Music Lessons in West Toluca Lake, CA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Synthesizer

I believe each indivdual deserves a teaching method that is as unique as their person. No two people are alike and as such no two individuals should be taught in the same manner. I take the student's musical interest and develop that interest into lesson plans that are both challenging and fun! There is so much music in the world to be explored and this music can be explored at any level! 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

Every student is different and learns in different manners, which makes teaching a challenge. This is a challenge that motivates and excites me. I make sure to put all my effort into adapting to every student. Overall, I set reasonable goals for each student that are challenging, yet attainable. I believe in providing positive reinforcement while pushing a student to be better. Ultimately, my goal is to transfer my love for cello and music to the student and will always find a way to do so. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

For beginning students, I typically start with some exercises for the left hand and right hand, easy arpegios, scales, melodies and chords. Once the student progresses to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For advanced students, I start with intermediate and advanced studies and pieces like 12 Studies of Fernando Sor, studies of Leo Brower, 12 studies of Villa Lobos or some famous spanish reprertoire for guitar such as Rodrigo, Turina, and Torroba. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In 2010, Gabriel decided to leave his academic studies to pursue his performance and teaching career full time, which has led to opportunities to perform and record throughout the world with several bands and artists, as well as teach some well known professional players. Throughout his career, Gabriel has toured throughout the US and World, sharing the stage with several national and international acts, including Quactus, Naked Eyes, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Collective Soul, Violent Femmes, Billy Squire, Wang Chung, A Flock of Seagulls, John Popper (Blues Traveler), Leo Nocentelli (The Meters), Marc Ford (Black Crowes), Stephen Perkins (Jane's Addiction), Nels Cline (Wilco), Kris Myers (Umphrey's McGee), Moonalice (w/ members of Phil Lesh and Friends, Hot Tuna, Bruce Hornsby, and Jefferson Starship), EOTO (w/ members of String Cheese Incident), Melvin Seals and the Jerry Garcia Band, Particle, The Maykers (w/ members of the Jerry Garcia Band), Bobby Vega (Sly and the Family Stone), CR Gruver (Polytoxic/Outformation), Willie Waldman, The New Mastersounds, The Heavy Pets, Cubensis, Jamie Janover, Leon Mobley, Al Howard & the K23 Orchestra, Erasure, Berlin, Men Without Hats, Howard Jones, Andy Bell, When in Rome, Animotion, The Romantics, and Sweet. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have done musical theatre professionally since I was 17 years old. I have musically directed over 80 productions working with people from 5-85 years of age. I have taught piano, French horn, and voice privately. I have done school productions, community theatre, and Equity productions. I have played in professional orchestras. I have taught choral music, Music Theory, AP Music Theory, IB Music, Music Appreciation, Drama, IB Theatre, IB CAS and IB Extended Essay. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For younger beginning students, I typically use a method book, such as Accent on Achievement or something similar. For older beginners, I typically use the Rubank beginner's book. With this book, the student learns the fundamentals for their instrument. Once the student demonstrates an understanding of this, we will move on to sheet music. For more advanced students, we will typically use an etude book like Klose to explore the technical aspects of musical performance (such as technique development, phrasing, dynamics, etc.). Read More