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24 Years
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in Downey . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Music Keyboard
After my first experiences like a classical piano concertist , i felt the strong desire to share my knowledge with other persons , then i started a path of studies totally dedicated to being a music educator. From the CDM in Rome (Italy) and the Mozarteum in Austria ( most prestigious music teaching specialization schools in Europe) i started to know and appliy the Orff Shulwerk Method and the Music Learning Thepry form professor E. Read More
Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola
For beginning string student's, I use Essential Elements for Strings and Schroeder method books. Once the student has grasped the basic fundamentals and note reading, I begin to introduce solo repertoire from the Suzuki String method. Along with technical studies and solo repertoire, the student will learn scales ranging from one to four octaves. For beginning piano student's, I use the Bastein Piano series. This method is complete with a method book, solo repertoire, theory studies and scales. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
Additionally, some other books that I use with my drum set students are Syncopation by Ted Reed, The Art of Bop by John Riley, The Essence of Afro-Cuban Percussion, and The Essence of Brazillian Percussion by Ed Uribe. For more advanced students, I work on trancriptions of their favorite drummers, chart reading by playing with recordings or live musicians, improvisation over musical forms, and developing indivdual exercises for each student. Read More
Instruments: Piano
As with methods, I do not have one lesson style. My approach with a three year old is different than with a seventy year old. I am detailed in my critiques, but patient, positive, and creative with explanations. My goal is for the students to learn to love and appreciate music and for them to use it not as a short term goal, but as something they can live with and enjoy for the rest of their lives. I sets appropriate goals with recitals, festivals and examinations to both motivate and encourage students, ensuring that they have a positive experience. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice
There is nothing more rewarding to me than a seeing a student play that song they love so much for the very first time. Many times, they never thought they would EVER be able to play it, but yet in only a few lessons hdere they are, playing it! I have a skill for breaking down what seems like a complicated subject, and explaining in the most simplfied way that everyone can understand, no matter their backround. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe
I am strongly influenced by Latin American culture and that is why I have been learning all the traditional music from severals countries. I had played in numerous ensembles including: Cambamberos Colombian music ensemble (Brazil),Orquestra de Berimbaus Paraguassu (Brazil), Tambora female South American music (Brazil), Trio Acstico de las Americas (Brazil), Chacombo Afro-peruvian ensemble (LA), CalArts Salsa Band (LA). I had also played in several drumming ensembles, performing mostly in parades and shows including: Bloco Ilu Oba de Min (Brazil), CalArts Brazilian Drumming Ensemble (Los Angeles), Comparsa Medio Mundo Afro-Uruguayan tradicional drumming ensemble (Brazil), CalArts Brazilian Drumming Ensemble (LA), CalArts World Percussion ensemble (LA) One of my biggest passions is to perform in theater and circus productions. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice
I think it's important for students to learn interpretation and musicality as much as technique, regardless of their instrument. For piano, I typically start with Hannon's piano exercises, and then move on to repertoire which highlights specific technical challenges, such as crossed hands or mixed meter. In the repertoire is where I also make sure to talk about common interpretation practices, as well as techniques for how to characterize a piece of music. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My dad plays guitar and piano. He used to play loudly on Sunday mornings to wake us up. My sisters both know how to play piano, and my brother plays piano and trumpet. My brother and I were in marching band together during high school, and we were section leaders of our respective instrument groups.
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I suppose it was more gradual. I always loved music and being a musician, but I always was told that there is no way to make money with music. I thought about different career paths and struggled between something I love and something I can do but am not passionate about. I ultimately chose the former since I realized that life is short and should be spent doing what you love. It was the best decision I ever made.
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
My second instrument was guitar. Besides the "cool" factor of playing a guitar, my brother received one for his birthday and never used it, so it was given to me. I struggled for a long time to learn the basics on my own, but once I got the hang of things, I loved being able to play and playing in a group. My third instrument was alto saxophone. Once again, besides being cool, my brother was in the marching band as well on trumpet, and I did not like the idea of him being my section leader, so I veered in the other direction. My fourth instrument was violin, but I am still a novice and I haven't performed on it just yet. I just loved the way it sounds and I had a friend who was a great teacher to me.
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
My favorite style is contemporary orchestral music. I think the power behind having so many instruments is a unique feeling and sound, and I love the idea of people coming together to accomplish that. There is nothing else quite like it.
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I would either be a scientist or an artist. They are polar opposite professions, but I enjoy both science and art almost equally, and I love learning about the universe and how it works. Art is a bit more selfish for me since I enjoy the process of creating in general and not necessarily to create something for others.
If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
My degree is in media composition. I chose that path because I love listening to film and game scores that draw you in and give you chills. It adds so much to the story and visuals, and I knew I wanted that to be my career. However, I also love helping others get to their goals in music which is why I love teaching.
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my performance with my high school marching band at the Hollywood Bowl. I don't think I grasped what a huge deal it was at the time, but I constantly talk about it and I still have the performer badge they gave me. To know I shared a venue with John Williams and the like is incredibly awesome.
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
I find sight reading to be the most challenging thing for piano because of how many notes can be played at the same time at a quick tempo. It takes a lot of time and dedication to be able to accomplish that.
When will I start to see results?
Everyone is different, but I would say you should notice a difference in skill by the end of the first month. Practice is essential to see any change.
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I have always loved the way piano sounds and how versatile it is. I may be biased because my father and siblings can all play, and I grew up with access to a piano. It is undeniably the most popular and the best instrument to start with because you can see the relationship between the notes like a map.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Something is better than nothing! Sit down and play for 30 minutes or an hour every day, even if you're not practicing a specific piece. You are training your muscle memory to be comfortable with your instrument.
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If your child is easily distracted or gets frustrated easily, it might be too early. It is also imperative that they know the alphabet and numbers as music uses these constantly.
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Piano lessons in Downey to students of all ages and abilities.
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