Mark Newstetter - Balboa Guitars
Mark Newstetter - Balboa Guitars

Mark Newstetter - Balboa Guitars

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Interested musical styles
Sorry this pro can’t do your job, but we know other pros who can.
Introduction
I'm devoted to teaching. This is not merely a sideline for me. I've put over twenty years into developing my teaching method and have had hundreds of students who have found great enjoyment playing their favorite music and learning about the way music really works! I really enjoy seeing a student develop new skills. Some people take longer than others, and I enjoy the challenge of finding what works for each student. It's my job as a teacher to adapt my method to the individual.
Overview

Hired 14 times

1 employee

15 years in business

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Featured Projects

7 photos

Specialties
Interested musical styles

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Reviews
Exceptional 5.0

13 reviews

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pro avatar
Jake P.
Apr 27, 2014
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

I hired Mark to teach my roommate guitar: Great intro to guitar for a beginner! I tried to teach myself years ago so had some rough semblance of understanding of what a guitar is, but no real training and no true guitar playing skills. Mark walked me through the basics including the rhythmic and mathematical patterns to learn how to play going forward, not just for our one-hour lesson. He catered the lesson to my understanding and the progress I made along the way. I’m not riffing or moving onto electric guitar just yet, but Mark did a great job for a first lesson. I’ve already set up follow-up lessons to continue with Mark. Logistically, Mark came to my place so it was super easy and he was very flexible with timing for the lesson. He has score sheets to walk you through notes, chords, etc. and uses colored pencils to really show you what is happening on the page so that you can easily translate it into the guitar. Super nice and encouraging. He also did a good job balancing time on and off the guitar so that I was able to play around but also retain some knowledge to practice on my own. Great lesson and instructor!
Guitar Lessons
pro avatar
Marcello M.
Aug 3, 2014
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Mark is an amazing teacher. I had a great time with him learning music theory and bass. I would definitely recommend him anytime. Couldn't have been better.
Music Theory Lessons
pro avatar
Patrick H.
Aug 14, 2014
mark knows guitar like no one i have ever met. if you want to be a virtuoso, or just plunk around, he can help you. a lot. i took lessons from him for many years, chose to just pluck around, and learned an amazing amount despite myself. if you wanna virtuoso, go for it. he knows the way. additionally, mark has become a wonderful friend, as well a gig mate. if you are looking for a guitar teacher in the bay area, look no further. he's it.
pro avatar
Brendan O.
Nov 3, 2014
Mark is an excellent guitar teacher! Not only is he talented, he is extremely knowledgable as well. His greatest attribute, however, is his patience. While learning how to play the guitar is a challenge, Mark's positive attitude makes it fun.
pro avatar
Preston C.
Nov 16, 2014
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Mark was great. Very friendly and easy going, he makes it a safe environment to learn, screw up, and ask questions. I'll definitely be seeing him more!
Guitar Lessons

FAQs

  • What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

    Lessons rates are; $50 for an individual one hour lesson $270 for a series of 6 lessons. ($45 per hour/lesson) This rate includes my lesson book worth $20 $400 for a series of 10 lessons. ($40 per hour/lesson) This rate also includes my lesson book worth $20

  • How did you get started doing this type of work?

    I've been playing the guitar since I was nine years old. By the time I was in my thirties I had played at dozens of clubs, been in a few bands and had extensive performing experience as a solo artist. It's tough making money as a musician, so I've had many "day jobs" over the years, but splitting your life in two also takes its toll. Teaching guitar has enabled me to keep my whole life focused on what I love most.

  • What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

    Students sometimes think that they have to please the teacher. As far as I'm concerned, the only person a guitar student needs to please is their self. Getting good on the guitar is the result of diligent practice. You have to enjoy the process. Ultimately others will enjoy hearing you play when you've reached a certain level of proficiency. My job is to help you get there - but you're not doing it for me, but for yourself.