Music Lessons in Orinda, CA

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium

For beginners, I use the Standards of Excellence book, especially if they are young children because that is the book that they will most likely use in middle school or high school. These books are good for teaching the fundamentals. I also assign a solo piece based on skill level along with an excerpt of a song that the student wants to learn. For more advanced students I use the Arban's book because all trumpet players learn from this book; from intermediate players all the way up to professionals. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I began teaching informally to other musicians as part of my music practice, and found that I had a love of passing on what I've learned. I began teaching voice and beginning piano in 2019, and have kept it up ever since. I have taught pre-K children through adult professionals, with every age and skill level in between. In voice lessons I allow students to pick repertoire - you should learn what inspires you! - and help them identify techniques that can be used to develop their unique voice. Read More

Instruments: Mallet Percussion

I have been fortunate to continue my education in music - as a "never ending project" - with master musicians such as Mohammad Reza Lotfi, Hossein Omoumi, Royal Hartigan, and Hafez Modirzadeh. I am now continuing the path of music in Integrated Composition, Improvisation, and Technology as a graduate student in University of California, Irvine, while receiving the Graduate Diversity Fellowship. In late 2007 and early 2008, I was invited by UCI, UCLA, and UCSC and Society of Ethnomusicology to give lectures and demonstrate the Iranian music on santour. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with some basic chords and scales. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

There are many great method books out there for young students. Typically, I use whatever material the school provides, be it Standard of Excellence or Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. I like to incorporate other methods for more advanced students, such as the Conservatory Method by Jean-Baptiste Arban, Michael Davis's many offerings, and/or any of the great etude books out there. I feel it is best to use a well-rounded approach, especially considering the students needs as it pertains to their goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I always encourage my students to progress at their own pace and have fun while doing it. Not everyone improves and learns at different paces and I make sure to emphasize that with my students and when possible with their parents. I personally think that seeing a student reach a new goal is an important part of my job and it makes it all worth it in the end. I like to use positive reinforcement with my students to help them reach their goals. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I started teaching guitar when I was in Highschool(4 years ago), initially learning guitar in public school I had a very large communal aspect of what specifically Classical Guitar was. As I grew and took guitar more seriously, I entered a high school classical guitar class, many of my peers were beginners, and me having had taken lessons for 5 years prior the teacher allowed me to help out with teaching the instrument. Read More