Music Lessons in Oakley, CA

Instruments: Drums

For a long time I did not want to teach. I thought that those who can't do, teach- as the saying goes. As a father of a young boy few things give me more joy than to see my son learn about music, and Drums/Percussion in particular. As a musician I taught many musicians music theory; from diatonic scales/circle of fifths to pitch clusters and counterpoint. My best students were my band mates in In An Airplane who learned octatonic scales, modes, freetime, atonality and poly rhythm during our goings on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Bass Guitar

I have been a lifelong lover of music. As a young child, I received a little organ for Christmas, and it wasn't long before I was picking out "Jingle Bells" and other tunes on the keys. I went on to take piano lessons during my elementary years, and continued on my own after that. In college, I started out as a music major and took further piano training and music theory courses. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium

My approach to teaching supports the student in meeting their goals on the instrument, with an emphasis on playing with your best sound. Additionally, the mind is the most powerful tool that any of us have and the instrument is an extension of that. Helping students reach their potential by matching the greatest sound they can imagine to what is produced on the horn. Students will also be exposed to all standard trombone method books, study fundamentals, form healthy habits, learn instrument care, and be encouraged to participate in competitions and extracurricular music activities. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute

Once a foundation is established on the instrument, the priority is guiding the student toward finding her/his individual voice and expression. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

I have been teaching lessons since I was in high school. I began teaching private lessons part time and have been teaching students on and off ever since then. I firmly believe in every student's ability to succeed and so I emphasize consistent, focused practice. I have helped multiple students gain a love for their instrument and go on to compete and perform as well. I encourage the students have fun and pursue their dreams. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For children, I begin with Donald Waxman's Pageant for Piano series. The pieces are quite fun, and also good for technique. The illustrations also offer many opportunities for story-making and engagement. For adults, I begin with James Bastien's The Older Beginner Piano course, and for intermediate learners, supplement it with pieces from Bartok's Mikrokosmos, Czerny, Kabalevsky, Burgmuller's 24 Etudes, duets and various other literature as appropriate. Improvisational skills may also be taught. Read More