About Mister
Nate’s

Welcome to Mister Nate’s Music Lessons! Whether you are looking to learn piano, guitar, drums, or bass, Mister Nate has you covered. Nate offers a structured curriculum using several series of lesson books: Piano Adventures, Hal Leonard guitar and bass method, and Berklee guitar method for more advanced students. Lesson books provide a solid foundation by allowing the student to see both where they have come from and where they are going. No loose sheets of paper to keep track of here. Nate also encourages his students to choose their own material, working on songs that keep them engaged and excited while continuing to progress through their lesson books, gaining a solid musical foundation of fundamental music theory principles that will enhance their learning and playing experiences, in addition to making it possible to easily play with other musicians. Nate is also experienced in music production and composition, and welcomes students that wish to expand their skills in these areas.
His belief is that learning to play an instrument is exponentially amplified by having a basic knowledge of musical principles such as note-reading, understanding and counting rhythm, and listening skills. When you study with Nate, you will develop proficiency in your instrument as well as develop your critical thinking and active listening skills. He won’t write in the notes on your songs, but you will easily learn to read them yourself. He won’t put stickers on your keyboard, but will show you ways to remember the names of the keys with ease.
Nate Lackey has been playing music for over 30 years, beginning with piano in his childhood, and guitar, drums, and bass in his teens. He has a Bachelor’s of Music in Music Theory from Temple University, and has been teaching music since 2011. He has performed in various original and cover bands as a pianist, guitarist, drummer, and singer, including his original rock band Tonto, for which he composed, performed, and produced recordings that are available on streaming services. Nate is also a member of Clavier and Presto, two piano performance groups in San Diego. He is a proficient classically-trained pianist and enjoys playing piano works by Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Mendelssohn, and Bartók.
Mister Nate’s students range in age from 6 to their 60’s, and come in all skill levels from absolute beginner to college-level. Students of Mister Nate’s Music Lessons are able to perform in a yearly recital, as well as participate in twice-yearly exams through ABRSM.
Whether you are looking to begin with a solid foundation, or take your playing to the next level, let Mister Nate’s Music Lessons help you on your musical adventure!