Music Lessons in Robinson Ranch, CA

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe

I first like to establish a strong internal clock in a new student. I think it is important to understand the feeling of each beat. To learn proper coordination I like to use the book "Syncopation" to practice playing rhythms with multiple limbs as well as learning how to read music. I think it is important to balance this technical work with passion. Figuring out popular songs that the student is into is crucial for them to continue to be interested in the instrument! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Cello Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching for the last 10 years. I taught at the East Bay Waldorf School in Berkeley, CA immediately after graduating college where I taught 5-13 year olds. I have taught private lessons to all ages. I can teach lead and rhythm guitar in a variety of styles including pop, jazz, rock. I can teach improvisation and theory. I have a good educational background in theory as it was an important part of my degree so am able to go over both written and ear training in good detail. Read More

Instruments: Flute Music

For beginning students who are children, I usually start with how to make a sound on the flute by practicing only the headjoint for the first week to help them develop the muscles in the lips and help to keep the aperture small. Once they feel confident with the headjoint, I would then teach them how to hold the flute properly and have a correct posture when playing. As soon as the student has progressed on these fundamentals, I will introduce them to the first notes on the flute which are typically B,A and G above the staff. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

My main focus of teaching is on the student, and on developing and expanding their existing musical interests. I develop a lesson plan and schedule that begins with the musical interests and passions of the student, their favorite bands, favorite songs and musical styles. From there I take each of their favorite pieces of music and demonstrate how the building blocks of music were used to create each, and how they can not only recreate their favorites, but start to create their own musical identity. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

My teaching style is unique in that I do not push directly for quality. I believe that quality should be the natural product of efficient practice, which can only be achieved by early introduction to good technique, good habits, and positive motivation. When I start with a student, my goal is to make them smile and laugh. Students with a positive association with their instrument and playing it will be more inclined to listen and more inclined to practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have taught quite literally all ages. 5-75. Styles and lesson books used varied depending upon student and school. I usually taught Suzuki for violin, viola and classical guitar (tend to prefer Scott Tennant Pumping Nylon book for classical guitar though). And usually Faber Piano Adventures for young piano students. Eventually going to Clementi Sonatinas and Chopin Preludes. Also Mel Bay Modern Guitar for beginning rock/jazz guitarists. Then eventually going to Mickey Bakers Jazz Guitar books. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

I received my Bachelor's in Jazz Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2006. Since then I performed with Who's Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band, and my own hip-hop/soul band The Urban Sophisticates. I've worked with Ellis Marsalis, Talib Kweli, Arrested Development, Byron Stripling, Fred Wesley, Delfeayo Marsalis, Wallace Roney, Jimmy Cobb, and Robin Eubanks. I have performed on four continents, and on cruise ships world wide with numerous different ensembles. Read More