Teachers
Teachers
Meet D'Arcy Reynolds
Lessons | Teachers | FAQ | Policies | Contact Us Genres: Classical, multi-cultural fusion, pop, jazz, composingAges: Students ages 7 and upAvailable Days: Fridays and Saturdays in San RafaelHome Studio in Novato also available. Contact D'Arcy for more info.Contact: dharmagatemusic@gmail.com Lesson Rates 45 min : $8560 min : $100 Schedule a lesson with D'Arcy Book a Lesson About D'Arcy Reynolds D'Arcy is an award-winning pianist and composer who has taught music for over 30 years in Northern California. She is committed to encouraging the creative life of young people, and her work with private students and composer residencies has engaged and inspired children to achieve a high artistic level. She teaches classical, jazz, and pop, to children, teens and adults. Students learn improvisation, sight reading, keyboard harmony, and songs from their very first lesson. Practice videos and fun musicianship apps make the lessons come alive for practice sessions. Her interest in world music has taken her around the globe, including a tour in South Africa with the Sontonga Quartet where she was featured in the documentary “Inner Landscape”. Her compositions embody multi-cultural fusion, so musical influences from jazz to Argentinian tango, to Cuban montunos, to Indian raga are threaded throughout her work. She performs her chamber music throughout Northern California with her longtime colleagues from the San Francisco Ballet and Opera Orchestras. D’Arcy holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in piano and composition from Mills College. Teachers include Terry Riley, Katrina Krimsky, and Emilio Solla. Interplay by D'Arcy Reynolds (YouTube) darcyreynolds.com Need help booking a lesson? Email lessons@bananas.com or text us at (415) 457-7600
Tommy O'Mahony
Lessons | Teachers | FAQ | Policies | Contact Us Genres: Rock, Pop, and moreInstruments: Bass, Guitar, UkuleleAvailable Days: Wednesdays in San RafaelContact: tommyomahonybass@gmail.com Lesson Rates 30 min : $5045 min : $7060 min : $90 Schedule a lesson with Tommy Book a Lesson About Tommy O'Mahony Tommy O’Mahony is a professional musician and educator with 15+ years of experience in playing and teaching. Tommy is a Marin native and graduate of the California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley with a Bachelors Degree in music, with an emphasis on Upright and Electric Bass. At the California Jazz Conservatory he studied under greats like Kai Eckhardt, Mark Levine and many others, as well as playing in the advanced jazz ensemble.Tommy currently splits his time playing in many bands around the Bay Area. One band of note is Soul Ska, Pacific Sun's “Best Band of the Year” for the last 2 years in a row. Tommy has performed with all kinds of artists from Bob Weir to Angelo Moore.Tommy has experience teaching music theory and ear training as well as several different instruments. In his instrumental lessons, he can teach specific playing techniques or just help you learn songs. Need help booking a lesson? Email lessons@bananas.com or call us at (415) 457-7600 x 104
Kendrick Fielder
Lessons | Teachers | FAQ | Policies | Contact Us Genres: Pop, Rock, Funk, RnB, Indie, Blues, Motown, SoulSpecialties: Electric & Acoustic Guitar, Electric Bass, Music Theory, Songwriting/ComposingAges: Students ages 12 and upAvailable Days: Mondays and Thursdays in San RafaelContact: kfielder@alumni.berklee.edu Lesson Rates 30 min : $5045 min : $7560 min : $90 Schedule a lesson with Kendrick Book a Lesson About Kendrick Fielder With over 15 years of experience as a professional musician and educator, Kendrick Fielder brings a deep passion for music and teaching to every lesson. A Marin local, he attended Marin School of the Arts before graduating from Berklee College of Music with a degree in Contemporary Writing & Production and a minor in Writing for Television & New Media. Since graduating, Kendrick has worked full-time as a guitarist in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. His playing can be heard on projects for Disney, Jennifer Lopez, MTV, CMT, HBO, The Tonight Show, and more. In his lessons, Kendrick emphasizes the joy of making music while encouraging creativity and self-expression. Each lesson is custom-tailored in a relaxed, supportive environment, covering topics such as: chords, scales, melody, rhythm, music theory, songwriting, arranging, recording, and production. