Michael Teoli
Guitar & Music LEssons
In addition to my work as an award-winning composer and music producer, I offer private music lessons on Zoom — focused on beginner guitar, ukulele, and music theory.
With over two decades of real-world experience scoring films, theater, and corporate media, I bring a practical, creative approach to every lesson. Whether you're a total beginner or getting back into music after time away, lessons are tailored to your goals and paced to suit your needs.
While I enjoy working with students of all ages, I especially enjoy working with adult beginners, helping them build confidence and reconnect with their love of music — some of my most inspiring students began their journey in retirement! I also offer focused courses like:
Music Mastery for the Singer: From Chart to Performance (great for singers and actors who sing)
Music Theory for Aspiring Songwriters and Composers
College Prep for Music Majors
All lessons are judgment-free, personal, and fun — whether you want to strum your first chords or dive deep into theory.
Spots are limited, so if you're interested, [contact me here] to learn more or schedule your first session.
CAll now - 805.738.3177
Reviews/Testimonials
“Michael Teoli is an amazing music teacher. I am taking ukelele lessons with him and I can say that whoever is lucky enough to cross his path and have him as an instructor/coach will benefit in their musical endeavors. He has tons of fantastic insight that I never had been introduced to with other uke teachers. He has tips on ways to practice, which is just as important as the WHAT to practice. In taking lessons with Michael, he got me to the point of confidence where I actually did accompany my class in a school talent show--I never had that much confidence before! This guy knows his stuff, is timely, patient, supportive, and challenges you in a way where you feel motivated but not fearful of making mistakes. If you are looking for a music teacher, look no further! If I could give 10 stars, I would.” - Laura C, Salem, NH
“I have been taking ukelele lessons from Michael Teoli for the past 5 years, and I am constantly impressed at how amazing a ukelele/music teacher he is! I feel so fortunate that I have been lucky enough to find such an incredible and knowledgeable teacher! I have learned so much from him over the past 5 years - I look forward to my ukelele lesson every week!!! He has wonderful insight, and gives me great suggestions and ideas, and always challenges me to become better and better with each lesson. He is also very patient - my lessons are always so educational and fun!!! If you are looking for an incredible ukelele/music teacher, I highly recommend Michael Teoli!!! It is a joy and pleasure having him as my teacher!!!” - Joan F, Elmira, NY
“Michael is a wonderful music teacher! He is caring, practical and was able to give me remote lessons over video meetings. I highly recommend working with him for both adult and/or children classes. The one on one time and dedication is top notch. We also had a blast together! You'll be playing songs in no time.” - Susan B, Sherman Oaks, CA
“I took acoustic guitar lessons with Michael via Zoom for over two years. I can't recommend him enough - he's so easy to work with, and a great and encouraging instructor. I knew he was an accomplished musician & composer, and it turns out: a great teacher as well! Take the leap and learn an instrument with Michael!” - Michael L, Redondo beach, CA
“Michael is a great teacher. I started zoom lessons with him during Covid and went from a guitar novice to not only knowing how to play but understanding what I was playing and why. Super knowledgable and a great all around guy.
He believed in my ability to become a real musician when I thought it was impossible. Thanks Michael!” Melinda L, Sherman Oaks, CA
“Michael is an excellent guitar teacher! I've only been taking lessons from him in the last few months, but I've improved a lot and really appreciate his patience, guidance, and flexibility! I'm excited to continue to learn from him and highly recommend for anyone looking for lessons!” -Lana M, San Diego, CA
“I've been taking ukulele lessons with Michael while recoveribg from ankle surgery and they've been super fun and helpful. I'm learning the basics of reading music and music theory as well as how to play songs and sing along! Highly recommend his virtual lessons if you're interested in learning the ukulele!” -Jenna D, Greece
“Michael did an amazing job teaching ukulele to my daughter! He is kind, gentle, clear and excellent at what he does. I highly recommend him as a music teacher!!” -Jesse B, San Francisco, CA
“Mike is a great teacher and amazing musician! I've been taking lessons with him for a couple years and look forward to our time every week. Mike strikes a great balance between helping me focus on fundamentals and learning the techniques I need to practice, and mixing in teaching interesting songs that I want to play. He also includes good perspective on music theory and helps me apply it to the pieces I'm learning.” - Peter B, Salem, NH
“Our son has been taking guitar lessons with Michael for 5 years now. It's amazing how incredibly far he has come under Micheal's guidance. From acoustic to electric, Michael took our son's interest in guitar that was sparked during lock-down and really fostered and nurtured it to the point that our son has now been playing lead guitar in a band. And very confidently too! He can really shred and he's only getting better thanks to Michael's patience and encouragement.” - Natascha C, Los Angeles, CA
“I took a couple of lessons from Michael to help brush up on my film composing knowledge and get a critique on some work I was doing at the time. He helped get through the creative block I was having and I was able to finish scoring a short film with music that I was proud of. Thanks Mike!” - Jose P, Glendale, CA
“I have been taking ukulele lessons with Mike for five years now and have nothing but great things to say. He’s very patient, knowledgeable, respectful, and makes learning fun! I highly recommend Mike and having lessons over zoom makes traveling to lessons a non-issue. 🎸🎸” - Laurie P, Salem, NH
“Michael has been fantastic teaching the uke and guitar to our son. Our son started learning uke from Michael at 6 years old during Covid on Zoom. Now he has been learning guitar for roughly 2 years, still on Zoom. Michael is patient, encouraging, and from time to time encourages our son to write his own music and work on the pieces with Michael. I have noticed that helps keep our son engaged and excited with his guitar practice and lessons.” - Kevin B, Portland, OR
“I’ve been taking guitar lessons from Michael for about five years now, and he’s helped me improve massively from knowing next to nothing about guitar to playing shows with my own band. Thank you Michael!” - Billy A, Pacoima, CA
“Michael has been teaching my son (first Ukelele, now Guitar) for 5 years via Zoom. I am so impressed by his patience and knowledge. My son is now 11 and still looks forward to his weekly lessons!! We very highly recommend Michael as a teacher!!” - Heidi B, Portland, OR
