Music Lessons in Laie, HI

Instruments: Drums

I feel the most important thing when teaching is making sure the student is relaxed and having fun while playing. While I stress setting goals, I also feel it's important the student is learning at a pace that's comfortable. Positivity is very important as I feel a positive atmosphere can help fuel a student's drive for success. But most importantly, I feel that humor is very important when teaching. If a student comes across a beat or method that's particularly challenging, humor can help melt away any frustration or tension the student is feeling. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students, I like to start with John Thompson piano serios to build a solid fundation in both technique and music theory. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for Strings. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will initiate the practice of beginning scales and arpeggios (Klengel method) to familiarize the student with major and minor scales, different scale modalities, and different key signatures. I will also start them on a progressive melodic musical method book, such as The Art of Cello Playing (Louis Potter), so that they can enjoy playing nice music pieces that could be played later in a recital. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As I may have mentioned once or twice... Students are at the heart of my teaching process. Everyone has their own goals, their own tastes, their own learning process, their own challenges. If a teacher does not tailor his/her approach to the student in front of them, then an opportunity is being missed. Students should feel involved and invested in the process, and feel that it is serving them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

I am a passionate piano teacher based in Central Oahu. I've taught over a hundred students in different studios across the island, in places like Nobu Sakurai Piano Studio, Chuck James Music Studio, Emily Lee's Music Studio, Musikgarten, and more. I believe a well-rounded and practical approach to teaching music-- where students learn to not only read music, but also play freely with chords and scales to create their own music, learn by ear, and improvise. Read More

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

My first experiences teaching were in high school but not professionally. I was always showing my friends how to play different licks on the guitar, etc. where I just had a natural tendency to want to share my knowledge with others. I did some payed lessons in college as well as just sharing knowledge with friends. After graduating I began gradually building up my client base as a music teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I find that individualizing repertoire is a powerful motivational tool as it encourages students to want to progress in order to meet the challenge of playing their preferred musical genre. To make lessons more fun and engaging for my younger students, i utilize the learning games and features that are programmed on my digital piano, Since my students enjoy them so much, I use it as a reward activity as well. Read More