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your playing to the next level, Kendrick is dedicated to helping students grow with confidence and inspiration. Career highlights- Playing guitar for Lionel Richie at a Berklee Commencement Concert- Recurring session musician for Disney's Magical Holiday Celebration since 2018- Preproduction and rehearsal playback operator for Jennifer Lopez’s “It’s My Party” tour- Recorded guitars for Megan Thee Stallion’s BET Awards performance- Band leading & arranging for The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular 2025 You can check out his Instagram here. Need help booking a lesson? Email lessons@bananas.com or call us at (415) 457-7600 x 104
Devon Baldwin
Lessons | Teachers | FAQ | Policies | Contact Us Specialties: Pop/ContemporaryAges: Students of all ages (kids under 10-30min only)Available Days: Fridays and Saturdays in San Rafael (Wed/Thurs off site)Contact lessons@bananas.com to schedule. Lesson Rates 30 min : $65 (kids under 12yo only)45 min : $8560 min : $95 Schedule a lesson with Devon Book a Lesson About Devon Baldwin Born and raised in the Bay Area, multi-platinum singer and songwriter Devon Baldwin is an accomplished and passionate musician. Her professional training began at 13, when she started studying under vocal coach, Amber Morris, a local legend who helped her refine her technical abilities through her personally developed technique. Devon went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Music from Loyola University New Orleans. Since 2014, she has been pursuing her passion as a professional singer and songwriter, channeling her lifelong love of music into a thriving career in pop music. She has established herself as a compelling solo artist, performing at major festivals like Outside Lands, touring across North America, and accumulating hundreds of millions of streams across Spotify and Apple Music. With nearly two decades of formal coaching in both pop and classical vocal techniques and professional songwriting training from both private lessons and college courses, she brings a rich, versatile approach to vocal instruction.Devon teaches Amber Morris’ signature vocal method, which emphasizes natural, effortless singing. Her approach helps students develop technical skills like resonance, tone, and range while preserving each singer's unique voice. With a focus on sustainable vocal techniques, she guides students toward both technical precision and personal artistic expression.Whether working with beginners looking to discover their voice or experienced singers seeking to refine their technique, Devon is committed to helping her students unlock their full musical potential. Need help booking a lesson? Email lessons@bananas.com
Richard Michos
Lessons | Teachers | FAQ | Policies | Contact Us Genres: Rock, Blues, Jazz, Folk, WorldSpecialties: Guitar, Ukulele, BassAges: 8yo +Available Days: Sun, Wed and Sat. in San RafaelContact: rmichos@gmail.com or 415-860-0066 Lesson Rates 30 min : $5045 min : $6560 min : $90 Schedule a lesson with Richard Book a Lesson About Richard Michos I offer private guitar, ukulele, and bass guitar lessons at Bananas At Large or online . I have been teaching for over 20 years and love to work with kids and adults, from beginner through advanced. I will discuss with you your musical goals and streamline a learning program just for you. Below is some information about me.A full-time musician since 1995, Richard shares his expertise of all aspects of guitar techniques with students beginning to advanced. He has performed extensively, locally and internationally, and is an established studio player and music producer. His education includes music composition and technology degrees from UC San Diego, and a certificate from Berklee College of Music in Boston. As a music producer, he has recorded albums for labels including Universal, Hearts of Space, Sony Music, and City of Tribes. Being well versed in Indian, Latin, and African styles, Richard specializes in fusing traditional melodic forms with modern grooves and instrumentation. His album credits include the groups Shabaz, Georges Lammam, and Riffat Sultana (available on iTunes) who have been reviewed with stars by Billboard. His music has also been featured on NPR, as well