Music Lessons in Castro Valley, CA

Instruments: Trombone

Music, for me, is more than a profession; it is a way of life. I graduated from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music with my Bachelors in Trombone Performance. I love to introduce young students to the exciting and ever evolving world of music. Performance has enabled me to participate in unforgettable moments, like playing in Davies Symphony Hall, the Berlin Philharmoniker, and various other venues accross the world. I wish to give my students the skills needed to have these experiences for themselves. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

I began teaching in high school. Immediately after college, my studio grew to include 25 students. Included in the mix, some students were as young as 8 and several were adult beginners. Intermediate and advanced students also studied with me, as well as adults who were "re-beginners." (The term refers to adults who took lessons in childhood and have picked up their instrument again years later.) During graduate school, my assistantship included teaching piano classes comprised of students majoring in voice or music education. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

So I endeavor to strive first for great sound. 2. Counting: Furthermore, horn players play in horn sections about 90% of the time. Therefore, it is critical that the horn player count extremely accurate so that the section is tight. Also, on live shows or recording sessions, accuracy and execution is imperative for a good performance. So I lay a counting foundation and delve deeply into the subject. Sound and Counting, then everything else. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Vocal coaching as a profession is quite new to me because until just recently I've always focused on my own development as a performer and artist, however, I've often assisted my fellow co-artists, classmates, bandmates, and even friends with improving vocal technique and performance quality. In my college classes, we were encouraged to provide feedback about a classmates performance and I absolutely loved when they would apply my advice and everyone saw a significant improvement in performances thereafter. 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 Trombone

I learned my fundamentals as a musician from my musician mother who is a vocalist and childhood piano teachers she set me up with from ages 4-12. At the age of 12, I picked up the trombone in the school instrumental program. I continued to play in school bands throughout my education and in high school, I was set up with a private trombone instructor. Throughout high school and college Ive studied with professional trombonists: Don Kennelly - SF Opera Bass Trombone, Dave Martell, David Taylor - New York, and Doug Beavers and John Gove. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Music Keyboard

For most of my beginning piano students, I use the piano adventures series. They offer a clear and well paced curriculum with numerous supplemental resources in a variety of styles. For beginning music theory, I use the Berklee School of Music texts or the Benward and Saker textbooks as well as many videos and other resources to explore musical concepts. For singing, I use a variety of sight singing books, all depending on the age and experience of the student. Read More