Music Lessons in La Verne, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Keyboard

I am passionate and hard-working. A great deal of my free time is spent recording and producing music. I enjoy watching my students grow as much as I enjoy finding new ways of growing and learning myself. I am often most inspired by the raw and vulnerable, simple and yet hear-wrenching melodies I come across. Moments as a listener, when a melodic theme takes over and everything else seems to dim out, almost as background noise, are my absolute farovite. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone French Horn

I always vary my teaching methods to accomodate each of my student's needs.  However, my lesson format stays fundamentally the same.  I always begin with some mouthpiece buzzing, which incorporates ear-training, then move to rhythm exercises, scales and technical studies, method book, and any other music the student is working on at the time. Most beginning students will start out with Book 1 of a standard method book; I recommend the Standard of Excellence series. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Accordion French Horn Music Keyboard

Essentials are first. Note names, hand position, mouth position, air, posture, rhythms, sheet music, ear training - it's all important and needs to happen concurrently. Everyone has different strengths; some students are able to handle a large amount of information stacking while others need a more one-at-a-time approach. Music is all about doing several physical and mental things at once, developing self awareness in learning *how* to improve a skill, and myelinating the pathways in your brain for the fastest connections possible. Read More

Instruments: Drums

In my lessons I use snare drum method books such as Mitchell Peters Intermediate Book or Stick Control by George Stone to teach reading and basic hand technique.  Once I feel the student is proficient in reading and technique I move on to drumset coordination books as well as learning drum parts to the students favorite music.  I also teach techniques for xylophone, tympani and other classical percussion instruments.  I have an extensive library of music books and techniques so if one method doesn't work I have no problem customizing my lesson plan to fit the student's need. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Ukulele Music

I enjoy helping students to feel at ease, and to feel confident about their personal growth! I offer challenges to each student at their particular level, and encourage them to pursue performance opportunities, if desired. I enjoy working students with different musical styles and genre to give them a broad perspective on music. I have also employed a small reward system for those students who demonstrate bigger challenges :) Ultimately, I want my students to feel comfortable, challenged, and encouraged in my presence. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I tend to use standard materials, especially for beginning players. But I will also mix in exercises and techniques tailored specifically to the students needs. It is good to learn from books, but also important to vet information that is not necessarily needed or already soundly in their techniques. Every musician is unique and they have their own way about learning and progressing. For more advanced students, learning as much repertoire as possible will be stressed. Read More