as in Rhythm and Folk Roots magazines. He has worked with artists including Quincy Jones, Narada Michael Walden, Richard Bona, and Cheb Khaled, and has performed at venues such as the Greek Theatre LA, Montreal Jazz Festival, LA’s Grand Performances, and “We are the Future” in Rome. Richard’s solo performances display a rich tapestry of sound and influences, playing a mix of pop, international, Latin, light jazz, and classic rock styles. Question: What do you offer as a guitar and music teacher? “I love to teach music to all ages and have taught hundreds of people. Every student is different, and I can guide each toward their musical goals. I am a clear, patient, and understanding teacher who is able to meet you where you are on your musical journey, and assist you in expanding your knowledge and mastery of music and the instrument. Usually having a whole lot of fun along the way!” – Richard What students and associates are saying “Richard has been teaching my son ukulele and electric guitar for over a year. Richard is a fantastic guitar player and a great teacher. He has a knack for knowing what will keep the child interested and engaged and is willing to be flexible to make sure that his students develop a passion. My son has gone from dreading practice to not having enough hours in the day to play to his heart’s content. He now wants to be a professional guitar player!” ~ a happy Mom"Richard is amazing with kids and adults and has a very versatile musical background, plus a world class player!" ~ Peter Warren"Richard Michos, great guy and wonderful guitar teacher. He is a very accomplished guitarist and can help take you to the next level if you have some background in guitar but is also very patient and passionate about teaching and loves working with beginners, helping them over the early stumbling blocks on the way to making real music on the guitar. Try some lessons with Richard, you won't be disappointed!" ~ Doug McKeehan"I've take lessons from Richard in the past and will again. He's a very patient teacher and knows his stuff, and I highly recommend him at whatever level of guitar you're at. I'm a bit of a theory nerd and Richard has that down too!" ~ George Machette You tube: (He is the guitarist in this video with Quincy Jones band).https://youtu.be/KuWjoeMLWCs Need help booking a lesson? Email lessons@bananas.com
Pete Madsen
Lessons | Teachers | FAQ | Policies | Contact Us Genres: Fingerstyle (acoustic) Blues, Slide guitar, Electric Blues, Rock, Surf, FunkAges: Children 10+ and AdultsAvailable Days: Fridays in San RafaelContact: buzzyfrets@yahoo.com or (510) 708-8874 Lesson Rates 30 min : $4545 min : $6560 min : $80 Schedule a lesson with Pete Book a Lesson About Pete Madsen Pete Madsen is an award winning (GGBS Best Duo 2018) acoustic blues, ragtime and slide guitarist from the San Francisco Bay Area who blends Kottke-esque virtuosity with thoughtful writing skills to produce wonderful guitar excursions. He has shared the stage with Kelly Joe Phelps, Alex DeGrassi, Peppino D’Agostino and many other incredible acoustic musicians. He performs mainly in the Bay Area and has played at the Freight & Salvage, Jupiter, Pt. Reyes Station House, and has taught and performed at the Healdsburg Guitar Festival. His performances include songs from the greats—Robert Johnson, Big Bill Broonzy, Blind Blake, John Fahey—as well as many original songs inspired by traditional blues and modern fingerstyle guitar. In addition to performing, Pete is a well-respected guitar teacher and writes regularly for Acoustic Guitar Magazine. He has written eight books of guitar instruction, including A Guide to Acoustic Blues Guitar, A Guide to Bottleneck Slide Guitar, Improvisation and Variations for Fingerstyle Blues Guitar, The CAGED System for Guitar, and Play the Blues Like.… He can be seen at his very popular classes in Berkeley at Timbre Folk (801 Bancroft st, Berkeley, CA 94710). LESSONS Lessons for beginners through advanced. Children and adults welcome! Pete specializes in acoustic blues fingerstyle and bottleneck slide guitar. But he is also well versed in many styles including rock, funk, surf, classic rock, early jazz and electric blues. He has been a part of the Bay Area music scene for over 25 years. Lessons are fun, informative and thoroughly professional. Students receive written music, TAB and mp3 files to study from. Pete has also put many of the songs he teaches on YouTube. You can check out more at his website here: https://petemadsenguitar.com/home Need help booking a lesson? Email lessons@bananas.com or text us at (415) 457-7600
