Music Lessons in Alexander Valley, CA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

Acknowledging accomplishments is an ideal way to motivate a student to improve. While critiquing a student's weaknesses is something a teacher should do, celebrating the positive moments in playing can help engrave good habits. Whether you are trying to learn for fun or trying to get into the college of dreams for music, I am able to cater my teaching style to the needs of the student and this makes music fun for everyone! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe in encouragement, fun and positive focus on the students progress at whatever speed that they progress. This makes each student look forward to each lesson with eagerness and actually accelerates their progress. I never push a student and instead encourage and edify the student and try to use their own favorite pieces of music to keep them excited about their next lesson. Acknowledging small progress is the key and I never let a student leave without celebrating their accomplishments no matter how small! Read More

Instruments: Voice

I am a versatile singing teacher, vocal coach and professional performer with over 26 years of extensive background in performing and teaching in China, Canada and the U.S.. Outgoing and passionate teacher providing Although I was trained in classical singing, I have enjoyed teaching and coaching many musical and performing styles for over 26 years in China, Canada and now in Northern California. My special focus has been on 10 to 35 year old singers and performers, although I have enjoyed teaching and coaching Classical, Opera, Pop, Country and Musical Theater to a wide range of students.singing lessons, vocal coaching and stag.e performing instruction. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

My methods vary depending on the situation. I start by getting to know my students in an effort to learn their musical likes and dislikes only then can I design a lesson that will allow each student to get the best results. Of course, I always include the basics ie... sight reading, notation, hand positions and breathing but I think the most important aspect of music is focusing on the emotion and message in each note or phrase. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I began instructing young adults in harmony, theory and piano when I was nineteen in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. After high school, I began putting my poetry to music and this led to a move to California to try and make it as a songwriter. I played with several music acts in the Bay Area, toured the east coast and Midwest, and wrote music for the theater, notably an original score for Bertolt Brecht's Caucasian Chalk Circle. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I prefer to take on students who are considered "intermediate" or at least working toward the intermediate level and advance because I specialize in developing a singer's performance quality. It's important that the student has basic vocal technique training prior to training with me because they'll have a technical foundation and sense of confidence that will allow them to explore (or as I like to call it "play") more of their vocal capabilities. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students, I use the Piano Adventure Series by Nancy Faber and Randall Faber. I also use the A Thousand Stories for a Little Pianist by Katrin Arefy. My special methods in teaching young students include stories, easy duets, and singing familiar folk songs. For intermediate level students, I use different method books according to the student's interests. However, I encourage them to play Classical music, which is very useful in developing good techniques in piano playing. Read More