Music Lessons in La Palma, CA

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

For students just starting out on their instrument, I start of with the fundamentals. That means scales and etudes that assist in getting the student familiar with their instrument and proficient on an elementary level. For students who already have some experience with their instrument, I assess the skill level and develop from there. These lessons can be a continuation of building fundamentals or getting into repertoire. Ultimately my goal when teaching is to help the student develop a healthy, fun, and effective experience with their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Djembe

My teaching experience goes back to middle school. I didn't get paid for it but I would teach the drummers their part the ensembles and performances in the orchestra and jazz band. That way the teacher could focus on instructing the other students the different instruments. I started booking regular paid gigs after college. I would perform shows and people would ask for lessons after the gig, networking is a big part of the professional side of playing music I encourage listening to all styles of music. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar

For beginners, I always start with technique. The bass guitar is a very physically demanding instrument and without the proper technique, students can injure themselves and prevent musical expression. After fundamental hand technique is in place, I use a hybrid curriculum that my teacher walked me through mixed with my own theories that have worked for me and from the Musicians Institute basic theory book. Once both physical technique and basic theory is in place, the groundwork to explore is set and i can help the student achieve their goals of learning songs, training their ear, or simply being able to play along to records. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students I like to begin with a combination of Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and Suzuki Method books. I find Essential Elements to be useful for learning the fundamentals of playing the instrument and music theory. However, Suzuki offers the ability for students to quickly play solo repertoire. I also incorporate learning and understanding scales for the purpose of learning fingering patterns and intonation. As students progress, I also find Rick Monney's Positions Pieces extremely valuable. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

The development of the basic skills that are required to lay a foundation for playing the piano is an essential part of teaching. Because repetition, listening to music, and practice can be challenging for some students, I try to incorporate modern music or songs that students like to practice the fundamentals. Since teaching beginners/intermediate, and children/adults require different methods, I first assess abilities and potential, as well as learn about what a student's goals are for learning piano. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe English Horn Acoustic Guitar

I use a wide variety of methods depending on the student's current ability level, musical preferences, and goals. I'm also willing to work with a method or book that a student is currently using. Generally, my students have a varying ratio of technique/scale study to work on the foundations, an etude/short piece study to help connect musical ideas and teach expression, and a solo piece that is prepared over a long period of time, most likely for a future recital. Read More