Music Lessons in Wagner, CA

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Trumpet Recorder Fiddle

I have an expertise in fiddling and have performed with bluegrass bands since being in high school. I also have a history of performing mariachi music with the famous band Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. I enjoy teaching this to my students as well as American music with the method books of Mark O'Connor with whom I have worked on several occasions. Learning these styles if fun! I have also taught piano at the elementary and intermediate levels as well at the Piano Place Music and Arts Center in Westminster. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

The development of the basic skills that are required to lay a foundation for playing the piano is an essential part of teaching. Because repetition, listening to music, and practice can be challenging for some students, I try to incorporate modern music or songs that students like to practice the fundamentals. Since teaching beginners/intermediate, and children/adults require different methods, I first assess abilities and potential, as well as learn about what a student's goals are for learning piano. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

The true role of a teacher is to open the door for a student to discover things on their own.  Because every student has different ways of learning different things, a teacher must be able to guide a student through the process and find what works the best for them.  Also, I am more interested in engaging a student in the spirit and emotion of music, rather than just the technical aspect of playing an instrument. Read More

Instruments: Cello

As students advance, I incorporate more sophisticated method books and introduce a diverse range of cello pieces tailored to their skill level. Emphasizing a comprehensive approach, I encourage the practice of scales and arpeggios using Hans Jensen's "Galamian Ivan Scale System" to strengthen their technical foundation. For adult learners, I engage in a collaborative discussion about their musical preferences after introducing them to cello basics. This allows me to tailor lessons to their interests, keeping the learning experience engaging and captivating. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe English Horn Acoustic Guitar

I use a wide variety of methods depending on the student's current ability level, musical preferences, and goals. I'm also willing to work with a method or book that a student is currently using. Generally, my students have a varying ratio of technique/scale study to work on the foundations, an etude/short piece study to help connect musical ideas and teach expression, and a solo piece that is prepared over a long period of time, most likely for a future recital. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a musician at the heart of it all. Ever since I was a youngin' I've always had a melody or beat going in my head. I started playing guitar at age 11 and took lessons for about 6 months. After that most everything was self taught or came from experience with playing with others. I picked up drums about age 14 and am very comfortable and confident on both instruments 13+ years later. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Whether I was teaching Drum Labs at Berklee College of Music or teaching privately in my Boston Studios, there has never been one student who has not moved me to want to do all I can to further their drumming and musical aspirations. I work closely with students in designing a plan that seeks to fulfill both short and long-term musical goals. We work together to contruct a lesson plan that is inspiring, demanding, and achievable. Read More