Music Lessons in Canoga Park, CA

Instruments: Piano

With beginners, I provide material that teaches about finger numbers, rhythm, note learning, and basic material. As the student progresses, I asses their learning style and provide the necessary material and suggestions as to what books and miscellaneous learning tools the student will need. My preferred method of teaching is through the book, Piano Adventures by Faber Faber. These books are divided into a lesson book, theory book, and performance book with the levels increasing from 1 to 2A to 2B and so forth. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

I primarily use original material when I teach, but occasionally Ill work from standard method books such as Stick Control, Master Studies, and Syncopation, or assign pages from more recent books like John Rileys The Art of Bop Drumming. Ill also pull out books specifically for sight reading such as Anthony Cirones Portraits in Rhythm. For beginning and intermediate students I focus on fundamental technique, basic sight reading skills, and drum set playing (independence/coordination of the limbs, relaxation and balance, time and groove, fills and solos, introduction of musical styles, etc.) For advanced students I get into more conceptual and creative aspects of playing the drums, but I also introduce the Spivack/Wilson technique which I learned during my studies with Murray Spivack and Richard Wilson in the 1980s [check out the 4-part series featured in Modern Drummer magazine in 2011-2012]. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I have a strong connection to music education. I was significantly affected by music teachers at a young age and benefited greatly from strong music education programs. I have taught lessons to many students over the past 9 years and have a great appreciation for the art of teaching. Variety is important to me, and I will introduce as many different styles and genres as possible. Introducing people to musical instruments is very important to me, for the educational and communicative skills inherent in performing music can translate to any facet of life. 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: Voice Bass Guitar Latin Percussion Keyboard Djembe Classical Guitar

I have been teaching guitar for over a decade now. Through out my time I have learned that a patient hand and attentive ear toward what a student wants to learn has helped my students not only enjoy themselves but also grow with their craft. Whether a student wishes to learn simple songs to play by themself or around a campfire, learn to write their own music or all the ins and outs of music theory and their instrument I can help. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

If students come in with just an initial curiosity or are unsure about their direction, we try various songs and learning methods to see what they feel most comfortable with, what's most fun for them. I also love to ask the student questions and emphasize open communication to make sure they're an active participant in the learning process. This includes weekly lesson notes and consistent communication with any loved ones. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Hello! My name is Marina Harris, and I am a professional opera singer from Long Beach. I have been singing professionally for about 15 years now, and my experience is primarily in opera, but I have done recording work in all styles--ranging from jazz to musical theater to choral singing. I have sung with the San Francisco Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Opera Idaho, Carnegie Hall, the Southern Illinois Music Festival, the Staatstheater Karlsruhe, and in Chengdu, China. Read More