Music Lessons in Concord, CA

Instruments: Piano

I like to use supplementary materials if a method book isn't covering musical territory that the student wants to explore. Although I insist a student learn to read music, I encourage learning by ear and have helped students find a melody on the piano by ear rather than reading notes. Patience is my watchword but I will always encourage and document practice times. I tell the student, you can't achieve your music goals without practice, preferably every day. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching style may be very detailed, but I believe that a certain level of firmness, honesty, as well as kindness is needed to provide a successful violin learning experience. I want each student to be able to have fun while also feeling that they are improving as well. Each student progresses at their own pace and I will tailor my teaching according to each students unique learning abilities. I believe that what is most important for a student isn't winning competitions but is finding their own love and inspiration for the music they are creating. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion Keyboard

My experience dates back to age 14 at a youth group function. I was inspired by a drummer I seen play on the drum kit and I immediately asked if I can learn. From there I started playing at a church called Bethany Christian Center as a back up drummer and eventually as the main drummer. I learned more about drumming through various teachers and on stage performing. I formed a garage band, played at various gigs and produced an amateur album as a project of mine. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Mandolin Recorder Orchestral Percussion Music

It is my joy seeing my students learn from me and become successful in their musical journey. I help my students discover and develop their skill and talent in music. I always encourage my students to go beyond their comfort zone; to show their talents in music, and to share it to the community. I also incorporate games in my teaching. I also give my students an opportunity to choose the music they want to learn and teach it to get their interest. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Conga Latin Percussion

He has also studied voice with Jane Sharp and piano with Ellen Wasserman.  Jake has been teaching music since 2001. He was Music Program Director at Mission Hills Middle School, in Union City, for 3 years. He was also the guitar and percussion teacher at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Oakland. Jake has also been a music instructor with COVA, Art and Soul Music Studios, Hayward Music Center and ALMA. Over the years he has performed with musicians such as Josh Jones, Michael Aaberg, Dayna Stephens, Ambrose Akinmusere, Jonathan Finlayson, Geoff Brennan, and Ray Brown. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I love kids and since I am on the younger side of most violin teachers, I believe I have an advantage of connecting with the students more. When there is a nurturing bond between a teacher and a student, it allows the student to connect more and be more responsive throughout their lesson. One of my teaching styles is making the lesson fun by making jokes, connecting the music to their favorite type of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

For piano the first part of the lesson is always technique (like doing push ups and running laps before u get on the court or field). Scales, Hanon, arpeggios etc... Then working on reading music and learning repertoire. Also fun parts, which depend on the student. Fun parts could be learning chord progressions of their favorite songs or writing their own music, or learning an cool jazz or rock jam song, learning how to be comfortable improvising, jamming with others etc.. Read More