Mark Sorensen
Guitarist. Instructor.
About
My name is Mark Sorensen. I am excited to leverage my background as a touring professional to help students achieve their musical goals and become creative, inspiring guitarists. I have been an active member of the East Bay music scene for nearly 20 years, and I have been teaching privately for 15. I also regularly teach guitar and general music in school classrooms throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
I received my Bachelors degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA.
Teaching
I offer in-person and online lessons. In-person lessons are held at my studio in El Cerrito, easily accessible from Berkeley or Albany. However, the majority of my students take lessons remotely via Zoom. Learn more about remote guitar instruction here.
Lessons are for all ages and skill levels.
"Mark has been teaching my son private electric guitar lessons for almost 1.5 years and I have been amazed at the progress he has made in this time. I have been especially impressed with Mark’s ability to communicate complex information even over Zoom. He is an excellent listener and takes the time to understand where my son needs help or can progress faster. He really makes sure to meet children where they are. He also manages to balance focusing on fundamental skill building with learning fun music the child is interested in. Mark is endlessly patient and uses humor to motivate and make the lessons more enjoyable."
— Jen A.
Taking the first step toward learning guitar can be daunting.
My beginner lessons are engaging, stress-free and grounded in the fundamental enjoyment of music. Material is always catered to student interest. Looking to learn that one song? Absolutely—we can use any piece to explore how melody and rhythm interact.
If you have been playing for a while, my goal is to assist you in honing the techniques that pro players use to make great music. I work with numerous musicians who have returned to guitar after starting years prior. I ask my students—what inspired you to begin studying the instrument again? What specific areas are you looking to improve in? I want to understand your current focus and provide expert consultation as we build on what you have already learned.
“I’ve been taking lessons online for five months now. I was more active with guitar years ago but never had a handle on the theory side of things. Mark has helped me really understand what I’m playing on a deeper level. I have new perspectives on why things work or sound good when they do.”
— Chris K.
“I am thrilled with the progress my daughter made has since starting guitar lessons with Mark. She looks forward to each lesson and continues to play afterwards. It’s exciting to observe the progress she has made in just a few months. I wholeheartedly recommend Mark to any parent looking to support their child in learning guitar—it’s been a wonderful experience”
— Rouja M.
