Music Lessons in Topanga, CA

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: Saxophone

I began teaching when I was in college around the age of 18. I started with a small group of only a few kids and later advanced to teaching over two dozen per week. I was also offered the position of saxophone instructor at my high school's band camp for three consecutive Summers. In that setting, I coached all 20 kids in a classroom at once and helped them on the field with memorizing their steps and music. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

After studying under some amazing private teachers, I started teaching saxophone and clarinet when I was in High School. Since then, I have taught hundreds of students of all ages and skill levels privately and in conjunction with music institutions. I was the manager of Educator's Music in Twinsburg, Ohio for 3 years. After moving to California, I continued teaching private lessons through Musika and other online services. I have over 20 years of professional performing and teaching experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My aim with every student is to develop an excellent playing technique. Good playing habits will bring out their best in any type of music. Understanding meaningful phrasing and giving their music a "voice" are also important skills. Regular practice is important, too, so having a piano or keyboard at hand is essential. With beginning students, I also include a little music theory at every lesson, which can often be applied to improvise tunes and chord progressions. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

During my first meeting with a new student I ask them questions about their prior experiences, current knowledge, and musical aspirations. From there I tailor a unique learning strategy geared towards their goals, personality, and aptitude. I always try to use music that the student enjoys to spotlight the concept we are covering, and encourage the student to think about it while they listen to their favorite songs. The greatest payoff I can think of is when a student gets the immediate satisfaction that comes along with hearing an audience cheer for them after a good performance, and I do my best to curate these opportunities! Read More

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

I use Faber and Faber for piano, Hal Leonard and/or Mel Bay for guitar, and I actually wrote my own percussion. Read More