Music Lessons in La Crescenta, CA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Euphonium

For beginning students, my primary resource is generally the purple Primer level Faber book, however I often use principles of teaching from Simply Music and Piano Safari that allow beginning students to get right into playing some very interesting songs without having to read them. I think reading is important, don't get me wrong. However, I think that the ability to be versatile on the sounds of the piano without the abstraction of music notes can be very helpful for fostering a love for music early on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have taught for over twenty years to all ages and levels. I teach the fun way by teaching the student what they would like to know by tailoring each lesson to fit there personal goals, needs and questions. I've taught all genres and also teach special needs including autistic, handicapped, and blind. As well I've also taught a couple grammy winning musicians. I encourage good effective practice methods instead of long tedious hours I prefer the student to concentrate on quality above quantity. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I have been brought up with the Suzuki method of learning and recently I completed my Suzuki Teacher-Training in books 1-8. I find this method to instill the very best habits in students of all ages. The learning process for a young child is best when a parent is learning with the student. I cannot begin to stress how much more the student gets out the lesson when the parent is involved in the process in an integrated way. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have taught quite literally all ages. 5-75. Styles and lesson books used varied depending upon student and school. I usually taught Suzuki for violin, viola and classical guitar (tend to prefer Scott Tennant Pumping Nylon book for classical guitar though). And usually Faber Piano Adventures for young piano students. Eventually going to Clementi Sonatinas and Chopin Preludes. Also Mel Bay Modern Guitar for beginning rock/jazz guitarists. Then eventually going to Mickey Bakers Jazz Guitar books. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

With beginning students, I start with the fundamentals of the instrument, including embouchure and finger technique, as well as the ability to breathe properly, which is fundamental to playing any wind instrument.  I also introduce beginning students to basic musical concepts, such as reading music, and tailor the musical selection to their tastes or to whatever group they are playing in, most often a school band class.  For more advanced students, I observe what areas the student needs the most work in and tailor the lessons specifically to dealing with those areas, as well as catering to their individual musical tastes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Oboe Bassoon

I am very familiar with all of the standard piano methods, and will evaluate the student in the first few lessons to choose a method that they will be the most comfortable with.  I supplement all lessons with music theory and outside repertoire, allowing the students to choose from their favorite genres/artists.  For theatre, musical theatre, and vocal coaching, I also employ Linklater and Alexander techniques. I also really enjoy exposing students to styles, genres or artists that they might not be familiar with along with the history behind the music they're learning! Read More

Instruments: Flute

It is very important for me that students not only take away something from each lesson, but also enjoy coming to lessons. I try to always acknowledge students' improvements and be encouraging. I understanding sometimes lessons can be stressful or not so interesting, so I try different ways to teach and guide my students so the process of learning is enjoyable. I want to keep students interested and inspired, I encourage them to play for themselves and their loved ones, and find pieces they like to bring to lessons. Read More