Music Lessons in Auburn, CA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute

Jack has played professionally since 1975. (Soprano, alto, tenor, baritone saxophones + flute). Influences include: Dexter Gordon, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students who are children, I introduce theory, rhythm, as well as the instrument to give them a basic understanding of all of the aspects of music. Once the students has a basic grasp of the fundamentals, we will learn songs appropriate for their level. For adult students, I try to teach based on their interests, choose appropriate repertoire and help them meet and accomplish their own goals. The most important is that the students are enjoying themselves and learning - my main goal is to help the students succeed. Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

It is very importantto me that students enjoy their lessons and feel engaged in the learning process. My biggest rule is that they need to have fun andenjoy what they are doing. I am a very kind, up-beat andfriendly teacher that believes in positive reinforcement and constructive criticism. I encourage my students tocommunicate withme on an equal level and to always ask questions if they don't understand something. Watching people learn and grow as singers, and knowing that you had a hand in it, is probably one of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Music

Once I started at Temple University as a duel classical/jazz major, I was able to participate in an extremely wide range of jazz, classical, fusion, funk, rock, and world music ensembles. I also started working as a freelance musician in Philadelphia and along the East Coast. Around this same time (early 1990s), I was able to start teaching private music lessons at a local music store. During my time teaching at this store, I was able to begin to develop my teaching style and quickly discover that I really loved teaching and helping my students progress and have fun playing music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute

It's important to me to cater my teaching style to each student. Not all students learn the same way so its not a one size fits all.  Some of my students need more pressure and more practice and want to have more material and others like a more laid back approach. I will spend the first 1-3 lessons to figuring out what your preferred learning method is, what the problem areas are, and what kind of books, tools, and games I should prepare for the rest of our classes. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I tailor my lessons to the student and their goals. I pull my methods and practices from experience and A Spectrum of Voices by Elizabeth Blades-Zeller. I also like to teach my students basic music theory to give them a better understanding of how music is structured and to deepen their overall musicianship. For that, I pull from Music in Theory and Practice Volume 1 by Bruce Benward and Marilyn Saker. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For children, I begin with Donald Waxman's Pageant for Piano series. The pieces are quite fun, and also good for technique. The illustrations also offer many opportunities for story-making and engagement. For adults, I begin with James Bastien's The Older Beginner Piano course, and for intermediate learners, supplement it with pieces from Bartok's Mikrokosmos, Czerny, Kabalevsky, Burgmuller's 24 Etudes, duets and various other literature as appropriate. Improvisational skills may also be taught. Read More