Music Lessons in Neenach, CA

Instruments: Guitar Voice Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

We have fun right out of the gate. I bring songs to work on that I think students will like, and invite them to tell me what music they love so that they will want to practice. I have a few books to help us work through technique, but try to use that technique in music that the student will be excited to practice. As a passionate songwriter, I also encourage students to begin composing and songwriting right away if it interests them. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Bass Guitar Electric Violin Acoustic Guitar

Classes are customized per the student's individual needs. For some students, this means a standard repertoire: Schradiek, Scevcik, Hrimaly for violin. Hanon for piano. But for others, they would do better with a less formal approach. In all cases, the use of the ear is fundamental and primal. We will learn how to hear, and how to listen for timbres and intervals. (Basic interval training will be a part of everyone's lesson, as there's really no way around that.) Some students are intimidated by the classical repertoire, and the demands the classical tradition places on musicians. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

What you put into anything is what you get out of it; its the same with vocals. I customize lessons to help you get to your voice and/or stay with your voice. However, you have to know the basics and if those aren't there, that will be the initial focus. Read More

Instruments: Drums

In my lessons I use snare drum method books such as Mitchell Peters Intermediate Book or Stick Control by George Stone to teach reading and basic hand technique.  Once I feel the student is proficient in reading and technique I move on to drumset coordination books as well as learning drum parts to the students favorite music.  I also teach techniques for xylophone, tympani and other classical percussion instruments.  I have an extensive library of music books and techniques so if one method doesn't work I have no problem customizing my lesson plan to fit the student's need. Read More

Instruments: Violin

Every student learns on a different learning curve. My general teaching style includes a balance of technique and musicality. I asks students to keep a notebook where I break up the materials for them to practice for efficiently. I also look for other materials. if the student moves at a faster or needs additional help. I have a general structure of teaching I used with all students and personalize lessons accordingly; Read More

Instruments: Cello

It's important to move at the student's pace - whatever speed that may be. It's important to build a solid foundation but that doesn't necessarily mean mastery or perfection. It's easy to lose interest if stuck on one piece to long so we'll move through the material as quickly or as slowly as the student desires as long as the foundation is there. Supplementary material is worked in as well to keep things interesting and each lesson unique and fun. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For all students I typically teach from Musicians Institute’s curriculum. This curriculum is tailored in a clear and concise form to progress chronologically from the bottom up. The books I use can help to develop performance, reading, and technique etc at levels beginner through advanced. Most kids I try to teach with additional factors to keep lessons entertaining, and for adults I try to give them as much information as possible while catering to where they are trying to get as a drummer as opposed to the overall knowledge a kid needs. Read More