Music Lessons in Danville, CA

Instruments: Flute Clarinet

When it comes to my teaching style, it is important for the student to learn at their own pace.  I will set goals for my students based off of how he or she learns so that they can progress in a way that is comfortable for them.  I will never push the student to where he or she is uncomfortable and become discouraged and lose interest.  I also encourage the students to ask any questions that they have and that should never feel embarrassed about their questions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Ukulele Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I love everything about music, and that includes teaching music to my students! I bring over 20 years of experience as a composer, songwriter, sound designer, and performer to my music instruction. I've performed nationally, collaborated with theater and dance companies, received grant money from the San Francisco Arts commission for the completion of original music, and now I have just completed my master's in composition and music theory at California State University East Bay. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I do not believe in a uniform approach for each person. Being in the right environment means everything for someone who is about to begin learning an instrument, be it his or her first encounter or not. This will manifest differently for each person. First impressions do mean everything in this case and that is why I am proud to say that anyone who has ever formally or informally attempted to find their embouchure with me or in front of me succeeded to find their voice. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice

I have always loved music and have sung many kinds of music throughout my life from choral and musical theater to folk, jazz, and even opera. I learned to play several instruments along the way but came to playing guitar as my primary instrument because of its versatility and portability. My clear tenor voice led to my becoming a member of two nationally known folk groups that toured the U.S. and Japan. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

Especially for young people, maintaining interest and ensuring that they continue to see the value of their musical education is essential. I remember a very frank conversation with my mother when at 13 I wanted to give up music to play football, and I blame that on the style of teaching I was receiving. Whilst there is stuff not to like about instrumental learning - for some it's scales, for me it was sight reading - the satisfaction comes from masterng these challenges, and if we can keep these short and long term goals relevant to the student, getting the practice hours done may be a litte easier on everyone! Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone

I began teaching during my sophomore year of high school with private trumpet lessons. Since then, I have taught college courses in music performance, history, composition, and music theory, and continue to teach private trumpet lessons from the beginner level up to my current college students. I have gone on to be a seminal figure in the trumpet community around the world. I have embarked on solo tours as well as with a 90 piece orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Double Bass

I try to cater my lesson style to the individual students desire and needs. I like to always incorporate the fundamentals of music and technique while exploring the material at hand.  Some key points I try to incorporate into my teaching are an understanding of:  rhythm, technique, playing from ear, improvisation, theory, and most importantly making music! I usually encourage my students to seek out music they like and specific songs they want to learn. Read More