Private Lessons & Coaches in Emeryville, CA

I’m a lifelong guitarist who’s learned the economics of the fretboard—how to say more with less. Over decades of performance, arranging, and teaching, I’ve come to see the guitar not as a maze of shapes but as a unified field of melody, harmony, and movement. My lessons are for intermediate players who want to stop memorizing and start understanding: to connect patterns, find melodic pathways, and unlock their own voice.

"Amazing teacher, so kind and patient. I was extremely nervous and he thought me a lot on the first day can’t wait for more lessons. Highly recommend

Coach football tackle and flag. Been coaching tackle football for 20 plus years. Have 2 girls in flag and son in tackle. The plan is always to build a strong foundation of strong fundamentals, then we can go anywhere from there. I can coach all positions. But i specialize in wide receivers and defensive backs. Also a fitness coach. So i can get athletes stronger more agile and explosive. I’ve coached all ages and levels.

Ranked # 4 in the Russia in age 16. Won Junior National Doubles Championship title, with my partner Max Mirnyi. Played ITF tournaments throughout Europe. Growing up had chance to learn from elite world class coaches Sergei Likhachev, Alexander Zverev Sr. ( Sasha’s father) College: Had a full scholarship at Western Kentucky University, Division 1. Played #1 position singles and doubles. Awarded All-Conference Player of the year, Sun Belt Conference. Transferred to BYU- Hawaii, Division II.  I led the team to win the NCAA-II championship title. First time in school history BYU-Hawaii became #1 in the country. Trained and helped/hitting partner of Marat Safin and Anna Kournikova. Worked with Lulu Sun, helped her with strategic training and skills. WTA career high, 39 in the world.

"Training structure was really good, helped me to get into varsity team.

I have been on championship teams since high school. I have been a coach since 2016. I know what it takes, dedication and attention to detail. Let's improve ourselves. I can help with ages 11-18.

Certified Pickleball Coach, RPPk & ICI Walnut Creek, CA (Private Court) James Tucker is a certified pickleball coach based in Walnut Creek, CA, with a lifelong passion for racquet sports. He began playing tennis at age six and competed in USTA singles and doubles for many years before discovering his love for pickleball and padel. James now offers private coaching on a dedicated court and can organize games for players of all skill levels. Whether you're new to the game or looking to refine your technique, James provides personalized instruction and strategy tailored to help you improve fast. Certified through DUPR, Tyson McGuffin’s program, RPPk (The Registry of Pickleball Professionals), and the International Coaches Institute (ICI), James has trained under some of the most respected organizations in the sport. The coaching methods he applies have been used to develop elite racquet sport athletes worldwide. In addition to on-court coaching, James is available to support your tournaments and offers game analysis using video review to identify areas for improvement. His coaching style blends proven technique with enthusiasm and strategic insight, making him a trusted resource for anyone serious about elevating their pickleball game.

"I took a clinic from James and it was amazing. I really like his style and how he simplifies the instructions in a positive way. My husband and I are now doing private lessons with him weekly and our games are getting so much better at a rapid pace.

Elise Ross Rattle has performed as a soloist in the major european music festivals (Warsaw Festival, Maggio Musicale Florence, Biennale Festival Venice...), and concert halls (Concertgebauw Amsterdam, Royal Festival Hall London, Theatre des Champs-Elysees Paris...) as well as Tanglewood, Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. Her approach to teaching is for a healthy and natural technique, excellent diction and the joy of interpreting great vocal music from the Baroque era to the 21st century.

"I have been taking voice lessons with Elise for almost 7 years and have made tremendous progress. She is a patient, encouraging teacher and is excellent at explaining techniques and offering suggestions of how to reach high notes or perfect the sound quality of your voice. I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anybody interested in getting the most of your singing voice, whether as a professional or simply for your own pleasure.

I communicate directly and straight to the point, while being friendly and gentle. I'll repeatedly remind you of tips so that we drill it into your brain, killing bad habits and replacing them with good habits. I've been playing pickleball almost daily for 2+ years at a 4.0 level with some tournament experience. I enjoy coaching just for fun - I love mastering strategic games and sharing that passion with others who like to learn as well.

"Sam shows how to hit the ball for every stroke and explains it right with the biomechanics / how to swing. He explains where to position yourself, how to hit the ball, how spin affects the trajectory path of the ball. I've learned a ton.

Hey my name's Derek Schmidt and I'm a musician, sound designer, and music educator living in SF. I have a Masters in Music Composition and decades of performing experience.I've played piano for over three decades, for performance, production, and composition. I come at piano from an composer/songwriter perspective, so I can ground the lessons in music theory to help it all make sense, no matter what instrument you decide to play. I best teach beginning and intermediate students who want to explore different musical styles.

"“I’ve been wanting to continue my learning of ukulele and guitar. Derek is such a knowledgeable and patient teacher. I love how he breaks down the understanding of music theory and composition. I’ve had other guitar teachers that have taught me how to copy music tabs but Derek is really great in explaining the why of music!” – T.

Music is my lifelong passion, and I have dedicated the past 31 years to mastering and sharing it. As a recording artist, I bring real-world experience and proven techniques to every lesson. I will guide you, from beginner chords to advanced solos, while unlocking your unique musical potential.

Two years coaching Bay Area Scores, a non-profit soccer/poetry. Nike field day. 2 plus Kassirer sports skills coach Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball.