Music Lessons in Bloomfield, CA

Instruments: Piano

My wife Chappell and I collaborate on composing, recording, and performance. After a full time music adventure, I followed the muse of story-telling and poetry to San Francisco State University’s Creative Writing program (B.A. ‘93, M.A. ‘95). My goal as a teacher is to help the student achieve what they desire in their piano playing, to grow their love of music, to awaken the joy of creative expression and appreciation for beauty. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

I have worked for many years teaching, counseling and assisting students with their love and joy of music. During my teaching career I have also helped students with conflict resolution, coping skills, issues with and surrounding pride and culture, college selection, application processes, financing and preparation for college. I have taught a very diverse group of students, which has allowed me to learn various approaches to communicating and working with students from all walks of life. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have been teaching piano for over twenty years. My teaching philosophy is that every piano lesson should be fun. For young beginners, I focus on basic technique. The reason is that it is very important to form good playing skills right from the beginning. For older students, I broaden their musical knowlege by introducing piano literature from different time periods. I also encourage them to pick songs that they like to play. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

My teaching style is structured, but compassionate, as I believe that the right balance of difficulty and fun is the key to continually motivating my students. Though learning a new instrument can be frustrating at times, regular, scheduled practice time, and knowing how to practice effectively is the key to breaking through the invisible walls sometimes encountered in violin playing. As a teacher, my main goal is to serve my students and instill in them a love of music. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I like to ground my teaching in a line my own teacher, Carey Bell, often told me-- "if you make a mistake, no one dies!" Music is a challenging discipline in every respect, so I encourage my students to approach it from as positive and joyful a place as possible where mistakes are not a failure but simply a sign that further work needs to be done. Achievement in performance is only rewarding when the student takes ownership of their playing, so I do everything I can to allow clarinet to be a real and positive presence in my students' lives. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

The lessons and skills required to play music can also be applied to the rest of life. The work ethic, dilligence, anddedication a student acquires through lessons will prove to be invaluable. That said, lessons will always be fun and engaging. My goal is to inspire and excite the student to practice harder and to attain new heights. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Ukulele Music Keyboard

I am a laid-back, patient, fun teacher, who is always looking for new ways to motivate and inspire her students. Before anything, I make sure my students are comfortable with me and relaxed. I am nurturing and creative in my lessons and aim to build my students' confidence and pride in their musical achievements while teaching self-discipline so that they will reach and celebrate many milestones. I love music, and I love helping spread that passion to my students. Read More