Jon Axtell
Lessons | Teachers | FAQ | Policies | Contact Us Genres: Rock, Pop, Funk, New Wave, Hip Hop, Reggae, Ska, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90sSpecialties: Guitar and Bass (beginner to intermediate)Ages: Students 14+Available Days: Tuesday through Friday in San RafaelContact: jonnie.axtell@gmail.com or 415-425-2919 Lesson Rates 30 min : $5060 min : $80 Schedule a lesson with Jon Book a Lesson About Jon Axtell Jon Axtell has been playing guitar professionally for 35 years, and teaching guitar for 20. He’s recorded several albums, toured North America, and backed up many artists such as Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Cy Curnin of the Fixx, Dee Snider, Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, Tone Loc, Sugar Hill Gang, George Clinton, Howard Jones, and Curt Smith of Tears for Fears. Need help booking a lesson? Email lessons@bananas.com or call us at (415) 457-7600 x 104
Dylan Juhan
Lessons | Teachers | FAQ | Policies | Contact Us Genres: Jazz, Orchestral, Blues, Rock, Funk, AmericanaSpecialties: Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, VoiceAges: Students of all AgesAvailable Days: Saturdays - OnlineContact: dylanjuhan@gmail.com or (760) 419-5303 Lesson Rates 30 min : $5045 min: $7060 min : $85 Schedule a lesson with Dylan Book a Lesson About Dylan Juhan Dylan teaches Acoustic guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Upright Bass, Voice, Oboe, French Horn, Trumpet, and Songwriting/Music Theory to students of all ages. Born in Los Angeles and raised in San Diego, Dylan Juhan began playing classical, jazz, funk, and rock music in various middle and high school bands. Starting on oboe, Dylan gradually added bass guitar, guitar, french horn, ukulele, trumpet, euphonium, and upright bass to the list of instruments that they play. They trained under the renowned San Diego bassist Gunnar Biggs before studying at UC Irvine under a conservatory faculty including the Jazz Program Director and legendary pianist Kei Akagi and under the private tutelage of virtuoso bassist Darek Oleszkiewicz. Dylan also worked as a luthier at the San Diego County Music Exchange in Vista CA for several years during and after their undergraduate studies. Dylan now resides in Santa Rosa CA with their wife Katie, and continues to perform, teach, and record. Dylan has over 10 years of performance experience at wineries, weddings, private parties, musical theaters, taprooms, and more. Dylan specializes in upright bass, especially jazz, and has worked with musicians and bands including but not limited to: Spike Sikes, Michael Gold, Stephanie Ozer, Randy Vincent, Kendrick Freeman, Gary Zellerbach, Stax City, Alan Early, Ben Prentice, Laura Ochikubo, Nicholas Maldonado, Jack Perry, Koosha Hakimi, Devin Norris, Dan Imhoff, Jacob Philip Benning, Timothy O’Neil, and Brian Baudoin. You can check out more at his website here: dylanjuhan.com Need help booking a lesson? Email lessons@bananas.com
Lindsay Everly
Lessons | Teachers | FAQ | Policies | Contact Us Genres: Classical, Jazz, Rock, PopAges: Children 6+ and Teens/Young AdultsSpecialties: Piano, Voice, and SongwritingAvailable Days: Monday - Thursday in San RafaelContact: lessons@bananas.com Lesson Rates 30 min : $5045 min : $6560 min : $80 Schedule a lesson with Lindsay Please reach out to lessons@bananas.com for availability and scheduling. Lindsay's schedule is very full but openings during the summer may become available soon. About Lindsay Everly Lindsay has dedicated her life’s work to music education, performing and the music industry. Her diverse background as an On-Air radio personality in alt rock, completing her masters degree in the UK, studying and teaching in Ghana and performing at venues across the U.S. has benefited students in many ways. She believes in cultivating the individual talents and interests of students, while laying a strong foundation of essential skills that will serve them no matter what musical direction they take down the road. She teaches classical & jazz piano, rock/pop voice and songwriting. She has eight plus years of experience in private instruction and classroom teaching and loves what she does! She performs regularly at Johnny Foley’s Dueling Pianos in downtown San Francisco and for other dueling piano companies across the country. She also writes and releases original music. Need help booking a lesson? Email lessons@bananas.com or call us at (415) 457-7600 x 104
