Music Lessons in Palo Alto, CA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Piccolo

I think the best way to teach is to start with what my students are interested in and embed music concepts and theory throughout our lessons.  Additionally, I have a library of method books, lesson plans, literature, and curricula that I like to follow. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

For beginners, I typically focus on teaching straightforward open chords, along with scales and exercises to improve finger dexterity. Following that, I guide them in incorporating melodies or soloing over chords. We delve into strumming patterns and cover fundamental techniques for warming up. With intermediate players, my approach involves introducing chord inversions and delving into basic music theory. Topics include understanding how to stay in a key and identifying the diatonic chords within it. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar

Beginning students will learn the basic major scales, then minor scales. They will learn songs applying to the "scale of study," for that day, with the student's input as well. Once an understanding of chords has developed, we will experiment with changing the bass note in the chord, and play with how it effects the sound of the whole chord. Playing with friends and/or recordings of your favorite songs is recommended highly! Read More

Instruments: Piano

My name is David Herscowitz, and I've been playing the piano since 1985 and teaching since 2005. I grew up in Los Angeles and moved to Oakland in 2012. I attended the Alexander Hamilton High School Academy of Music in Los Angeles and received my BA in Music from U.C. Santa Barbara. Making music (especially with other musicians) is my favorite thing to do, and teaching others the gift of music comes in a close second! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Music Keyboard

For most of my beginning piano students, I use the piano adventures series. They offer a clear and well paced curriculum with numerous supplemental resources in a variety of styles. For beginning music theory, I use the Berklee School of Music texts or the Benward and Saker textbooks as well as many videos and other resources to explore musical concepts. For singing, I use a variety of sight singing books, all depending on the age and experience of the student. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I graduated with a Master's Degree in Music from New York State University at Stony Brook and also earned a performance certificate from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb. My instructors include world celebrated Beaux Arts Trio cellist Bernard Greenhouse and Russian cellist Raya Garbusova. During my college years, I had toured and performed extensively with Young Artists’ Concert Chamber Music Group, which also includes televised performances. In addition to that, I was selected to appear regularly in a chamber music series in New York City with many renowned artists including violinist Raphael Hillyer, bassist Julius Levine, and clarinetist Charles Russo. Read More

Instruments: Voice

My passion for music stretches beyond performance and into my teaching. It is important that I share with others what I have learned through my own experiences, both as a student and a teacher. Developing the art of music can be one of the most rewarding experiences! It is my goal to work closely with each student so we work together to approach the style of learning that works best for them. Read More