Music Lessons in Acton, CA

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

I primarily use original material when I teach, but occasionally Ill work from standard method books such as Stick Control, Master Studies, and Syncopation, or assign pages from more recent books like John Rileys The Art of Bop Drumming. Ill also pull out books specifically for sight reading such as Anthony Cirones Portraits in Rhythm. For beginning and intermediate students I focus on fundamental technique, basic sight reading skills, and drum set playing (independence/coordination of the limbs, relaxation and balance, time and groove, fills and solos, introduction of musical styles, etc.) For advanced students I get into more conceptual and creative aspects of playing the drums, but I also introduce the Spivack/Wilson technique which I learned during my studies with Murray Spivack and Richard Wilson in the 1980s [check out the 4-part series featured in Modern Drummer magazine in 2011-2012]. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I learn something new from every student, love seeing my students improve and gain confidence in themselves. I ask that students come with an open mind and be prepared to make mistakes because no piece is perfect and neither are lessons. Lessons give you the opportunity to make mistakes without judgement. You can trust me to always have a positive attitude, it is OK to make mistakes, but practice to play better, and enjoy the feedback to see yourself improve! Read More

Instruments: Piano

I primarily use the Bastien teaching style. The musical concepts are taught in a progressive and logical manner and thus are easy to follow. The student is given time to experience a new theory using a hands on approach. Then, the student works on theory in written pages. Finally, the student applies what is learned in new pieces as they go forward in their musical instruction. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Oboe

I began teaching at the Xavier University Junior School of Music (Louisiana) at the age of 18. My teaching experience now spans 30 years. While most of my teaching, over the years, has been primarily private, I also have several years of classroom teaching experience. I enjoy teaching music because I believe that it is one of the most endearing methods of sharing information. One of my motto's is that I am an educator first, music is simply the vehicle by which I choose to educate. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I have taught music since I was in Highschool. It wasn't just lessons for middle schoolers or young children. I taught and ran my high school's Jazz Band when I was a Junior and Senior. Due to a lack of funding, it was not a regular class, so it was up to me to take the reigns. Since then, I have grown and taught many more private students, but also different schools and places. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

For beginning students who are not musically literate, I emphasize a program that focuses on the aquisition of skills to read music proficiently followed by a basic program that helps students get the basics of their instrument down. For intermediate musicians, I focus more on taking their basic skills and expanding on them to help them discover new abilities and progress further in their musical development. This will include playing basic to intermediate solos, etudes to develp musicianship, scales (done fun!), sight-reading, and duets. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Harmonica Banjo Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my college days as a music major. I have given music lessons for over forty years. I also have played all kinds of professional music venues for over 40 yrs. I have performed with Sonny & Cher, The Byrd’s, Dion Warwick, Little Anthony & The Imperials. I have also appeared on the following TV Shows: 9th St. West, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, & The Robin Seymour Show. Read More