Music Lessons in Ross, CA

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Keyboard

I was born in the U.S.A. from a Chilean marriage. I began my musical journey at the age of 12 next to a vertical Piano at my parent's house. At the age of 16, I learned how to play rhythms on my younger brothers (Fernando) toy drum kit, and later got a real drum set and began my first band "Insigne" (Progressive Rock) as a drummer. I studied Composition and Musical Arrangements at Escuela Moderna Institute of Chile (2002-2008). Read More

Instruments: Voice

I am a free-spirited teacher and performer who believes that everything meaningful in life comes from unorthodox inspiration. I enjoy eccentric people and places because it makes life so much more interesting! I've lived in several different places such as: Hawaii, Nevada, Texas, California, and I've even lived in the Philippines. I could say I'm pretty "cultured" and I'm able to genuinely connect with a diverse group of people. This has allowed me to explore a variety of music: r&b, pop, hip-hop, gospel, country, rock, classical, contemporary christian, reggae, EDM, musical theater, and genres in-between. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Both passionate and laid back, ambitious and realistic, I have found great success through having an open mind and grateful spirit in this crazy music business. My friends and colleagues have described me as consistently positive, easy to get to know, and warm hearted. I hold two degrees in vocal performance, and consider the countless hours I've spent teaching in the studio and performing on stage to be my greatest assets. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium

For beginners, I use the Standards of Excellence book, especially if they are young children because that is the book that they will most likely use in middle school or high school. These books are good for teaching the fundamentals. I also assign a solo piece based on skill level along with an excerpt of a song that the student wants to learn. For more advanced students I use the Arban's book because all trumpet players learn from this book; from intermediate players all the way up to professionals. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My wife Chappell and I collaborate on composing, recording, and performance. After a full time music adventure, I followed the muse of story-telling and poetry to San Francisco State University’s Creative Writing program (B.A. ‘93, M.A. ‘95). My goal as a teacher is to help the student achieve what they desire in their piano playing, to grow their love of music, to awaken the joy of creative expression and appreciation for beauty. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

My start in music was unexpected; I was set on a life in academia as a literature student when an honor band experience late in high school led me to swerve into a life in performing music. My teachers early on were very accepting and generous with me, as a student with vastly less experience than his peers, but I consumed their teaching ravenously. As a teacher, I began teaching young students as a summer job during my undergrad and later worked as a section coach for concert band clarinet sections in the Puget Sound area; during my graduate degree, I gave undergrads informal, routine lessons at their request, to supplement their own lesson experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Ukulele Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For my young piano students, I use the structure of the Faber series to slowly introduce concepts. For my guitar students I have had great success with the Mel Bay series, which combines initial chord playing and some music reading fundamentals. For ukulele, I utilize the Hal Leonard service. With all of my students, I always want to have the students choose songs they like and that they can set as realistic goals. Read More