Angeline Saris
Lessons | Teachers | FAQ | Policies | Contact Us Genres: All GenresSpecialties: Electric BassAvailable Days: Mondays Lesson Rates 30 min : $6560 min : $125 Schedule a lesson with Angeline Angeline currently has a wait list for scheduling. Please reach out to lessons@bananas.com. About Angeline Saris Angeline Saris is a master instructor with over 20 years of private instruction experience and an exceptional depth of real-world performance. She is a bass player, songwriter, and educator whose career highlights include touring with Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer Todd Rundgren and guitar virtuoso Adrian Belew on the 2022 Celebration of Bowie Tour, with Grammy Award-winning producer and drummer Narada Michael Walden, jazz-ska-reggae legend Ernest Ranglin, and all-female Zeppelin tribute Zepparella. Most recently, she appeared on Carlos Santana’s new album Sentient, joined JGB’s organist Melvin Seals with the Joe Marcinek Band, and celebrated the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary with Stu Allen for Jerry Day. In 2024, she joined Jay Lane and the Mayhem (Dead and Co.) for a series of live performances to kick off his new solo project. In addition to being a first-call touring and session bassist, Angeline also writes, releases, and performs original music with her band, Angeline and the Snack Machine. Angeline has been featured in several publications, including Bass Player magazine and Guitar Girl magazine, and has appeared on the cover of Bass Musician magazine and Bass Quarterly magazine. When not out performing or in the studio recording, Angeline works as an educator and has taught at the prestigious Warwick Bass Camp in Germany, the National Guitar Workshop, as a demonstrator for Hal Leonard educational material, and as a private instructor. Angeline’s teaching focuses on making learning fun and engaging while also including solid musical theory. As she likes to point out, the iconic guitar line in “My Girl” is simply a major pentatonic scale — proof that students often learn theory without even realizing it. Drawing on her years of experience and in-depth mastery of the bass, she tailors each lesson to meet each student's individual learning needs. Angeline welcomes players of all levels and ages — her only requirement is an inspired curiosity and a commitment to regular practice. Angeline is proudly endorsed by Fender, GHS Strings, MONO cases, West Coast Pedal Boards, Get’m Get’m Straps, Warwick, and Marleaux Basses. To learn more, please visit her website at www.angelinesaris.com. Need help booking a lesson? Email lessons@bananas.com or text us at (415) 457-7600
Vince Littleton
Lessons | Teachers | FAQ | Policies | Contact Us Genres: All GenresSpecialties: Kids 9yo+, Teens, AdultsAvailable: Wednesdays in San Rafael Contact: vincelittleton@hotmail.com or 415-377-6770 Lesson Rates 30 min : $5060 min : $100 Schedule a lesson with Vince Please reach out to Vince through the contact info above before booking your first lesson. Thank you! Book a Lesson About Vince Littleton Vince Littleton has been teaching drum lessons in the San Francisco Bay Area for nearly 15 years. Some of Vince's students now have active careers in music; others learned just for the fun of playing the drums. Besides teaching privately, Vince has worked with drum and bugle corps, middle school, high school and college marching percussion, symphonic percussion, and percussion ensembles. Vince is a methodical and patient instructor who enjoys working with people of all ages, at all playing levels. He combines his own methods with those he learned from the great instructors he has had since childhood. Vince still continues to learn about the vast world of music and percussion, and enjoys sharing this knowledge with his students. Vince currently plays drums professionally doing freelance work, as well as as a studio musician, and with the band Super Diamond. Visit Vince's website, www.vincemusic.com, for more information. Need help booking a lesson? Email lessons@bananas.com or call us at (415) 457-7600 x 104
