Music Lessons in Sunol Midtown, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin

I started learning piano in first grade. I learned music theory, and it helped me learn other instruments quickly. In Middle School, I learned violin very quickly because I had the fundamentals down. After high school, my parents wanted me to have a financially stable career. I studied business in college, but ended up becoming a Middle School teacher. Not only did I teach math, I was also their music teacher for their after school music teacher. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With beginning children I usually start with Mel Bay Children's Guitar Books to get familiar with some basics and some easy kids songs. But experience has showed me one size does not fit all. I try to find a suitable book for each student to work from to use as a structured plan or path of development. I often utilize other elements in addition to the initial book, such as theory, chords, scales, and ear training. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

My teaching style is structured, but compassionate, as I believe that the right balance of difficulty and fun is the key to continually motivating my students. Though learning a new instrument can be frustrating at times, regular, scheduled practice time, and knowing how to practice effectively is the key to breaking through the invisible walls sometimes encountered in violin playing. As a teacher, my main goal is to serve my students and instill in them a love of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Conga Latin Percussion

I have been teaching music since 2001. I was the music program director at Mission Hills Middle School and the guitar and conga teacher at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Oakland. I have also been a music instructor with Star Power Music, COVA, Art and Soul Music Studios, Hayward Music Center and ALMA. I teach all levels of guitar and congas, as well as beginning piano, voice and drum set lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Organ Ukulele Electric Violin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar

Each student learns at their own pace and it's important to understand that not everybody learns the same. Setting both short and long term goals with the student helps me understand what they want out of lessons. This makes it easier for me to engage with them and bring it back to something relevant to them at the end of the day. For example, no child understands advanced rhythm unless you disguise it in familiar terms e.g. using the phrase "run po-ny run" to describe two eighth notes sandwiched in between to quarter notes. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

I have infinite amounts of patience, which is the most important thing when teaching music. I adore teaching and playing music, and all of my students can sense this immediately, rather rapidly absorbing my love for the instrument and becoming passionate about it themselves. I give students realistic goals I know they can meet each week, and strongly recognize their achievements. I also ask the student many questions to learn what type of music they like best, what truly inspires them, so I can mold each lesson around these interests and truly engage him or her. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I adapt my methods individually for each student, based on their current level, needs, and interests. My emphasis is on making practicing fun while keeping the lessons challenging. The content of my lessons includes technique (efficiency of movement, injury prevention), creativity (cultivating ones own ideas, grooves, fills), as well as developing independence (coordination) and soloing. I always apply these and more concepts to practical use and have my students play along with music, which is the best way to learn an instrument. Read More