Music Lessons in San Geronimo, CA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

Especially for young people, maintaining interest and ensuring that they continue to see the value of their musical education is essential. I remember a very frank conversation with my mother when at 13 I wanted to give up music to play football, and I blame that on the style of teaching I was receiving. Whilst there is stuff not to like about instrumental learning - for some it's scales, for me it was sight reading - the satisfaction comes from masterng these challenges, and if we can keep these short and long term goals relevant to the student, getting the practice hours done may be a litte easier on everyone! Read More

Instruments: Drums

I am largely a self-taught player. I play for 1-3 hours each day, honing my skills and feel. I dont teach reading, although I use basic notation for exercises and grooves. I have played in numerous musical situations, from jazz to rock, blues, country and even Cabaret, both on the East Coast and in the Bay Area. I have been in groups that have played in the Cow Palace, in front of thousands of people, the Concord Pavilion, and the former Keystone Korner jazz club. 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: Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with some basic chords and scales. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Ukulele Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I love everything about music, and that includes teaching music to my students! I bring over 20 years of experience as a composer, songwriter, sound designer, and performer to my music instruction. I've performed nationally, collaborated with theater and dance companies, received grant money from the San Francisco Arts commission for the completion of original music, and now I have just completed my master's in composition and music theory at California State University East Bay. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

My methods vary depending on the situation. I start by getting to know my students in an effort to learn their musical likes and dislikes only then can I design a lesson that will allow each student to get the best results. Of course, I always include the basics ie... sight reading, notation, hand positions and breathing but I think the most important aspect of music is focusing on the emotion and message in each note or phrase. Read More