SMALL STEPS MUSIC
Bass, Guitar, Music Theory and Audio Production Lessons on Kaua'i and Online
"Dave makes lessons super fun, but he also has high expectations and holds his students accountable in a supportive way."
Josie T., mom of 10-year old student
Lesson Info
You have come to the right place! Learning the bass and guitar is meant to be FUN. I love music, and I am passionate about teaching and helping people grow as musicians. It is my joy and privilege.
Personalized Lessons
I personalize my lessons for each of my students to help them learn how to play using their favorite songs. I also focus a lot on using proper technique and the ergonomics of playing an instrument correctly to avoid problems.
In the first few sessions you will learn:
Instrument anatomy, finger exercises for independence and strength, chord structure, strumming techniques, some scales, basic riffs, some music theory... and more.
​
For bass players you will learn proper right and left had technique, reading staff notation, fundamentals of holding a groove and playing in a rhythm section.
Bass & Guitar Basics, including how to buy an instrument, tuning, maintenance, changing strings and a whole bunch of songs that you already know and love!
Student Ages
All ages 9 and above are welcomed!
Availability
We are currently accepting new students! Private lessons are held Monday through Saturdays.
References
Lesson Location
We offer in-person lessons at our studio in Koloa, Kauai or online via Zoom.
Rates
Lessons are $50 + tax for a half hour and
$80 + tax for an hour.
Kauai's GET taxes are 4.712%
Meet Dave Minor
Owner & Educator
Hi, I’m Dave, the Owner and Educator at Small Steps Music. I founded Small Steps Music in 2012 in the San Francisco Bay Area, driven by a lifelong love of music and a passion for teaching music to learners of all ages—from curious beginners to more experienced players.
​
I’m a Bay Area native with over 30 years of experience as a working musician and 14 years teaching music full‑time. I picked up the bass guitar at 13 and quickly fell in love with it. By the time I was 18, I was out playing gigs around the Bay Area in an eight‑piece funk band. Growing up in such a rich and diverse music scene gave me the chance to play and explore many styles, including rock, pop, folk, blues, jazz, funk, and R&B. If you'd like to learn more about my work as a performer, you can visit my personal website here.
​
I’m excited to contribute to music education on this beautiful island and to build a strong, supportive musical community. Sharing my experience, creativity, and enthusiasm for music with students is what motivates me every day, and I look forward to helping others take their own small steps on their musical journey.
STUDENT POLICY
1. Lessons are at the same time and day every week.
2. Lessons begin promptly for your scheduled slot. There will be no make-up time to account for a student's tardiness.
3. Payments for the month must be made using cash, check or paid online by the first lesson of each month. Payments made by check should be made out to "Small Steps Music".
4. There is a one-time $40 registration fee for new students enrolling in the school. This amount will be applied to your first invoice.
5. Small Steps Music will not provide make-ups for cancelled lessons or give credit for missed lessons. If Small Steps Music cancels a lesson, you will not be charged.
6. Discontinuation of lessons requires a two-week notice and tuition must be paid during the last two weeks of lesson.
7. Please do not attend your lesson if you are sick with a contagious disease as illness means cancelled gigs, lessons and lost income.
For a downloadable PDF copy, please click here.
Our Location
All lessons are conducted in Dave's home studio on the South Shore of Kauai. We don't publish our address online, so please give us a call or email us if you need the address or directions.
​
Below is a general map of the area.
