Private Lessons & Coaches in Mill Valley, CA

I am an ordained Zen priest. I came to San Francisco from England in 2000, and spent fifteen years in residential zen training, including five years of monastic practice at Tassajara. I have been teaching formally for fifteen years, and guiding meditation for more than twenty. I love the formal rituals of Zen, but am also interested in reaching people who will never set foot in a Zen temple. These days I lead meditations in a variety of settings, and lead mindful hikes all over the city.

I'm a creative engineer and educator‬‭ with 12 years experience across college instruction, software engineering, and machine learning (AI) research. I was rated the #1 instructor for 4+ years‬‭ with overwhelmingly positive feedback from‬‭ 300+ students‬. I've created and taught courses‬‭ in data structures, algorithms, data science, programming, and software development tools. I'm an expert in helping students gain a deep understanding of and intuition for challenging computer science concepts.

Music has been an essential element of my life, and for 25 years, I've been sharing that passion as a professional guitarist and dedicated instructor. I specialize in catering to whatever your curiosities are with the instrument and am fluent in a number of musical expressions on the guitar, be it Afrobeat, Rock, European Classical or American Jazz and R and B. I can also read and write in standard music notation, though this is not a requirement to begin lessons! I have played and worked with a number of world renowned Bay Area talents such as Grammy award winner Fantastic Negrito, The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and The San Francisco Philharmonic Orchestra, My goal is to provide you with the technical foundation and creative freedom to express yourself through guitar, no matter your current skill level. Let's get started!

"My 14yr old son wanted to take up guitar lessons but wanted the "in person" experience which is how we met Josh. My son has learned so much in the short time he's worked with Josh. Josh is kind and works well with young people. He's reliable and easy to work with. He's amazing! If you are looking for that "in person" experience-he's your guy!

I've spent my entire life around the piano, playing for big names like Van Morrison and Bonnie Raitt, and even in the early days of "Saturday Night Live." I've also had a hand in writing music for TV shows and directing music for lots of school plays and community theaters. Now, I'm excited to take all that experience and use it to help you learn and grow as my piano student.

Derek is an experienced musician and sound designer with many years of music education experience. He holds a Master’s degree in Music and brings a strong academic and practical background to his teaching.

"“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!”

Michael grew up in Cape Town, South Africa and started playing golf from a young age. He went to university in Georgia and after a decent college career turned pro and played the mini tours in Florida, then the Australian tour and South African Sunshine tour. After a couple of years as a playing professional, he went through the PGA training in the UK and became a teaching pro at Blackmoor GC in Southern England. Michael then took a job with well renown European Tour teacher, Jamie Gough at this golf school in Cape Town. Michael worked there for 3 years before moving to Europe and spending 8 years teaching in Germany and Switzerland before moving to America. Michael also spent time caddying/managing on the European Tour in the 2005, he has done 3 TPI classes through the Titleist Performance Institute as well as many other classes, courses to grow his knowledge. Michael enjoys teaching players of all skill levels from beginners to tour players. Michael still plays a lot of golf and you can find him tinkering with his swing or playing a variety of courses in his free time. He also loves to cook and explore the beauty of Northern California.

"Just finished my first lesson with Michael - can’t recommend him strongly enough. Great coach, very patient and knowledgeable.

Mahdi Hentati, an esteemed tennis coach originating from Sfax, Tunisia, is a distinguished graduate with a degree in Physical Education, specializing in Tennis from L’Institut Supérieur du Sport et de l’Education Physique de Sfax. Commencing his tennis journey at the age of 8, Mahdi has earned national recognition through his dedicated participation in competitive tennis. His coaching ethos revolves around a personalized approach, acknowledging individual paces and motivations, thereby creating an environment where players can comfortably and effectively realize their maximum potential. Beyond the physical dimensions of the sport, Mahdi perceives sports as a conduit to a healthier lifestyle, imparting crucial lessons in self-discipline and empowerment. Throughout his illustrious career, Mahdi’s unwavering commitment to coaching is fueled by a genuine passion for pedagogy and the immense satisfaction derived from assisting diverse individuals in achieving their athletic and personal aspirations. His coaching philosophy transcends conventional boundaries, embodying a holistic approach that extends far beyond the confines of the tennis court. Mahdi Hentati stands as a testament to the transformative impact of sports in shaping the lives of those he guides.

"Super personable guy, it was fun

Raised on the shores of Oahu, Hawaii, my journey began with the rhythm of the waves at the age of 10, sparking a lifelong passion for surfing. Alongside carving waves, I immersed myself in college and high school football, basketball, and track, finding joy in the thrill of competition. As a competitor in the Hawaii Amateur Surfing Association for 5 years, I honed my skills in the ocean's embrace. Complementing my active lifestyle, I prioritize breathwork, stretching, and a healthy diet to nourish both body and soul. Transitioning into coaching, I've shared my love for sports with the next generation through coaching high school and pop warner football, as well as youth basketball. As an Oahu Professional Photographer, I've captured the beauty of surfing, sports, weddings, and family portraits, preserving cherished memories for clients. For the past decade, I've surfed the waves of San Francisco, delighting in small to medium fun perfect waves and discovering local gems based on conditions. Currently, I'm homeschooling my 8-year-old daughter, embracing the opportunity to instill a love for learning and adventure.

"Russ is a great coach!

I've been fortunate to immerse myself in the world of tennis at every level, including a professional playing career. As a former All-American college tennis player and sponsored athlete, I've enjoyed a rich spectrum of experiences. My dedication to the sport also led me to achieve a ranking as high as 13+ on the Universal Tennis Ranking and compete on a 5.5 USTA Men's tennis team. Over the years, I've had the privilege of coaching individuals of all ages and skill levels, both at tennis academies and clubs. I'm eager to share my knowledge and passion with anyone looking to elevate their game. As both a coach and player, I bring a harmonious blend of fun, strategy, and collaboration to the court, ensuring a fantastic experience for those I work with. Tennis has been an integral part of my life, and I'm genuinely excited to embark on this new chapter, helping others unlock their tennis potential. If you're in search of a dedicated tennis coach and hitting partner, please don't hesitate to reach out to explore the next steps.

"Amazing

Golfing and student of the game for 50 years now. .My philosophy is keep the swing simple and effective. Swing changes are hard so let’s work with what you have unless you are committed to making wholesale swing changes. Fundamentals are key: grip, alignment, posture and swing plane. No crazy gimmicky exaggerated moves: club on plane w a square face, and aligned to target. Let’s get you proficient and confident so you can get out play and enjoy the game.

"Worked on grip and stance with each club and got a good understanding WHY the stance was important (and different) for each club. I did not want 20 or 30 new things to try. I could not remember that many. I can easily focus on two tips for each club and make improvements based on those tips.