Music Lessons in Canyon, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

My biggest hope for my students is that they come away from lessons with a love for music. Every student is a unique player with their own pace, set of hurdles, focus, and interests, and I am committed to tailoring my teaching approach to each individual student. It is important to me that each student progresses at a realistic pace for themselves, tries their best, and has fun with the music they are learning. 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: Piano Voice Ukulele

I am a pragmatic teacher. I coach my students in order that they succeed in all areas of life, not just in the performing arts field. My lessons ensure that the students mind and body are working optimally. I published a thesis at Sonoma State University, which validates that those who sing and play piano, are more likely to attend graduate school as well as think with excellent cognitive ability. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

For beginners I start with easy chords to strum and some basic scales to work with. Getting more advanced we will study many chords, chord theory, reading guitar pieces, improvise, play solo guitar. My lessons are detailed. You will learn exactly what notes,chords, scales progressions etc. you are playing. I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others and helping them develop,improve their skills, and gain fulfillment out of their music studies. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium

I encourage trombone mouthpiece exercises and long tones at the beginning of my lessons as proper embouchure flexibility is important to practicing and playing better. Breathing is another aspect that I look at and always breathe by expanding the diaphragm. I use the essential elements series for trombone beginners and melodious etudes for more experienced trombone players. I believe in breaking down difficult pieces into chunks to work on in order to improve upon more difficult passages. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

I've performed on trumpet, cornet, trombone, baritone and French horn for over 40 years, and I love to play in many different styles and groups. I've played in symphony orchestras as well as concert bands, both amateur and professional. I've played top 40's with various rock, Latin and R&B bands, vintage dance music from the 19th and 20th centuries, and both Modern and Traditional Jazz. I also arrange and compose music for various ensembles, including my own groups. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Conga Latin Percussion

I was raised up in Northern California in the arts of music and dance since a young age of three. I started lessons in Oakland, CA in dance, music and acrobats with Peggy and Leon Valdez and then tap performance and theater arts with Chorlene and Art Duane in Hayward, CA. I became very active in elementary school choirs with music instructor, Ms. Bell. My father was head coach for Oakland Dynamites-Pop Warner in which I would do cheerleading and coordinate field marches. Read More