Music Lessons in Nicolaus, CA

Instruments: Piano

I always try to make the lesson fun.  I look for things that will keep my students inspired. I am extremely patient.  I always encourage my students in a positive way. I try not to be too pushy. If a student doesn't want to learn a piece then I will try and find something that they are more inspired to learn. I like to give them a choice. I will play a few pieces for them and see which one they like more. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Before I start working with any client, I find out exactly why they've sought out vocal lessons and what their goals are. Then It all starts with breathing. The student will learn how to properly excersize the correct muscles when singing, and then will vocalize with the piano. We must start with pitch! Then there will be songs to learn that both the student suggest and I pick, based on what I think will help their development most. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Fiddle French Horn Electric Guitar

For beginning students, I try to figure out what if any familiarity with the instrument or connected genres the student already has and plan to orient lessons around that. If they're absolute beginners with no specific interests yet, as is often the case with children, I focus on teaching fundamentals of the instrument's technique, music theory relevant to reading sheet music and understanding scales, keys, and time signatures. If it seems like it would help I'd move on to the Suzuki method or at least to simple songs and etudes. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I'm fairly new to teaching. I had the opportunity to co-lead the soprano section in my university choir for a year, which gave me my first taste of what teaching other people was like. I loved it, because it allowed me to step into something bigger than myself: helping other people learn how to sing together well! After graduating from William Jessup University I began to intern at my church, where I started teaching group lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute

Jack has played professionally since 1975. (Soprano, alto, tenor, baritone saxophones + flute). Influences include: Dexter Gordon, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For children or beginner students I start out with the simple basics of the piano and get them familiar with the piano keys.I then introduce theory to them slowly and learn how to read music. I teach composition, theory, performance, ear training, reading and much more. If the student has already had lessons prior I assess what level they are at and then I come up with a lesson plan to teach with. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

If you’ve tried and failed, or even if you’ve never touched a piano, Smiley can teach you. And, you’ll have fun doing it because with my easy approach to learning, you will start playing the songs you like from day one, not practicing endless scales all the time, and boring music language that would be difficult to understand the first day. With my easy learning how to play approach, you would lean your first song and be able to play it, over and over until you learn a new song to share. Read More