Music Lessons in Clayton, CA

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

With others, we work on reading and learning to sightread effectively. Others are very creative and I teach them how to compose and do improvisation. I have taught and overseen instructional programs so I understand everyone learns differently and I customize to teach different learning style. I also pick music the student loves. Students learn to play much faster and are more engaged if they can do music they love. Read More

Instruments: Double Bass

My teaching experience has not been particularly extensive professionally. I have taught privately on and off since I was 20, however I have never really had the time to pursue it the way I am now that I am out of school. With younger students, we work slowly and reach milestones confidently to ensure the student feels they are achieving something while we work to promote healthy playing habits that won't lead to injury down the path. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

I have for the past twenty-two years been working as a Music Educator, Administrator, Jazz composer and performer. The last eleven of those years have been in the San Francisco Bay area at Oakland School for the Arts, teaching and leading large jazz ensembles, orchestra, small groups and music theory classes for grades 6-12. As Chairman of the Instrumental Music Department, I was responsible for teaching and developing music curricula, developing new programs, recruiting and auditioning new students, presenting and speaking with incoming parent groups, writing and developing the school A-G requirements, and meeting with community schools and faculty to create meaningful collaborations. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have years of experience when it comes to teaching and performing musical concepts. During my time at Dominican, I became the designated music theory tutor for all music majors and minors. During my time as a tutor, I watched all of my student's grades go up multiple letters. For teaching guitar, I have learned from numerous accomplished teachers ranging in different styles and I have harnessed each of their successful teaching techniques. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I am friendly and incredibly patient with all my students. I believe that all students need proper encouragement and constructive critiquing during the learning process, so that is something I put a lot of emphasis on. At the same time, I set high standards for my students and expect them to carry themselves as professionals during practices. I normally demonstrate to the student by playing in both styles (my style of playing and the student's way of playing) to allow the students to make comparisons and decide which style of playing they prefer. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

I taught music for several years in college as part of arts mentorship programs conducted in Trenton. In general I believe that music education should be inclusive and accessible to people of all backgrounds and skill levels, and I also believe strengthening foundational technique by encouraging regular practice of scales and exercises is very important. In addition to teaching classical repertoire, I'm also open to teaching any genre of music that a student might be interested in – the flute is really versatile and I'd love to work with students to explore their interests more! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When I first meet a student I ask them to tell me what kinds of music they love to listen to and what strikes a chord in them about this particular music. Then I assess their level, if they have played for awhile. If they are a beginner, I start with correct posture, hand position, and elbow position as these are very important ergonomic considerations any of which can cause stress on the joints and additional tension in both the hands and wrists. Read More