Music Lessons in Oakley, CA

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 Violin Cello Viola Ukulele Recorder Music Acoustic Guitar

Teaching is a passion of mine that I hope to further expand upon in my post-graduate educational studies. I do my best to provide a personalized lesson that is designed to suit a students playing style.I like to acknowledge a students accomplishments to help encourage their accomplishments. By acknowledging a students accomplishments it helps them thrive and eager to tackle further challenges both in music and their lives. I want my students to enjoy practicing and grow their love for their respective instruments. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My experience in teaching is not only in the musical aspect. I was also a Spanish teacher for Centro Latino in Berkeley. Teaching music is like teaching another languages. In my specialties, clarinet and saxophone, the pause, breathing and acentuation have a very important part in phrasing the notes. The melody should flow "as we speak", in a normal way and with the right entonation. I have two children who are also musicians, an 11 year old daughter and a 13 year old son. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I really enjoy sharing the passion of music with developing musicians. I have taught all ages and levels.  I really get a thrill out of watching people progress. Adding music to someone's life is really wonderful. I have been passionate about music for the last 50 years of my life and sharing this passion gives me great joy. One of the reasons that I really love teaching is because it really gets me involved with music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

It wasn't until I was 12 years old that I really started to play and learn guitar, being further motivated by my brother who was just learning guitar himself. We started out learning songs by Metallica and Led Zeppelin. Later, I took a deep interest in learning blues, classical, jazz, and more classic rock like Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Santana etc. After years of studying and practice, I believe I have a firm grasp of music theory, how to play different styles of music, and the ins and outs of guitar playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always say that rhythm is more important than the notes. Play the right rhythm and the notes will come instead of playing every right note while sacrificing rhythm. I encourage students to make their mistakes loud, proud, and in rhythm so everyone has a better idea of what needs to be worked on most. I also emphasize isolating parts to practice and working backwards. Example: play the last two bars of the song until comfortable with it, now play the last 4 bars, last 6, last 8...etc., whole song. Read More