Music Lessons in La Tuna Canyon, CA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Euphonium

I think it is absolutely important to develop a teaching style that is based around positive reinforcement. Praising when you like what the student did. When you can tell there is progress from week to week, telling Jonny that you can tell he practiced is a brilliant way to inspire Jonny to associate hard work with progress. I live by the mantra, 2 praises and a wish, meaning offering 2 words of REAL positivity followed by constructive criticism. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Additionally, I have received my BA in Violin Performance at Pepperdine University, with a full music scholarship. Performing all over the world has been one of the greater experiences as a musician. I have had opportunity to perform at sold out venues in England, Wales, Ireland, France, Germany, and Greece. I also had performed in world-class concert halls, such as Disney Concert Hall, Carnegie Hall, and Ren and Henry Segerstrom Hall. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I like my students to tell me what they would like to get from taking lessons. I then integrate what they want to learn with what I think they should learn. While learning a song or piece of music, I teach the student pertinent music concepts and saxophone technique. I find giving students scales and exercises to learn without context is often discouraging for them because they are not sure why and how they apply in other music situations. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For new students that are beginners, I find out what music they like and what made them gravitate towards the drums. This knowledge is vital, for it is the opening for what I can do to get the student to develop a true attachment and love for playing drums. I have seen many young musicians get overwhelmed and grow a detest for starting music lessons with an instructor that gives the student a formula for playing drums that is the opposite of what they actually desire to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I use various methods and books depending on the style, age, ability etc. I always keep my eye out for new books and open to suggestions. A few examples. With classical guitar students who are over 10 yo I prefer to use Christopher Parkening Guitar Method and Frederick Noad "Solo Guitar Playing" The latter suits more mature (both mentally and physically) students. With younger guitar students , 6-9 yo, I usually start by using basic guitar methods such as Hal Leonard Essential elements or "Everybody's Guitar Method" and my own easy arrangements of popular songs before shifting to Parkening. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

For beginning students who are not musically literate, I emphasize a program that focuses on the aquisition of skills to read music proficiently followed by a basic program that helps students get the basics of their instrument down. For intermediate musicians, I focus more on taking their basic skills and expanding on them to help them discover new abilities and progress further in their musical development. This will include playing basic to intermediate solos, etudes to develp musicianship, scales (done fun!), sight-reading, and duets. Read More