Music Lessons in Monte Vista, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, we always start with how to hold the instrument, parts of the instrument and string names, and then begin playing open strings. This may take a few lessons. Placing the left hand fingers is usually the last step before playing an A scale and then Twinkle. Setting a foundation is more important than going quickly, so many of my students spend a number of months on Twinkle before starting to move more quickly with Lightly Row. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am an experienced trombonist and teacher with degrees from the New England Conservatory and California State University at East Bay (MA in Music anticipated Fall 2020). I have been teaching since the 1990s, and performing all over the world since the early 2000s. My primary instrument is on trombone, but have had students on tuba, euphonium, and beginning trumpet as well. My performance experience is primarily in the jazz, pop, and rock genres, but am conservatory-trained and well-equipped to prepare young students to enter the classical world as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginners I will start with a reputable system of books, such as Hal Leonard or Alfred's, supplemented by my own worksheets and song selections that are relevant to the student. For more advanced students I will use my own open method, finding songs that the student is eager to play and reinforcing the theory and techniques that will enable the student to advance quickly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

I try my very best to avoid criticism, encourage curiosity, and open doors at every lesson. Constant criticism can put a permanent damper on a student's love of music. Exploration can lead to a lifetime of enjoyment! In the Photo Gallery above, the first pic is of David, age 6-1/2, playing organ for the first time. He has been watching me play during a church service, so I offered to show him a few things. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

No musician is complete without an understanding of the piano; my own experience began at an early age, and I encourage any student to begin studying piano as soon as possible! I have studied with amazing pedagogues and scholars alike, and carry their teaching with me where ever I go. Although the bulk of my professional resume is made up with operatic experience, my roots lie in choral music, jazz, and musical theater. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

For beginning students I usually start with Hal Leonard's beginning guitar. But if they want to just play music, I will als teach them how to read tabs and chord charts. This enables the student to start playing songs right away. As the student progresses I will give them solo music pieces as well, songs and exudes to use for performance. Eventually, the student will progress to scales, soloing, and comping. 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