Lessons
Making music is fun, empowering, boosts mood by releasing endorphins, reduces stress, heightens memory, strengthens our ability to focus, improves decision making skills. builds task endurance, helps us get in touch with our emotional state, and stimulates creative expression. It’s the best. Let’s make music!
Songwriting
Beginner - Advanced
Whether it’s guiding complete beginners through songwriting exercises, helping poets develop melodies and background music, or showing experienced songwriters how they can strengthen and polish their craft, I love working with creative people who are curious and passionate about making songs. I’ve been lucky enough to learn from famous and award-winning songwriters annually at the Rocky Mountain Song School in Colorado and to attend ongoing sessions with Songwriters Hall of Fame multi-nominee Steve Seskin. Here I’ve soaked up tips and tricks for more potent lyrical imagery, ear-catching melodies, ways to test your song’s story for the strongest delivery, the five steps to a universal sing-along-able chorus and so much more. I’m here to share with you what I know! (All ages. No experience necessary.)
Being a fan of his music first, I knew that he would be a great song coach… He was well-versed in songwriting exercises that helped me give birth to songs I am very proud of. He is extremely present when listening to my lyrics, along with valuable feedback on how to retain integrity in my songs’ messages. I would highly recommend Jesse as a songwriting coach for anyone from beginning to intermediate to advanced. From my perspective he was neutral and non-invasive in his advice, bringing work that reflected my own inner creative nature completely.
- Josh Michael (songwriting student)
Jesse is a conscientious teacher who can give constructive criticism in a helpful and non-patronizing way. As a talented songwriter himself, he is able to take my existing work and help me see its full potential.
- Casey Freedom-Izdepski (songwriting student)
Guitar
Beginner - Intermediate (steel-string acoustic and electric)
I lead students to being able to speak through their guitar, by letting their curiosities and goals determine where we go. I teach them their favorite songs, introduce them to music theory, and provide exercises so they can excel. Aspiring lead guitarists will be given the building blocks for guitar licks and solos. I also teach all types of rhythm from Folk strumming, to Pop Punk muting, to reggae/ska up-strums, to classical fingerpicking, to Blues rhythms and beyond. I’ve studied guitar personally under performer and published music author Charles Sedlak who has his Ph.D in Music Education, as well as Bay Area Music Awards nominee Jock Rockenbach. I love meeting students where they’re at and showing them the next steps they’re looking for! (All ages. No experience necessary.)
Jesse did more for me in one year than all others did in an entire lifetime. I can play guitar now and I can honestly say the only reason is because of Jesse. Not only did he teach me the skills to be able to learn, but he gave me the belief in myself to keep me going, when I didn’t think I could. He will make you believe in yourself and you WILL learn how to play guitar!
- Rachel Parsons (guitar student)
Jesse has endless patience and is the perfect presence to support you while you’re learning. His experience and knowledge are the best combination for music students!”
- Cris Coll (guitar student)
Singing
Beginner - Intermediate
Singing is a beautiful part of life. I work with folks to build confidence and control in their natural singing voices. My lessons blend breath support, ear training, posture, movement and visualization as students follow along with vocal exercises and learn to sing their favorite songs. I show them how to expand vocal range, harness vibrato, improve pitch, smoothly mix falsetto and chest registers, approach different genres of singing, and strengthen stamina with long-held notes. If desired, I can also assist singers with mic technique, harmony, tips for live performance, and singing while playing an instrument. I incorporate my learnings from six years of vocal training from singer-songwriter and member of award-winning classical choirs, Eli Conley, as well as techniques from group performance classes with critically acclaimed, internationally touring singer, Amy Speace. I love helping people find their voice! (All ages. No experience necessary.)
Jesse is an extraordinary teacher! His kind and knowledgeable approach is just what I needed to build a confidant foundation with singing.
- Dorian Young (voice & ukulele student)
I grow more confident with my voice every day because of Jesse's encouragement and patience. His classes are well planned and aligned with my short and long term goals.
- Danny Ku (voice & guitar student)
Drums
Beginner level
In my opinion, drums are one of the most fun instruments! Drumming releases endorphins in the brain which lightens our mood and stimulates emotional releases. It also boosts the immune system, improves body coordination, accelerates physical healing, and improves focus. In my classes we explore all kinds of fun new beats including your favorite songs. We also learn how to create drum fills, read sheet music, play single hand/foot percussion instruments, utilize metronome practice like the pros, and more. I love creating a playful setting where we can push the boundaries of a drummer’s skill level to expand what they can do! (All ages. No experience necessary.)
Jesse is a very good teacher. When things get really tough he helped me figure out drumbeats. He played it out for me part by part.
- Jonah Aquino-Silver (drum student)
Jesse was so patient with my kid. He was so excited that Jesse let him pick out songs he wants to learn.
- Angela Aquino-Silver (Jonah’s mom)
Ukulele
Beginner level
Ukulele is a fun and affordable instrument you can take anywhere! I love showing students new chords, strumming patterns, finger-picking, and how to play their favorite songs. With new tunes and exercises we explore what we can do with our little companion, the ukulele! (All ages. No experience necessary.)
Since the first second you meet him, you realize he is passionate for the music and he transmits it with all his love, patience and dedication. Without a doubt he is my favorite teacher.
- Agustina Ruiz (ukulele & voice student)
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Jesse as a teacher, and as a person! In my many months of vocal and ukelele instruction with Jesse, he was always thoroughly prepared and organized. Moreover, Jesse is an encouraging, innovative teacher, and his passion for music is contagious. I always looked forward to my weekly music lessons with Jesse, and I left feeling even more joy and inspiration than when I walked in. I cannot recommend the lovely Jesse Strickman highly enough!
- Julia Preston (voice & ukulele student)
Lessons are one-on-one and are held over video call (via Zoom) from the comfort of your home. You don’t need to have Zoom to take the lesson. It’s an easy click of a button.
Weekly lessons are most common, but some students prefer twice a week or every other week, depending on their goals and lifestyle. We’ll figure out what works for you and can adjust anytime.
Often students choose to combine two instruments to learn. (Ex: singing and ukulele, guitar and songwriting etc.) No wrong way to make music!
$40 for 1/2 hr lesson or $60 for 1 hr lesson. Payments can be made through Venmo, Paypal, Zelle, Cash App, Apple Cash, or credit card.