Music Lessons in Bel Marin Keyes, CA

Instruments: Flute

My teaching style is versatile. What may work for one student may not work for another. The student's goals will be centered as we embark on the path the student wants to take. This path can be composed of academic aspirations, personal curiosities for specific genres, folk music from foreign countries, or even just songs, self-composed or not. Your destination guides my lesson plan and the theory, tone exercises and all that jazz help to get us there smoothly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Organ Synthesizer

Progress is made at the student's own pace. I try to set goals that are both far-reaching and realistic. Anything is possible if you don't give up too easily! I've used a variety of different lesson books in the past. It's important to note that the Bastien piano books, as well as the Clark, Faber, and Alfred methods all play to different strengths. Since different students respond better to different methods, I try to incorporate some variety which focuses on several concepts: developing ear-training (i.e. picking up melodies and chords from ear) as well as sight-reading, technique, and choosing interesting repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I love kids and since I am on the younger side of most violin teachers, I believe I have an advantage of connecting with the students more. When there is a nurturing bond between a teacher and a student, it allows the student to connect more and be more responsive throughout their lesson. One of my teaching styles is making the lesson fun by making jokes, connecting the music to their favorite type of music. Read More

Instruments: Oboe English Horn

I played with the Musician's Workshop orchestra in Temecula, CA while in high school. The orchestra was a beginner program and I joined to play as a mentor. I enjoyed mentoring the younger players in the group and did some x22mini lessonsx22 during our playing breaks with some of the wind musicians. This began my love of teaching. I did an apprenticeship in 2008 with the Master Musican in Murrieta CA to learn musical instrument repair, and taught music lessons with them to beginners. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I first began taking private students in the 1990s, and continued to teach privately through my undergraduate years in the early 2000s. Though I stopped for some time to pursue artistic and professional ventures in music, I recently returned to the teaching realm, and am exciting to take on new students. In addition to private brass lessons, I have taught music in public schools through various non-profits and, above all, enjoy the light that comes on in a student's eyes when he/she "gets it." It is why I do what I do. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginner students who are children (or for students who are looking for a more traditional curriculum involving reading standard notation), I typically begin with Hal Leonard's Guitar Method books to develop a foundation and familiarity with reading notes and handling the instrument with correct posture and technique. For students who simply want to play the music they enjoy and prefer using tab over standard notation, I like to jump right in by learning first-position chords, which is usually followed by common finger-picking patterns/strumming patterns, and playing songs of the student's preference. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students, I usually begin heavily with physical technique, music theory exercises, and scales. From there, I use Rick Mooney's Position Pieces as well as solo repertoire from the Suzuki books to develop musicality and efficiency. The solo works chosen are designed to work toward the interests and goals of the students (competitions and/or genre interests). For advanced or adult students, I treat our lessons more broadly, integrating cello playing, music history, and an exploration of the genre as a whole to establish passion and long-term goals. Read More