Music Lessons in Orinda, CA

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

From 1981-1993, I was the music director for URCS, a private school in Long Island, NY. I developed pedagogy and taught the high school band and choir. Since 1985, I have taught private lessons. Many of my students have gone on to be professionals in the industry. I absolutely love seeing my students click with understanding on their faces when they get the next piece of the puzzle they may have been missing regarding their playing. Read More

Instruments: Voice

As stated above, I have been teaching and coaching private voice for over 10 years.   I have been in demand as Vocal and Music Director for numerous community musical theatre productions.   I have enjoyed working with students age 8 to 78. I am well-versed in classical, musical theatre and popular repertoire.   The most important thing to note is that I believe there is ONE healthy and safe way to sing.  We just learn to color our sound to meet stylistic needs. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I like to ground my teaching in a line my own teacher, Carey Bell, often told me-- "if you make a mistake, no one dies!" Music is a challenging discipline in every respect, so I encourage my students to approach it from as positive and joyful a place as possible where mistakes are not a failure but simply a sign that further work needs to be done. Achievement in performance is only rewarding when the student takes ownership of their playing, so I do everything I can to allow clarinet to be a real and positive presence in my students' lives. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Conga Latin Percussion

I like students to learn their favorite songs while learning technique, such as scales and chords, as well as music theory.   Read More

Instruments: Cello

I am friendly and incredibly patient with all my students. I believe that all students need proper encouragement and constructive critiquing during the learning process, so that is something I put a lot of emphasis on. At the same time, I set high standards for my students and expect them to carry themselves as professionals during practices. I normally demonstrate to the student by playing in both styles (my style of playing and the student's way of playing) to allow the students to make comparisons and decide which style of playing they prefer. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began giving lessons after graduating from high school in 2017 and continued offering lessons both in-person and online when I went off to study at the University of the Pacific's Conservatory of Music. After graduating, I spent about 5 months working with my local Guitar Center offering lessons to people of all ages and in a variety of genres and styles. I primarily teach guitar, but as a music therapist, a significant portion of my experience includes singing with guitar accompaniment, so I am always open to teaching guitar students who are also interested in developing their vocal skills (all instrumentalists should know how to sing!). Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

My biggest hope for my students is that they come away from lessons with a love for music. Every student is a unique player with their own pace, set of hurdles, focus, and interests, and I am committed to tailoring my teaching approach to each individual student. It is important to me that each student progresses at a realistic pace for themselves, tries their best, and has fun with the music they are learning. Read More