Music Lessons in Surfside, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Oboe Bassoon

I try to have as much fun as possible while still maintaining a high expectiation of performance.  I am, by trade and training, a comedian, so jokes and laughter abound. Most of my students might say I'm not as funny as I think I am, but we still have fun! I am, however a stickler for learning the basics of music theory and correct use of vocabulary. Students won't move on to the next level until I know they have a firm grasp of prior concepts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Accordion French Horn Music Keyboard

I find that metaphors using familiar things and processes, like the laws of nature and physics we see everyday, can help students grasp concepts that require marrying physical movements with mental flexibility. Perhaps we're discussing articulations and you're having trouble understanding stylistically how to approach and execute staccato with legato over it. We could turn to methods like the Breathing Gym to practice a physical manifestation of how that articulation should sound. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone French Horn

 I formally began teaching private lessons fifteen years ago and love to see the rapid musical growth that can be achieved with focused one-on-one instruction. For the last ten years, I have been a band, orchestra, and choir director at the middle school level in the Long Beach Unified School District.  This experience has helped me to streamline my music teaching process and become a much more efficient teacher in private lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga

I set fun goals and I challenge each student every step of the way to help them reach them. I point out their strengths yet I keep a close eye on their weaknesses and work with them to eliminate any all bad habits in playing instruments. After a few weeks I quiz them and reward them for overcoming any obstacles. I really like to have my students play in front of friends and family after around 3 months of studying. Read More

Instruments: Cello

Suzuki held. Every child can absolutely learn to play the cello when given the opportunity and the patience of an encouraging teacher. I particularly enjoy helping others on their musical journey providing a holistic approach to each and every student. Everyone learns differently and taking a one size fits all approach will leave many students unhappy and/or feeling as though they dont have the talent to play cello. Learning is unique to each individual thereby requiring a tailored approach and lesson plan ensuring that the student is able to reach their highest potential. Read More

Instruments: Double Bass Music

I began teaching in my early college years dating back to 2010. I have since taught students ranging in all ages from 6 to adult. Not only have I had many double bass students, as that is my primary instrument, but I have also taught trombone, beginning violin, and music theory as well. I highly encourage my students to practice regularly, as consistency is the key to developing any new skill. Additionally, I encourage every student to learn at their own pace that suits them, because everyone will learn at their unique pace in technical and musical development. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Electric Violin

Teaching is my passion. I started playing the violin at the age of 6 years old. Music gave me confidence in school and in my life. When I was in elementary school I found out that reading comprehension was difficult for me and so I had to get tutoring. I was very strong in music and that boosted my confidence in school. I have a lot of patience because of this but I also have high standards because I know what my students are capable of doing. Read More