Teal Collins
Lessons | Teachers | FAQ | Policies | Contact Us Genres: All GenresInstrument: Guitar, Ukulele, and VoiceSpecialties: Rock & BluesAvailable: Tuesdays in San RafaelContact: mothertruckers@yahoo.com Lesson Rates Guitar & Ukulele Lessons 30 min : $55 45 min : $6560 min : $80 Voice Lessons 30 min : $6545 min : $7560 min : $95 Schedule a lesson with Teal Book a Guitar or Ukulele Lesson Book a Voice Lesson About Teal Collins My vocal method focuses on creating scale-based vocal exercises that are tailored to your range - after we focus on the technical aspect of singing, we can work on songs together that you love, and even record them using your own voice to stack harmonies, and you can learn about the recording process. All levels welcome! I hope to give you great techniques that will help you sing the way you want to as well as strengthening the voice, your confidence, develop strength in the range you already possess while bringing out the natural sound of your voice! Whether you are a beginner and are looking for some tips on becoming comfortable with your voice, have studied with other teachers and still have unresolved issues with your voice, or if you are performing every night and need techniques to improve stamina / endurance, even if your voice is fine and you just want to develop your range, acquire better tone or control, this method will help you be the singer you know you can be! Develop GREAT habits that strengthen and inspire!!! It is fun and energizing to connect with your voice- it is your own unique sound, and music feeds the spirit! Get to know Teal Collins How did you get started in music? ”My dad was Disc Jockey- Al “Jazzbeaux” Collins, and I was exposed at an early age to a lot of music. When I was 5 years old he starting teaching me the Ukulele, and I took right to it, mostly learning Jazz standards." What artist inspired you when you were first learning to play? “The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Nat King Cole - Then came Zeppelin my All-time favorite.” How long have you been playing? “Many, many years- but as a professional musician since I was 17.” What is your favorite genre to play and why? “I love ROCK, R&B, POP, COUNTRY- So many types, it’s hard for a music lover to narrow this question down- But anything that grabs my ear and makes me feel something! I can find something to love in many songs and genres.” What is your favorite song to play right now? “Shine On You Crazy Diamond - Pink Floyd & Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Elton John. Both songs on the Ukulele have chords that flow together nicely and the melodies have so much movement that they're fun to sing too.” What made you decide to start teaching? “My voice teacher back in the day really helped me to sing without damaging my voice and I’d like to help others get in touch with their voices - Ukulele is really fun to teach too because you can learn so many songs so quickly by knowing just a few chords!” Are you in any bands? “The Mother Truckers, The Whiskey Sisters, American Honey, Rock Steady SF, The Boombox…." What tidbits would you like to share? “When I was 16 years old my dad called up Les Paul and told him “My daughter Teally is learning guitar Les, you got anything you could send her?” so Les Paul sent me a 1979 “The Paul” guitar, which I love and used for many years while touring with The Mother Truckers.” What is the best advice you can give to a beginning player who is just starting? “The word “Practice” you shouldn’t think of as a bummer, but a totally fun thing to do where you are feeling songs, notes, words, and the beautiful magical energy of music resonating with your soul! Sounds kinda hippie-dippy, but it’s true! It can be a pure thing for your enjoyment as a being, or you can share your gift with others----” What is the best advice you would give to an established performer? “This goes double for me too - Come prepared to perform the material, be warmed up, ready, and easy to work with at all times! ” What is your “gigging” instrument and equipment and why? “Right now I have a Mitchell Concert Ukulele, Fishman Acoustic amp, any number of microphones…. I have been enjoying the in-ear monitors by Westone.” Need help booking a lesson? Email lessons@bananas.com or call us at (415) 457-7600 x 104
