Music Lessons in Toluca Lake, CA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Fun!, Fun!, Fun!.. Methodically working on what works,,, right hand development. Repetition, and uncovering blocks to learning.. Learning simple songs that take s a few days at most to master, in turn, creates confidence. Music Theory and ear training are in the later stages of education, as i feel one of the most important steps is to learn "by rote". Repetition, and timing are the two most important aspects of playing any musical instrument. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I think that having a good frame of reference for what something is supposed to sound like makes being able to learn to play it a bit easier - no guessing! As progress is made we continue to learn more technique and theory, but always contextualizing with real word musical examples. I find that this not only helps the material stick, but also makes practicing much more engaging and fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute

For beginners, I like to use affordable books such as "Standard of Excellence" or "Essential Elements." For intermediate and advanced students, I will present materials based off of the student's interests. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Bass Guitar Music Keyboard

It is important for me that the student is motivated and enjoys the lesson since they have to keep loving playing and practicing at home everyday to be able to progress properly. Learning music as learning anything is about exploration and repetition. Once you understand something you have to be able to do it correctly a few times before moving on. This can only be achieved if there is a certain amount of practicing involved. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Synthesizer Recorder Euphonium French Horn Music Keyboard

For the younger beginning students, I usually start with Alfred's Beginning Piano Series. Once the student has a grasp of the fundementals, I will begin introducing major and minor scales as well as solo repertoire. For my adult students I will see their level of ability and musical interests, find appropriate material based on their taste and formulate the lesson to include fun stuff as well as build proper mechanics.  For my horn lessons depending on the skill level I being with Essential Elements or the Arban book and build from there incorporating solos of the greats, and songs that they want to learn to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

My first emphasis is that you have to like what you're playing. I really try to focus on what music gets the student excited. For some of them, it comes quickly. Others it might take a while, and that is okay. Once I find the switch that engages the student's interest, that is my focus. I really emphasize getting students to read music and also understand the key components of music theory, so that they understand what it is they are playing. Read More