Music Lessons in Lafayette, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always say that rhythm is more important than the notes. Play the right rhythm and the notes will come instead of playing every right note while sacrificing rhythm. I encourage students to make their mistakes loud, proud, and in rhythm so everyone has a better idea of what needs to be worked on most. I also emphasize isolating parts to practice and working backwards. Example: play the last two bars of the song until comfortable with it, now play the last 4 bars, last 6, last 8...etc., whole song. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

For beginning students, children or adults, the first thing is to work on body position: the hands, arms, wrist and shoulder to avoid having the wrong positions of the body which could lead to physical problems in the future. Then it is important to learn the basic music skills: scales, arpeggios, basic harmony, and finger techniques. Once the students have progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals we can follow two parallel lines, studying advanced techniques and varied bass repertoire and at the same time focusing on what the student is interested in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Euphonium Tuba Keyboard

My teaching style is meant to cater to each students specific needs but above all else is having an understanding of what a brass musician should sound like. Many times young students only hear computerized recordings or recordings from their method books and they have not concept of what the instrument should truly sound like. The use of technology is something that I am a big fan of and resources such as YouTube is a great place to hear these recordings. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I like to focus on the music with a relaxed approach and help create a positive and supportive environment with apatient, easy going manner. I'm comfortable going over small sections of music, looking at new material, exercises, practicing songs, explaining concepts that help the student gain insight and improve on the guitar. For assessment purposes I like toask a few questions pertaining to the music, styles and particular artists that the student has an interest in to shape a individual lesson with custom material.I believe inemphasizing musicianship and practical aspects of learning guitar while realizing that aspirations, inspiration and individual creativity are so important.Music lessons areenjoyable! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I Love teaching music, and love helping others progress on their musical journeys! I've played music for as long as I can remember, and spent my childhood learning just about every instrument I could get my hands on. As a young adult, I rigorously practiced piano and studied music theory, eventually writing an 80 page thesis analyzing jazz piano improvisation in college. Now, I like to spread my love of music by showing others how much joy it has brought to my life, and helping them to experience that same joy. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

I've performed on trumpet, cornet, trombone, baritone and French horn for over 40 years, and I love to play in many different styles and groups. I've played in symphony orchestras as well as concert bands, both amateur and professional. I've played top 40's with various rock, Latin and R&B bands, vintage dance music from the 19th and 20th centuries, and both Modern and Traditional Jazz. I also arrange and compose music for various ensembles, including my own groups. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students, I choose Alfred's Basic Piano Library and Faber Piano Adventures, and other brands/materials that fits the need of the student. I often made teaching materials myself, as well as writing music for my students. The most important thing for beginners are keeping interest and correct postures. Starting from songs the student recognize usually helps. For advance students, I usually recommend repertoire covering all 4 classical periods, plus etudes and finger trainings. Read More