginner level and was given many practice techniques to develop these styles. Ruben made the lessons fun, educational, and inspiring. Ruben gave me the tools to develop my guitar skills, and help me recognize other music abilities, to the point that I was able to perform a song for my wife on our wedding day. It wasn’t a perfect rendition of “Sweet Caroline” but my wife called it the perfect song, and her most memorable moment. Thank you Ruben! "

Excellent Teacher - cea1989 - Jan 7, 2009 I've been taking bass guitar lessons from Ruben at the Fret House in Covina for years now and each time I go I am sure to learn something ... More » I've been taking bass guitar lessons from Ruben at the Fret House in Covina for years now and each time I go I am sure to learn something new. From day one I could tell that he was going to be very easy to work with and talk to. Whether it be finger exercises or different techniques that I can use to learn the fret board, Ruben has enabled me to play and instrument. Not only that, with instruction on playing a variety of songs, he has taught me about music theory and has allowed me to form my own bass lines and properly navigate chord changes. He has taught me everything I know about playing bass guitar. Without him I would not have been able to play in my former school's Jazz Band or spend time with friends in our own garage band. He has exposed me to a world of music which before him I never knew I could be a part of. Thank you Ruben. "

Ruben is an amazing teacher! - bhurter - Jan 23, 2009 "I have been taking lessons from Ruben for about a year, after not having played in 20 years. This time around I'm learning the right way/ I have been taking lessons from Ruben for about a year, after not having played in 20 years. This time around I'm learning the right way...scales, fingering exercises and theory. Every lesson with Ruben is different and always interesting. I'd recommend him to anyone who is serious about learning to play."

Email me and we can setup an appointment.
Just click on this "Contact" link and that will get an email to me.

Guitar Lessons Gitar Lessons Giutar Lesson Music Lessons Pasadena Ca area Covina Ca area Azusa California area Walnut Ca area West Covina California area Arcadia ca area Monrovia Ca area San Marino Ca area Bradbury Ca area Learn to play Learn to play guitar Lessons in you own home Lessons Vocal Coaching Voice lessons Ear training

Back Home