Masashi Alex Nakamura

​​I started playing piano and cello at age six while living in Oxford, England and later picked up my first guitar in Copenhagen, Denmark at sixteen. I earned my Associate's Degrees in Music and Liberal Arts from Santa Barbara City College. Throughout my education, in addition to practicing various instruments, I have participated in choirs, jazz bands, and combos playing guitar. I have also taken courses in recording technology under Dominic Camardella of Santa Barbara Sound Design. My education continued at San Diego State University where I earned my Bachelor of Music degree in Piano, Professional Studies under the auspices of Dr. Karen Follingstad.

I have been teaching music since 2007, with experience tutoring aural skills and music theory, and instructing piano and acoustic, electric, and bass guitar lessons. In addition to teaching, I also serve professionally as a church staff musician in the San Diego area, singing and playing piano and guitar, and have sung a cappella with Full Measure Carolers during holiday seasons.​

​In my spare time, I enjoy writing and recording my own tunes, gaming with a cat on my lap, and travel.

I’m a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to music, and I believe that attention to detail is an important part of becoming a strong and confident musician. I try to foster that same mindset in my students—not necessarily by expecting perfection, but by encouraging them to take pride in their work and always strive for their personal best.

I set high standards and I can be strict when it comes to preparation, technique, and musicianship, but I strive to be fair, patient, and supportive. My goal is to create an environment where students are challenged to grow, while also feeling encouraged and respected along the way. I believe excellence is something we work toward together, one lesson at a time.

I believe music theory is an important part of music education and that it can only enhance one's understanding of any instrument, giving knowledge that, once understood, can be transferred to any other instrument.