Music Lessons in Berkeley, CA

Instruments: Piano

I like to emphasize learning technique through pieces, rather than practicing only technique on its own, as that can get boring very quickly! For beginning students, I like to start with the Piano Adventures series, which has pieces which are easy, teach basic techniques, but also are musically interesting. Once they have the fundamentals, we can begin working on solo repertoire that interests the student. For older students who are interested in 20th century music, I like to teach Bartok's Mikrokosmos. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For Piano: I usually start with the Alfred's Basic books and work my students through those lessons until they reach a point where I can begin to use other repertoire books with them to give them supplemental work. I always use scales as warm ups for the hands, even if they are very basic for new students. If someone is more experienced, I gauge their level of experience and interests to help determine exercises and repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

I begin teaching from piano books published by Alfred. I also have the student learn their scales as well as give a weekly written music theory assignment. I incorporate styles and songs the student enjoys listening to or playing as well. I like to teach classical music. With this foundation, ALL other music is much easier to play, and helps tremendously with their sight reading skills. Performance recitals are recommended, but not required. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching experience goes back to college, i taught private lessons as well as large ensembles and small ensembles at local high schools. I have traveled with a non for profit around the world working in poorer communities giving children a chance to experience playing and learning about music. My students have received top honors in middle school, and high school as well as some of them receiving scholarships from Universities. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

My teaching experience begins from my college time til now. I personally love to play modern and classical music. Keep practicing and listening to different style of music is my focus to my students. Regular practice, like playing 30 to 45 minutes everyday, can lead to huge progress of learning piano. I will encourage intermediate to advanced students to the level that they want to achieve in playing piano. I will keep encouraging my students to play songs they love and so from there they will have motivation of practicing piano by themselves daily. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Organ Ukulele Electric Violin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar

I always start a lesson with a new student by assessing their current skill level. If the student already has a certain curriculum they are working on, I usually have them pick up from where they left off so I can see where we're at. Taking things into consideration like intonation, posture, dynamics, form etc., I either assign a new curriculum or continue on. My lessons usually consist of 3 books: a scale book, an etude book, and a leveled song book like the Suzuki method. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

For beginning students, I place a large emphasis on the fundamentals i.e. scales, chord progressions etc. I also start them on solo pieces and like them to choose the pieces they are working on. I believe that if they choose their repertoire then they will have greater love and enthusiasm for the music. I also encourage them to push beyond what they think they can do. I work hard to match my teaching style to the needs of each and every student. Read More