Music Lessons in Mililani, HI

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

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

Beginner students start off by progressing through a method book series like Piano Adventures or Alfred Premier. These books, along with supplementary materials, help the student to learn how to read music and become more comfortable with the piano. Along the way, students will develop their music theory knowledge and gradually become more fluent with their scales, chords, and rhythm. By doing so, they are building their musicality and technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

I use a broad amount of materials that I tailor to each individual student. Trumpet students use a variety of materials from the Arban Book, H. L. Clarks "Technical Studies," Max Schlossberg's "Daily Drills and Technical Studies" and a variety of solo and duet books. It is important that each student learns at a speed suited to them and each lesson is personalized so the student is challenged to grow but not overwhelmed. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching experience goes back to my days in college. I would give lessons every week and teach students different grooves and techniques around the set. When teaching, I stress the basics so that students have a good foundation that they can build on. I also expose students to different musical styles and approaches to the drums. When teaching, I want to make sure the student has enough tools to survive in any musical situation. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I start with each new student by getting to know what music styles they like, what songs they want to learn, what their goals are. I work with the students to select specific songs they want to learn NOW and then I build my entire lesson plan and approach around those. Rather than start them off with drills and exercises, we immediately begin learning content that the students actually care about. Read More

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

My approach varies depending on the student.  For younger students I usually take a very systematic step by step approach using method books.  If the student already knows what they want to learn and has specific goals I try to tailor to their needs. For guitar students who are starting from scratch I usually begin with the Hal Leonard Guitar method book or give them the option to use a classical method book if they're really interested in classical guitar. 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