Music Lessons in San Gregorio, CA

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 Voice Ukulele

My methods of teaching cater to the students interests and strengths. I use material and songs that the students want to learn. I draw the learning from these pieces of art. I also use Suzuki, Hal Leonard and Bastien piano materials. My specialty is popular, sacred, arias, jazz and folk music. I create diversity in my lessons and keep them fun and exciting. In my lessons, I teach body mechanics, proper vocal warm ups as well as piano exercises and drills. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass

Normally with very young students I start with the parallel study of written music, basic technique and music learned by imitation. It is a question of repeating short fragments of melody and then composing the whole piece piece by piece. This practice is widely used in many musical traditions and leads the student to develop the ear and the memory, that is the main elements of the musical practice. This practice can be applied to all levels from the most basic to the most advanced. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Drums Ukulele Recorder Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

The key ingredient to learning is interest. I believe that my students need to have an interest in what they are playing so that they can keep their minds and spirits engaged. Rudiments require attention and practice, but there is much more to learning an instrument than just technique; passion also needs nurturing. If a student is really in to Star Wars, for example, I will gladly incorporate the 'Imperial March' into their rudimentary studies. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Music Keyboard

My musical career began at a very young age when my mother enrolled me in piano lessons with a retired music teacher down the road. I was 8 years old and every Thursday I would walk myself down the street to sit on a wooden bench in front of a very old piano. It was there that my love for music and for what it was to be a musician was first nurtured. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have years of experience when it comes to teaching and performing musical concepts. During my time at Dominican, I became the designated music theory tutor for all music majors and minors. During my time as a tutor, I watched all of my student's grades go up multiple letters. For teaching guitar, I have learned from numerous accomplished teachers ranging in different styles and I have harnessed each of their successful teaching techniques. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

I like to tailor each lesson to a student's personal goals and skill level. If the student is a beginner, I typically begin with the method book Flute 101 to learn the appropriate fingerings, sound production, posture, etc. If the student does not have a prior musical background, we will also discuss note reading, ear training, and other aspects of musical education. If the student already knows the basic fundamentals of the instrument, I like to have a discussion about what the student is looking to achieve from their lessons. Read More