Music Lessons in Arcadia, CA

Instruments: Cello Music

I teach from the traditional method.  I use the String Builder as it give the student a step by step method on how to learn the notes and how to understand the notes on the page.  This method teaches you 2 ideas simultaneously.  You read music, and play at the same time.  There are many methods of teaching, and I am aware of all of them, but I am very successful with the Traditional method and the String Builder Method Book. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching professionally for a decade, and what has been most consistent throughout my experience is to learn to adapt to each student. Every student has a unique background, goals and specific learning style. What I do is get the student on track with fundamental knowledge of music, so that they can stand on their own two feet musically, and then with these tools, lead them towards whatever vision they wish to realize. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My Methods: Fundamentals of breath work - incorporating several physical exercises and methods of showing the coordination until it is ingrained Focus on the use of the resonators - projecting the sound to the different cavities where sound resonates before leaving your body and into the room (i.e. 'the mask', mouth resonance, chest resonance, etc) Reducing tongue tension - a common issue is root of the tongue tension and I have several exercises to address this Improving range - most of my students gain notes in their belt range and their head range, and often in their low range as well Increasing the legato vocal line - here we focus on linking the vowels properly supported by the breath Jaw tension - similar to tongue we have evercises for this Style - different approaches such as riffing, back phrasing, using a glottal attack, using a breathy attack - creating colorful expressive phrases that link to the emotion of the song and the style desired Musicality - learning to read music, counting tempo, sustaining pitch, syncopation, dynamics, etc Diction - correct vowel shapes and enunciation + awareness of when tension closes down the vocal line if diction is carried over from speaking habits Performance - using tools from acting training to perform a song effectively and believably Career consultation - when appropriate, also offered Read More

Instruments: Piano

My methods change according to the ability, age, and personality of my students. I always use a variety of materials for both young students and adults to keep them interested. I enjoy spending the time needed to address proper practice habits, so that students are able to make the most of their time at the piano. I strongly believe that a traditional classical foundation is helpful for all pianists, but encourage both kids and adults to explore all the repertoire that they love. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I am a professional musician in the Southern California area who has been blessed to be able to do what I love to do for all these years. My main instrument is saxophone with flute and clarinet being my primary doubles. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Della Reese, Ralph Carmichael, Johnny Mathis, Mitch Miller, The Four Freshmen,The Cab Calloway Band, Vicki Carr, Rita Moreno, Barbara Morrison, John Stephens, Gerald Wilson, Lucy Woodward, Little Willie G, Bob Wilson, Bud Nuanez, Freddie Ravel, Rick Drexler, Tommy Walker, Russell Ferrante, Jimmy Johnson, Alex Acuna, Rique Pantoja, Justo Almario, Abe Laboriel, Andre Crouch, Leon Patillo, Kirk Whalum, Phil Driscoll, Norman Brown, Brian Simpson, Rayford Griffin, Ricky Lawson, Alex Al, Julio Figueroa, Jon Gibson as well as played and written for cartoons such as "Ren and Stimpy", "Angry Beavers", "Jimmy Neutron", "Sitting Ducks", and children's projects for Disney and Sesame Street and movie projects as a performer/actor with Danny Devito, Jim Carrey, Paul Giamatti. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

To say that I am passionate would be understating how I feel about music. I like to think of music as an extension of myself -- as one of the ways that I look to express myself and connect with people. Because of how I feel about music, I like to make it as fun as possible all the time -- whether I'm teaching a student or practicing something new for myself, I always try to bring out the joy in everything I do. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar

I have always found it to be fulfilling to teach bass and music theory to those who are hungry to learn. I've been teaching part-time since college to help middle school students prepare for their high school jazz band auditions, teach new professionals industry lessons on how to conduct yourself in the work environment, and even just teaching retired senior citizens how to walk a jazz blues! I love to help people get closer to their musical goals no matter what level the student is at. Read More