Music Lessons in Orange, CA

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Djembe

Here's what I've learned from teaching thousands of drum lessons. I know what the very next step is for every student. I know what is just barely out of reach for them, and that becomes their assignment (or assignments) for the week. I can easily and accurately asses what they are capable of and I expect that from them. That is why they have to do push-ups when they don't complete the tasks. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Mandolin Acoustic Guitar

The methods use for young children are the series of Sassmannshaus books. Piatti for adults. All for strings and essential elements books for violin and viola., among other methods books. I also use innovative methods to teach all instruments. I encourage my students to select their own repertoire. It is also encourage to perform at least 3 times a year in recitals. I also prepare my students for auditions for orchestras and other ensembles. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My strong point as a teacher is figuring out how each student best learns. Everybody has a different style of learning, and I make sure to cater to the student's needs in that way. My lessons are light-hearted yet very productive. The most important skill for a student to have is to know how to practice efficiently. I set my students up for success by teaching them practice methods as well as looking at small details in the music in order to make them a better player. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching methods can be defined by a few words patient, fun, and above all, flexible. I believe maintaining great flexibility is the greatest way of making sure a student is not only learning at a great pace, but enjoying their journey as well. As this is the case, I create individual custom lesson plans for every single student I teach. For example, with younger students, I will generally try to make sure they are engaged and having as much fun as possible learning the instrument, this could come in the form of focusing on (at first) popular riffs or songs that the student would know and enjoy learning. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

I primarily use original material when I teach, but occasionally Ill work from standard method books such as Stick Control, Master Studies, and Syncopation, or assign pages from more recent books like John Rileys The Art of Bop Drumming. Ill also pull out books specifically for sight reading such as Anthony Cirones Portraits in Rhythm. For beginning and intermediate students I focus on fundamental technique, basic sight reading skills, and drum set playing (independence/coordination of the limbs, relaxation and balance, time and groove, fills and solos, introduction of musical styles, etc.) For advanced students I get into more conceptual and creative aspects of playing the drums, but I also introduce the Spivack/Wilson technique which I learned during my studies with Murray Spivack and Richard Wilson in the 1980s [check out the 4-part series featured in Modern Drummer magazine in 2011-2012]. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I want my students to have as much fun as I do at our lessons. I create a safe, comfortable environment for you to explore and nurture your ability and build your confidence. With your input, I will craft each lesson to suit your needs and goals. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Bass Guitar Euphonium

I began teaching trombone and bass after my first years of college at Cal State L.A. and went on to become a clinician and teacher in Los Angeles teaching trombone, bass, and percussion as well as working with musicians and conducting clinics around the U.S. and the world while touring and during my time as a cultural ambassador for the U.S. State Department. I now teach primarily from my home in Los Angeles and have had great success inspiring my students to progress. Read More