Music Lessons in Hercules, CA

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

Over the past 10 years, I have developed a method of teaching that focuses heavily on fundamentals that are essential to any drummer regardless of whether they are beginner or advanced: Hand Technique, Reading, 4-way Drum Set Coordination, Time Keeping and Feel/Pocket, and Stylistic Development. I provide my private collection of PDF's and exercises to my students depending on what is being worked on. While I use books and exercises when teaching, you will never find me teaching out of books exclusively because I believe that books are only supplemental to teaching. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Clarinet

Sometimes, my students will spend a couple weeks on a song, and sometimes they will spend five months on a song. It is all dependent on what they need to succeed. Practicing is a major concept that I focus on and therefore provide every student with weekly practice sheets as well as written monthly progress reports to their parents. In lessons with me, there is nothing we can't do and that is what I strive to show my students every week. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began giving lessons after graduating from high school in 2017 and continued offering lessons both in-person and online when I went off to study at the University of the Pacific's Conservatory of Music. After graduating, I spent about 5 months working with my local Guitar Center offering lessons to people of all ages and in a variety of genres and styles. I primarily teach guitar, but as a music therapist, a significant portion of my experience includes singing with guitar accompaniment, so I am always open to teaching guitar students who are also interested in developing their vocal skills (all instrumentalists should know how to sing!). Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My style of teaching also varies greatly with each individual. Some students have specific music from school or from outside music groups that they want to learn and also need to learn the skills to be able to play that particular music. Other students come with a desire just to improve their current abilities, and we find ways to do that by choosing inspiring music together. Sometimes playing duets is a great way to do that, and when its not possible to play together in real time I make recordings that the student can enjoy playing with. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute

For young students, we'll start our first few lessons with rhythm and singing games to break the ice. These games also help train the ear. For flute students, we will then progress to the basics of breathing, tone production, note fingerings, and music reading. Once we reach the point where the student can read and play simple tunes, we will start using Trevor Wye's Beginner's Book for the Flute. For teenage and adult students, we'll discuss your goals in our first meeting and go from there, whether those goals are learning to play for your own enjoyment, or preparing to apply for college and/or summer music programs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo

I place special importance on relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices that not only enable students to perform better but also allow them to enjoy playing more. I am also a huge advocate for rest - it is such an important part of the learning process and it is essential to becoming a balanced musician (and human!). I offer my students the opportunity to lead and be responsible for their own learning. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I began teaching in college and focused on motivating younger players to continue to exploring the instrument. I noticed early on that so many young students would stop showing up to lesson after just a few weeks. My goal has always been to expose every student to the potential their instrument has. A lot of this comes with making the lessons reinvent to "Real life". During drum lessons I often have a guitar or bass on me so we can play Example 23 from page 10 in a real musical setting. Read More