Music Lessons in Los Altos Hills, CA

Instruments: Trumpet

In my lessons, I advocate for a strong emphasis on tone and technique. Getting these aspects of trumpet playing down are extremely important as the trumpet is a very physically demanding instrument. I have many different levels of method books to work from, but one of the biggest and most comprehensive is the Arban's book. It has exercises ranging from the most basic tone production, to very advanced tonguing and lip slur exercises and is great for students of all levels. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Ukulele

I have taught music for over 20 years. I have been performing for 25 years. My students acquired graduate degrees in music, as well as attended the most prestigious schools, here in the bay area and beyond. My son and students are prolific performers and have been selected for leading roles. They have been awarded scholarships and honors in the performing arts field, and in general academia subjects. I published a thesis on the subject of how music helps with learning, mood and mind/body healing. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I am an enthusiastic instructor who likes to share the joy and dedication that is required to play music with students of differents ages and levels. I am a native from Cuba but have been living in San Francisco Bay Area for more than 10 years, which has given me the opportunity to participate in artistic events from diverse cultures. I had participated in several events and festivals not only related to music but also to dance, such as the San Francsico Carnaval with the Brazilian Ensemble BATALA, the CUBA CARIBE Festival, and this year I will participate in the Ethnic Dance Festival with the Afro- Peruvian "PROYECTO LANDO". Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I prefer to let the student's personality and general skill level dictate the pace and style in which I teach. The greatest detriment to a student's progress is a lack of interest, so I try to give the students as much say as possible when deciding what piece of music they will be learning. Every student develops their skills at their own pace, so my key concern is keeping the students motivated and interested in everything we do during our lessons. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I used to use the Suzuki method but mostly I used formal classical method. Although, I always fit my lessons depending of each student's needs and/or requests. Personally I like the classical method because I also teach my students music theory if needed as well as historical facts to understand the music better. I have also thaught the El Sistema method from Venezuela which basically teaches students the feeling of playing music phisically. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Double Bass

For beggining students and especially children I will start with books such as the Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has graped the fundamentals of musical theory and scales , we will begin to introduce a solo repertoire appropriate for skill set and age. For adults I simply try to find what the studenet is interested in, and guide my instruction accordinglu to keep the lessons fun and engaging, no matter their ability level! Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I like to ground my teaching in a line my own teacher, Carey Bell, often told me-- "if you make a mistake, no one dies!" Music is a challenging discipline in every respect, so I encourage my students to approach it from as positive and joyful a place as possible where mistakes are not a failure but simply a sign that further work needs to be done. Achievement in performance is only rewarding when the student takes ownership of their playing, so I do everything I can to allow clarinet to be a real and positive presence in my students' lives. Read More