Music Lessons in West San Jose, CA

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students, I choose Alfred's Basic Piano Library and Faber Piano Adventures, and other brands/materials that fits the need of the student. I often made teaching materials myself, as well as writing music for my students. The most important thing for beginners are keeping interest and correct postures. Starting from songs the student recognize usually helps. For advance students, I usually recommend repertoire covering all 4 classical periods, plus etudes and finger trainings. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion Keyboard

My experience dates back to age 14 at a youth group function. I was inspired by a drummer I seen play on the drum kit and I immediately asked if I can learn. From there I started playing at a church called Bethany Christian Center as a back up drummer and eventually as the main drummer. I learned more about drumming through various teachers and on stage performing. I formed a garage band, played at various gigs and produced an amateur album as a project of mine. Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

I was born with an "educator" mindset, and began teaching early on in my personal music studies. I began teaching about 10 years ago, in 2010, after getting into my undergraduate studies for music performance. I have taught all levels and in many different settings: To-date I have taught ages 6 through 65. I have taught in formal school system classrooms, private music studios, community centers and at a student's home. Everyone has a unique gift in music and I focus on honing this gift and letting it shine through. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching method for complete beginners is to take examples from method books such as the Aaron Shearer method book, and apply it so that the student can become accustomed to using their fingers to pluck and frets strings. After they get a sense of how to use their hands on the instrument, I would automatically start teaching pieces. I believe that pieces are the most practical way to learn an instrument because first, playing pieces is the goal that we want to achieve in the first place and second, I believe that all of the techniques that are needed when playing an instrument are all included in pieces. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I have worked as a professional musician for over 25 years. I have performed with members of the Doobie Brothers, Grateful Dead, David Grisman Quintet, Galactic and many others. I have performed on guitar, bass, drums, mandolin and keyboards. I have performed across the country at festivals, theaters and smaller venues like cafes and restaurants. I also have 20+ years experience in the music "business," as radio deejay, music journalist for the New York Times, manager of a guitar store, sales rep for a drum manufacturer, and guitar instructor UCSC. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I try to get my students to develop a passion for music. My style and curriculum tend to have my students progressing quickly, but attention to detail is very important to me as well as a great sound on the instrument. For me the sound is number 1, then working on time is number 2. The notes will come. I try to make realistic goals for my students. We can achieve anything as long as we put the effort in. Read More