Music Lessons in Newcastle, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

Every student is unique. I try to unerstand their individual interests and abilities before I design the teching style that would be most productive and enjoyable. Providing a solid foundation and understanding of musical principles is what I strive to achieve with my students. I prefer to be an inspiring and enthusiastic coach. The student should not feel pressured or constricted. I try to create an environment in which students can feel comfortable to relax and develop their own creativity while learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I try to find a balance between being laid-back and offering my students enough structure so that they can develop at an appropriate pace. While encouraging my students to find ways to express themselves, I also try to be realistic with them about the importance of musicianship and technique. Empathy is the most important thing for me, as I try to help and nurture my students to explore their own musical talents. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Ukulele Keyboard

For beginning and intermediate students on piano, I generally teach out of Piano Adventures as a supplement, but teach other songs the student requests. For voice lessons, I tailor my supplemental book teaching to the students individual learning abilities, as well as learning songs they are passionate about. My philosophy on learning music is that a students should NEVER play a song that they hate! I tailor my instruction accordingly to keep lessons engaging and fun, no matter what their skill level. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

My teaching experience started during my undergraduate studies at Sacramento State University. I was teaching at the String Project program at Sac State University, where I was coaching string ensemble classes, basic knowledge of music theory and private violin/viola lessons. During my Graduate studies at San Francisco Conservatory I was involved in the internship program teaching at George Washington High School; coaching orchestra excerpts to a string players, and private lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Bass Guitar

For piano students: I love to get my students started with the fundamentals of music through hands-on experience with the piano. I want them to explore the instrument and get creative from the get-go! I also want them to understand that: - creating music is fun and easy - music can tell stories - music is more than pushing down keysit is art, which involves dynamics, speed, feeling, etc. - music is made up of chords, patterns and melodies - music can be transposed into different keys At the first lesson, I show my students how to sit properly at the piano and use their arms, wrists and fingers correctly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute

I am happy to work on standard classical flute repertoire, contemporary flute repertoire, and music in non-classical styles. For young piano students, our first few lessons will be dedicated to posture, hand position, basic rhythm, and learning note names on the piano keyboard. We will then progress to music reading. I usually use Faber's Piano Adventures series for fun, level-appropriate pieces. We will also continue to play rhythm games and ear-training games in order to develop musicality. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

Throughout the past 17 years I have been both a student and ambassador of music. Whether it has been explaining and showing chords or scales to another student, or describing the inner workings and wonder of a guitar solo with a friend - seeking to create and teach music will always be at the forefront of all that I do. To me, the first and most important thing for learning music is that you have to play something you enjoy and find fun. Read More