Music Lessons in Tamal, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola

I began teaching private violin and viola lessons in 2012, and I greatly enjoy working with my students. They range in age from 3 1/2 to adult, and each one has been unique. After beginning lessons with my first student, teaching a semester of music theory, and teaching a summer camp, I became interested in Suzuki methodology and pedagogy. I find that for younger students especially, this method allows for more parent involvement at an age when many parents want to be more involved, and many children equally appreciate this involvement. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

My greastest reward is seeing each student develop a greater love of music as they progress and come to be able to express their personal feelings through music. It is important that each student progress at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals at each lesson. By acknowledging their accomplishments this helps build a desire to progress and makes students eager to learn more. By helping them learn how to use the hand, wrist, arm and upper torso, they learn tone control and musical phrasing. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

I started my teaching career as a private instructor as soon as I entered the Conservatory. Not even two years later, I was appointed to the faculty of the UC Berkeley Young Musician's Program. The Young Musician's Program is designed to offer music and academic private lessons to gifted an underprivileged children. From my time there, I have learned the importance of a positive and encouraging atmosphere in a students' life, regardless of age. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I first picked up a Yamaha flute at my public school in the 5th grade and it changed my life. I traversed conflict-countries carrying only my flute, I was welcomed to cities and performed alongside renowned musicians in places like Havana, Seattle, Ramallah and Beijing. Then, I picked up the pen in college, graduate school, and law school to learn how to organize, operate, and help fund artist-educators share this gift and language with the youth. 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: Violin Viola

I used to use the Suzuki method but mostly I used formal classical method. Although, I always fit my lessons depending of each student's needs and/or requests. Personally I like the classical method because I also teach my students music theory if needed as well as historical facts to understand the music better. I have also thaught the El Sistema method from Venezuela which basically teaches students the feeling of playing music phisically. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

I feel the most important thing in life is acceptance and the quality of allowing others and yourself a peace from within. This state of being or of mind gives everyone an opportunity to be involved and feel that their contribution has great meaning and value. Far to often students experiences from a very young age a sense of not belonging and disassociation caused by economic, ethnic and cultural barriers. Read More