Music Lessons in Isleton, CA

Instruments: Voice

I work from a whole-body mindfulness perspective on voice. We use our whole body to create and emit sound, not just our lungs and throat. When we work from a whole-body perspective, we are more grounded, we are better able to identify pitch and stay on pitch, our breath flows better, and the act of singing becomes enjoyable and easy. We start from identifying the student's comfortable pitches and range, and then we expand upon what is currently comfortable for a greater range. Read More

Instruments: Piano Bass Guitar

Even before I assign written music or note-reading, my goal for beginners is that they would: - develop a good sense of time - be able to tap rhythm and keep a beat - be able to sing a song and keep a beat - be able to chant and play rhythmic patterns - know the names of all the white keys and be able to quickly find them - improvise on both black and white keys - be able to tell a story with music - know the difference between 3/4 and 4/4 time and also be able to explain and demonstrate their knowledge - understand the basics of harmony At the appropriate time, students will be assigned scales and exercises, and will also use lesson books suited to their age-level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

Flowing between the presentation of new information and the actual active playing music is very important to the way I conduct lessons. Especially for the young, I place much more emphasis on facilitating musical experiences rather than the integration of musical nomenclature and conceptualization. When we learn to speak, our ears guide us first, and we imitate. Writing and reading comes later. I've found that this pertains to music as well, if not even moreso. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium

I encourage trombone mouthpiece exercises and long tones at the beginning of my lessons as proper embouchure flexibility is important to practicing and playing better. Breathing is another aspect that I look at and always breathe by expanding the diaphragm. I use the essential elements series for trombone beginners and melodious etudes for more experienced trombone players. I believe in breaking down difficult pieces into chunks to work on in order to improve upon more difficult passages. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I am relaxed and full of information and knowledge. I am in the business of helping you or your child achieve your personal music goals on the drumset. Whether you want to start a Sonic Youth cover band your senior year, or you're tired of playing bass in every band you've been in since 1999 and want to try something with more exercise :). I can help you learn your favorite songs, the art of transitioning from loud to quiet. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Music

I use a wide variety of music in my lessons and customize the exact curriculum based on each student's goals, learning style, requests, and what I determine will be the right mix to maximize their progress and allow them to enjoy their practice time and the lessons. I also provide mp3 background tracks for most of the songs used in the lesson. I tend to favor Essential Elements for students (including adults) when they are first learning to play their instrument, but I also teach from the other band method books to accommodate what each student is using in their respective band class. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I try to find a balance between being laid-back and offering my students enough structure so that they can develop at an appropriate pace. While encouraging my students to find ways to express themselves, I also try to be realistic with them about the importance of musicianship and technique. Empathy is the most important thing for me, as I try to help and nurture my students to explore their own musical talents. Read More