Music Lessons in Portola Valley, CA

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

It is important and rewarding for both me and the student to have a passion for their music and learning. Because of this, it is important to me that each student sets their own goals. I will encourage and help the students to set high but realistic goals that will bring them enthusiasm for the music. I try to bring inspiration and a lot of guidance to each student. And I love to have fun. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

My passion for music began when I studied classical piano at six years old. As a kid in church, I began to have a keen interest in the drums when watching the church praise band. It didn't take long for me to gravitate toward their kinetic and infectious energy as I was often found banging on the church drums after service. By the time I turned ten years old, I finally convinced my parents to get me drum lessons, and the rest, as they say, is history. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Music

I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have. Rather you are a beginner, intermediate, advanced or just looking to deep your learning trhough Tango music-we'll take it from there and follow the path together! The lessons are tailored totally to your interests and needs. From violin parts to sightreading; from how to understand the mechanics to producing a beautiful, full, ringing sound; from set up to position changes, bow strokes, posture, varied repertoire, auditions; from classical to Tango music including improvisation - the call is yours! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students, I use the Piano Adventure Series by Nancy Faber and Randall Faber. I also use the A Thousand Stories for a Little Pianist by Katrin Arefy. My special methods in teaching young students include stories, easy duets, and singing familiar folk songs. For intermediate level students, I use different method books according to the student's interests. However, I encourage them to play Classical music, which is very useful in developing good techniques in piano playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium

I expect practice of the assignments that I give for my private trombone lessons and am a proponent of getting my students to work hard on any weaknesses in their playing. I do set realistic goals and make sure that my trombone students are comfortable with meeting those goals. I encourage trombone students to find new material that they want to do in the future and structure my lessons with the end goal of accomplishing what the student wants to achieve on the trombone. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Music Keyboard

A few years down the road I started playing trumpet in the beginning band at my school under the tutelage of who, to this very day, I believe was the best youth band director to ever hold a baton. Since then I have had many teachers who have shaped my life many different ways. They spent the time to grow and cultivate my skills and talent, teach me musician's etiquette, and give me “the tools of the trade”. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

Flowing between the presentation of new information and the actual active playing music is very important to the way I conduct lessons. Especially for the young, I place much more emphasis on facilitating musical experiences rather than the integration of musical nomenclature and conceptualization. When we learn to speak, our ears guide us first, and we imitate. Writing and reading comes later. I've found that this pertains to music as well, if not even moreso. Read More