Music Lessons in Oak Park, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola Fiddle

As a student I had many teachers who made me achieve at their pace and with their understanding of what the violin required. Ultimately the classical route did not give me enough freedom to play the way I wanted to. In my work as a teacher I have found that the pursuit of an instrument, though hard work, should fundamentally be enjoyable for the student. Whether it is finding the music that resonates deeply with you, or constructing practice assignments that are clear and achievable within a week, I want to connect with each student I teach and help them to find a regular rhythm in their lessons that keeps them feeling productive. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Ukulele

My teaching style is goal-oriented and centers on positive reinforcement. This should be fun, not a chore. I love creating weekly/monthly/yearly goals so the student has something tangible to work towards. That might be a showcase for parents, a more formal recital, or an audition for a group! Each student brings a unique perspective to the lesson room, which is what makes it so exciting for me. No two students are the same, which mean I can learn something from the student as well. Read More

Instruments: Voice Cello Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

At night I founded my first rock band, Feedback, and later joined WD 40. Selected for the National Youth Orchestra of Canada in 1985, I went on to write scores for string ensembles, a passion I am pursuing as an arranger and composer. My interests are motivated by my passion for world musics and the rhythmic complexity they offer which became the subject of my thesis on Afro Cuban Rumba Guaguanco. My classical and world music knowledge was put to service as a co-producer and director for MuchMusic-Musimax and BRAVO! Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

Seeing my students excited about music drives my passion for teaching! As I structure my curriculum for each student, I like to incorporate things like active listening and history into lessons so that it's never just going through the motions and doing monotonous exercises. Often introducing an artist or moment that was crucial in music history sparks creativity and motivation in students when they might not have been introduced to it earlier. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I am extremely motivated to see my students enjoy their musical journey and have then develop their own passion for music. This usually requires setting goals that my students can reach with adequate practice, and constantly encouraging them throughout lessons. I believe that when students are given the right encouragement and acknowledgement they are more likely to succeed and have even more drive to learn. Too often I have encountered teachers that are extremely harsh in their teaching, but I do not think this really brews learning at a young age. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Students can expect a heavy dose of fun, while still maintaining a solid drumming foundation. Lessons focus on reading music, as well as theory. Technique (The correct ways to play). Rudiments Exercises. Grooves, Fills, Solos. Songwriting (Learning to play your favorite tunes as well as structuring your own). Timing and feel (Playing with a Metronome). Read More