Professional Music Educator & Performance Coach

Ruben R.

I am a professional music educator and performer with over 35 years of experience helping students develop real, lasting musical ability. My background includes extensive touring, decades of teaching, and current faculty work as a guitar and ensemble instructor at New Roads School in Santa Monica, a highly regarded independent school known for excellence in both academics and the arts.
In addition to my work as a musician, I completed a degree in clinical psychology. This allows me to approach teaching not only from a technical standpoint, but also from a performance and mindset perspective—helping students overcome frustration, build confidence, and perform at a higher level with clarity and focus.
I specialize in working with motivated students who want efficient, structured progress. Many of my students come to me after feeling stuck or overwhelmed, and need a clear path forward. My role is to simplify the process, remove unnecessary barriers, and help you develop strong rhythm, musicality, and control in your playing.
My teaching integrates:
Technical development (guitar, voice, and musicianship)
Rhythm, phrasing, and ear training
Practical music theory that directly applies to what you play
Performance coaching, including managing nerves and building confidence
My approach is comprehensive but streamlined. You will learn how music works as a system—without being overloaded—so that your playing becomes more natural, expressive, and consistent. Whether your goal is to play for personal enjoyment, perform confidently, or reach a higher level of musicianship, lessons are tailored to your specific direction.
I work best with:
Adults returning to music
Beginners who want a clear, structured foundation
Intermediate players looking to break through plateaus
If you are serious about improving and want a teacher who can guide you efficiently, I would be glad to work with you.