Music Lessons in Portola Valley, CA

Instruments: Piano Drums Organ Synthesizer

Hi, I am a pianist, composer, teacher, and multi-instrumentalist originally from upstate New York. I am passionate about all of the above, but I consider teaching to be the most immediately rewarding. In 2008 I completed my degree in music at the State University of New York in Fredonia. Shortly afterwards, I made a journey to the west coast and found a home in the SF bay area. I got involved in the vibrant music scene as quick as possible and played with as many different types of musicians as I could find. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion Keyboard

I'm a passionate and motivated instructor who looks forward to teaching an instrument that I grew up to love. I've been playing the drums for about 20 years and have played in many church events, band gigs, and teaching opportunities. I've always loved to perform and play for different bands and I've even had an opportunity to form a band called Third Street where we won 1st place at the 2010 Northern California Apollo Night competition. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In 2014, I was also featured in the Acoustic Guitar Magazine May 2014 issue, as one of the "30 Great Acoustic Guitarists under the age of 30." I studied classical guitar performance with Bill Coulter at the University of California, Santa Cruz. There, I also received masterclasses with classical guitarists, Andrew York, Benjamin Verderi, and Grisha Goryachev. I have also studied with acclaimed fingerstyle players such as Alex de Grassi and Thomas Leeb at their summer workshops. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience began 2 years ago when I started teaching a few neighborhood kids that my family knew. By word of mouth I gained 3 more but then I moved to Santa Cruz so I could attend Cabrillo College. These were private lessons all in the homes of the students. But now that I have my own studio, I have been inviting students over to study in my studio. I have been playing guitar for 10 years beginning with professional lessons, electric bass for 7, and drums for 5. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I am an active solo and ensemble pianist. I have worked with renowned soloists from Europe, America, Australia and Asia and I enjoy playing music with other musicians. I had my highly acclaimed solo recital series Watermark, a sad bird, and Imaginations at the National Recital Hall in Taipei. I have a master degree of piano performance from Manhattan school of music. Aside from performing, I am an experienced piano teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

For beginning students, I place a large emphasis on the fundamentals i.e. scales, chord progressions etc. I also start them on solo pieces and like them to choose the pieces they are working on. I believe that if they choose their repertoire then they will have greater love and enthusiasm for the music. I also encourage them to push beyond what they think they can do. I work hard to match my teaching style to the needs of each and every student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When I first meet a student I ask them to tell me what kinds of music they love to listen to and what strikes a chord in them about this particular music. Then I assess their level, if they have played for awhile. If they are a beginner, I start with correct posture, hand position, and elbow position as these are very important ergonomic considerations any of which can cause stress on the joints and additional tension in both the hands and wrists. Read More