Music Lessons in Saint Helena, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

All of my lessons are built around songs to teach technique and I add materials to teach theory and musicianship if the student wants and needs it. I always interview each student to find out their interests and desires and and build a custom curriculum eight lessons at a time to insure satisfaction and success on the students terms. I have student assessments at the end of each eight lessons block to make sure that the student knows how they have improved and where they need more work. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always say that rhythm is more important than the notes. Play the right rhythm and the notes will come instead of playing every right note while sacrificing rhythm. I encourage students to make their mistakes loud, proud, and in rhythm so everyone has a better idea of what needs to be worked on most. I also emphasize isolating parts to practice and working backwards. Example: play the last two bars of the song until comfortable with it, now play the last 4 bars, last 6, last 8...etc., whole song. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

When teaching piano I always start with this question: "Why are you taking piano lessons?". The answer is very important to me because it gives me an idea of how to approach the lessons. There are many different reasons for taking lessons and both student and teacher need to be clear on what purpose the lessons will serve. No matter the level I will always focus on playing in a relaxed and natural manner. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

I teach all styles of music. I begin teaching from piano books published by Alfred. I also have the student learn their scales as well as give a weekly written music theory assignment. I incorporate styles and songs the student enjoys listening to or playing as well. I like to teach classical music. With this foundation, ALL other music is much easier to play, and helps tremendously with their sight reading skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute

I am happy to work on standard classical flute repertoire, contemporary flute repertoire, and music in non-classical styles. For young piano students, our first few lessons will be dedicated to posture, hand position, basic rhythm, and learning note names on the piano keyboard. We will then progress to music reading. I usually use Faber's Piano Adventures series for fun, level-appropriate pieces. We will also continue to play rhythm games and ear-training games in order to develop musicality. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

I'm a teacher who has experience with ages 8 to 80 (at least!). Collaborating with people at all levels of development is wonderful! Adult beginners find that they know more than they had anticipated. They will be playing familiar songs with two hands together in just a few lessons. My background includes diverse styles and genres, collaborations from church music positions and choral accompanying to teaching piano lessons and working with singers and instrumentalists. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Music

My aim is to provide you with a pleasant, high quality learning experience, developing a healthy and happy relationship with your instrument so that you can enjoy and express yourself through any music style! Combining the means offered by the finest violin schools and all the alternative, related disciplines such as Alexander Technique, Yoga, and Meditation working all together towards the importance of knowledge of our body, awareness of the self, need for enjoyment and educational relationship centered on student needs. Read More