Santa Monica
I have taught hundreds of clients guitar/bass/vocals/and song writing - all ages, all levels. I’m familiar with everything from the current pop scene, indie, classic rock, blues, folk, country, jazz. I’ve done it all. Former clients include the multi-platinum band Incubus.
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17 customer reviews
Barbara King
Guitar Lessons
My Grandson is really enjoying his lessons with Chuck.
Fran M
My 2 daughters have been taking lessons from Chuck since 2013 when they were 6 and 9 years old. They are quite adept now at playing Beatles songs, the blues and classical pieces. The fact that he’s kept their interest in music alive all these years shows how great of a teacher he is! More...
Laura Gianni
Chuck is an extremely talented musician and an amazing teacher. He has worked with my son for six years and while they have focused on the guitar, they have also worked on vocals, the keyboard and songwriting. He has managed to hold my son’s interest while working with him remotely. My son loves working with him and I give him the highest recommendation. He’s awesome!! More...
Aidan Petoyan
Chuck is the only guitar teacher I’ve ever taken lessons with. I played my first chord with him a few years ago and now he’s teaching me complex guitar theory. Not only is he the best, he’s really nice and funny... and he teaches you to play and/or sing the songs you want to. He will also teach you the art of songwriting. With decades of experience in the music business, Chuck has put out a lot of music (Search up “Billie Sings,” “Legend of Room 4,”“Willie’s Nerve Clinic,” or “Stray Deuce/ Stray Deuce Music for just a taste). You should also check out his site: https://straydeuce.com. Bottom line, hire this man. Taking lessons with him is the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. More...
FF
Chuck understands the potential of each student and then structure the lessons accordingly.
I have never met an instructor of any discipline so enthusiastic about your improvement.
Kashif N
Chuck is a very dedicated teacher. I love playing guitar and I owe every bit of what I know to Chuck. He is the best.
Kyle
Chuck is awesome. An amazing player that has opened up the universe of music theory again for me. Whether you're a beginner, advanced player, or just picking up the guitar again for the first time in years, Chuck will give you the tools you need to create a world of your own. Hire this man! I promise you will thank me later. More...
GermaineGH
Parents and children alike in our family have learned to play (the guitar, banjo and bass) and sing with Chuck, for years now. And it's never been forced! The only interruption in the weekly lesson schedule has been leaving for college. We are and will forever be grateful to Chuck for his knowledge, talent and patience (!). He is the BEST teacher!! More...
Shannon
We have had Chuck as our guitar and bass instructor for almost 5 years! He has been working with my now 13 year old and 10 year old and me ( their mom). Chuck is a gifted musician. He is patient and is always open to the music they want to play while balancing it with their skill level. He encourages them to be bold and try new music. He is supportive but also appropriately corrects them. He is never patronizing and treats them with a lot of respect, giving them creative flexibility. He is a true artist! We all love Chuck. He feels like he is a part of our family. We feel so fortunate to have found him and are grateful to him for opening our eyes to our own creative and musical voice. More...
Robert Grashaw
Chuck taught me bass, guitar, singing, and songwriting as a teenager, and now he teaches me guitar soloing in my thirties. He has a depth of knowledge that enables him to meet students where they're at and propel them toward where they want to go. Whether you want to learn how to play pop, how to craft songs, how to understand the theory behind your music, or how to melt faces, he'll meet you with unbridled enthusiasm and useful insights. He covers pretty much every style, from blues to pop, jazz to grunge. And he's always happy to answer questions you may have. If you're looking to develop as a musician and a songwriter, Chuck can show you the way. More...
Liza
Chuck is a great guitar teacher. Any song I wanted to play, he helped me learn while encouraging me to apply more advanced techniques like barre chords and music theory. He is also so personable and easy to learn from. More...
Ronnie Silva
Chuck is the best of the best. He is as skilled and patient of an instructor as they come. He’s been signed by the best labels and played with some of the best musicians. I’ve been his student for 4+ years and will continue to be as long as he’ll have me. More...
Dana Rio
Chuck Smith was my daughter’s vocal coach and mentor for over 15 years. He creates magic with his students and music. I would HIGHLY recommend working with Chuck. He is a consummate professional is anything that is music More...
Lukas
I have been working with Chuck for about one and a half years, he’s been a great interactive teacher who knows everything there is too know about not just guitar, but music. I highly recommend if you are trying to learn guitar or improve what you already know. More...
Dr. Stefanie Feldman
Chuck has been teaching my daughter Lily for more than 6 or 7 years. He goes way beyond just teaching guitar lessons. He really gets to know the students and has been a great influence in her life. Lily is pursuing art college and he has been instrumental in giving her great advice and support. My daughter has really enjoyed working with Chuck More...
Sam
I’ve been working with chuck for years now and I could rate him highly enough. He has helped my entire family with learning the guitar and bass and is immensely knowledgeable. He is able to figure out and write down any song you throw at him, and he makes it teachable and understandable no matter the difficulty. He is friendly and great to talk to, and I look forward to every time I meet with him. I HIGHLY recommend taking lessons with Chuck Smith no matter your experience level. More...
Sabrina
I’ve been working with Chuck for a few years now and he’s amazing. I started lessons with no knowledge on guitar and he has taught me how to read chords and play so many different songs. He’s so patient, suuper reliable, and a very nice guy. I 100% recommend him for guitar lessons. More...
What inspired you to start your own business?
I wanted to work for myself. I was also tired of working bars for extra income, and wanted to concentrate on writing and recording my own music.
Why should our clients choose you?
Because of my wide ranging experience teaching, my long background as a musician, singer, writer, and because I make it fun.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
I’m only teaching online since the pandemic began. It has worked out very well. I can scan written material and email it for the client to print out. FaceTime or Zoom for the visual. I know many folks are tired of Zoom classes etc., but my clients have all been satisfied with the transition.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
I don’t do in person lessons. Also, I teach clients from all over the country using online resources, so COVID issues are not a concern.
Songwriting
I am able to help aspiring songwriters to learn the art of constructing a tune, both lyrics and melody. I can also help writers improve their songs, and make them ready for the marketplace. I’ve been a writer and artist with both Columbia and Motown.
Guitar/Bass
I can teach any style of guitar, both acoustic and electric. Any genre, soloing, chord progressions, fingerstyle, slide, rock idioms, blues, country, current pop r&b etc. With electric bass, any style including slap/funk.