Private Lessons & Coaches in Pittsburg, CA

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 kicked off my musical journey at 7 with classical piano lessons, later adding classical voice and diving into the guitar world at 14. From classical to rock and blues, I've played in bands, taught guitar, and crafted my compositions. Now, I'm here to share my love for music, having written soundtracks, songs, and jingles. Regularly performing, I'm also passionate about helping others record and produce their music. Let's explore your musical world together!

Greg has been teaching for over 4 years, during which he has worked with more than 3,500 students through both group classes and private lessons. His extensive experience allows him to adapt his teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring a personalized and effective learning experience. Greg is passionate about helping students reach their full potential, using his knowledge and skills to guide them toward success. His dedication to education and his commitment to student growth make him a highly valued instructor.

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.

When I picked up a paddle just 2.5 years ago, I had zero athletic background. No tennis, no racquetball, nothing. It was just me, a paddle, and the curiosity to see what this “pickleball game” was all about. Fast forward to today, and I’m now a 5.0+ DUPR rated player who has medaled in 14 out of 15 tournaments, including the PPA Tour. My most recent win was achieving gold at the 5.0 level. What sets me apart isn’t just the wins—it’s how I got there. I broke my left hand three years ago (yep, the one I use for everything), so I taught myself to play right handed. The result? I became a true two sides of the court player with a special knack for left side dominant play. Combine that with my experience partnering with left handed players, and I can give you unique strategies for lefty/righty pairings that most coaches are not aware of and never even considered. What I Specialize In: * Tournament Prep & Strategy – Building confidence through mental game prep, match tactics, and step-by-step planning. * Aggressive Topspin 3rd Shot Drops – Turning defense into offense is my bread and butter. Getting to the kitchen after the serve is my specialty * Two Handed Cross Court Dinks – Achieving consistency while adding aggressive top spin. * Left Side Domination & Partner Play – Maximizing strengths in duos with unique strategy. Especially powerful with lefty/righty duos. Why Work With Me? I know what it’s like to start from scratch and grind it out. I’ve built my game shot by shot, drill by drill, laugh by laugh. Now, I’m ready to share that journey with players of all levels—whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or gearing up for your next gold medal run. Pickleball is competitive, yes—but it’s also fun. With me, you’ll learn the strategies, level up your skills, and maybe even laugh at my bad jokes while doing it.

Thirty years as a player with multiple tournament wins on US West coast amateur events. I've played and practiced with professional players. Active tournament player monthly. Former club champion and multiple NCGA winners in 2021. Won NCGA event at Lake Merced, 2017 Troon Challenge, and 4-time qualifier of CourseCo annual event since 2013. Retired Navy and Cal grad. Let's hit the range!

"He is a great instructor

I have over 10 years of experience coaching at the High School level. I have also coached through Parks and Recreation departments through the City of Berkeley and the City of El Cerrito for 3 years. Organized Usta Adult Men’s 4.0/4.5 Teams for a few years. I currently offer private lessons, group lessons and clinics. USPTR Certified Tennis Coach

"Elliott is so knowledgeable and has a kind, encouraging and supportive approach—-a great coach to work with!

I'm a former college All-American and circuit pro with a 35-year USPTA /RSPA certification and four decades of experience as part of Wilson's AdStaff team. I've coached a diverse range of students, from beginners as young as four to seasoned pros at 87. My passion for tennis extends beyond the court; I've also navigated the world of tech startups and hold a degree from Wharton. Beyond my professional accomplishments, I'm a proud father of two sons (Go Blue!) and currently reside in beautiful Northern California. I bring a unique blend of athletic expertise, business acumen, and personal warmth to my coaching. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your skills, I'm committed to helping you achieve your tennis goals in a fun and supportive environment. Let's hit the court together!