Music Lessons in Poway, CA

Instruments: Voice

There are two major philosophies I've uncovered when teaching lessons. 1. The use of descending lines to erase the "break" in ones voice. Early while studying, myself, I was taught to sing ascending, trying to maintain the same sound - this is defeating. Rather, bringing the top down is the "way to go." 2. Keeping the sound forward makes changing from one vowel to another quite easy and palpable. We generally begin by humming, getting vibrations away from the throat and into the front of the mouth. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I love teaching and connecting on a personal level with my students. My singing experience dates back to high school where I sang in concert choirs as well as an award winning jazz ensemble. From there I attended Orange Coast College, where I studied music theory, jazz and pop vocals. I trained privately for 5 years with the wonderful Nadia Smelser, and to this day impart to my students her techniques and methodologies. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Suzuki Piano:  also called the mother-tongue method.  The method is modeled after the way the way children learn their native language, with an emphasis on exposure to the music being learned via listening to a recording.  Note reading is not neglected, though earliest pieces are learned "by ear."  The Suzuki philosophy is "Every Child Can" (learn to play). Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard

Most of my professional experience has been with the Marine Corps Music Program for 15 years. I also grew up with private piano lessons, and continued band and show choir throughout high school.  Before my career with the Marine Corps Band, I also performed professionally around northern Ohio as a keyboardist and drummer in Top 40 and Rock bands for 3 years. I have a passion for composition and producing, and also enjoy finding innovative ways to encourage and challenge my music students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I first picked up the guitar at the age of 10 and took lessons from instructors for the first few years. In High School I became much more passionate about music, and began self teaching myself how to play songs and solo. By my Sophomore year I began playing with bands, and that snowballed throughout high school. I self taught myself much of the foundation of music theory, and a few years later studied under a Los Angeles based teacher who helped me connect all the dots and really take my playing to another level. Read More

Instruments: Voice Violin Viola

I like to inspire my students with my own passion for music, and keep lessons fun.  Students should never feel like lessons are a chore, but rather should leave a lesson inspired.  I think of music as food for the soul.   Read More