Music Lessons in Cole Valley, CA

Instruments: Drums

At age 13 years old, I started playing the drums, first with private instructions with some of the greatest drummers in New York City such as Gene Krupa, Cozy Cole, and Rufus Bede Jones. I played in High school Band, University of California Jazz ensemble. I toured at many schools. I was on the same teaching staff with Tony Williams, Steve Smith and David Garibaldi. I teach all styles of drumming. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is completely focused on making music fun. I believe every person has innate ability to learn the fundamentals of an instrument, so working through the initial anxiety of learning a new skill is necessary. By letting the student set the pace and offering an array of modalities to tackle students' goals, we will create an environment in which the pure joy of music can shine. Each lesson will include warm-ups, goal-setting, and free expression, with a specific curriculum (either out of a book or customized) guiding us always. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I am a lifelong student and teacher of music, and I love sharing what I've picked up over my many years of learning and performing. I have degrees from 4 institutions including The University of South Florida and The Boston Conservator, but my experiences in music extend beyond academic pursuits. I have performed classical music in Boston, Banff, Montreal, San Francisco, and Carnegie Hall, traveled to Germany to perform rock n roll, and recorded on soundtracks for movies and video games. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I encourage all of my students to choose songs that they want to sing to ensure that they are enjoying what they are learning. For children and beginners, it is important that the fundamentals are in place, therefore I tend to spend more time on musicianship skills and music theory. For more advanced students it is important to understand how their unique instrument works, therefore I like to approach technique through pedagogy. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Keyboard

For beginner students I like to start them with basic principles such as how to properly hold the bow and how to properly sit with the cello. I like to use methods such as Suzuki to work on musicality, and Essential elements to work on basics. For intermediate I like to work with the Popper etudes and the Bach Cello Suites, I also add some of the more advanced Suzuki books. Read More

Instruments: Cello

As a dedicated musician, I love working with students of all ages and levels to inspire creativity and passion. I completed my Masters in Music in Cello Performance from the prestigious University of Michigan under the direction of Anthony Elliott. I have performed all over the world as a soloist and chamber/orchestral cellist, currently performing as core cellist of San Franciscos contemporary chamber ensemble, Ensemble for These Times, and principal cellist of Opera San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am open to a wide variety of teaching methods! By not committing to one specific method, I allow myself to be flexible and respond to my student's needs. For example; if a student has limited eyesight, as a previous student of mine had, I will focus on teaching by-wrought rather than by using written notation. I take extreme care planning lesson plans for my students, and often find myself thinking what would best help my students in my off time. Read More