Music Lessons in Windsor Hills, CA

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: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

My lessons are based on 3 different approaches. The first is the understanding of the essential rudiments for drumming. These help to instill all of the basics and the foundation of drumming. The second is utilizing the collegial based learning systems. These include instruction in many genres, dynamics, appropriate context, and practical application of drumming. Lastly, I identify both the specific individual goals and the strengths and weaknesses of that specific student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Trumpet Recorder Fiddle

My teaching experience began as a college student. I taught privately and later after getting my certification with the state of California I taught for 10 years as an instrumental music instructor with the Clovis Unified School District near Fresno. After that I moved to Los Angeles and taught for 14 years in that capacity with the South Whittier Schools. I am familiar with a variety of musical styles and like to vary my instruction to both classical and mariachi as well as others listed above. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

Currently, I'm helping a local church playing piano and drums (when they're short a drummer), and I'm the lead singer for a band called Just A Theory. Having been a part of this band has been really cool because we've used this group as a platform to help the homeless, by having our fans bring food and clothing to our shows. It's been very nice to see people willing to do what they can to help those who are in need. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I like to play audio/recordings for the students when possible, so that the student has an idea of the style, or the piece that we are studying.  This gives them something to reference to, but also gives them an aural aspect in their playing/practice habits. I also model for them constantly, so that they get more visual and aural reinforcement.  I sometimes give them short music concept/vocabulary assignments, such as learning the names of the notes on the staff, counting rhythms, meters, etc; all having to do with music theory and musical concepts that can be directly applied to their practical aspect of playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Ukulele

Since I'm focusing on voice lessons, I work with all students on being aware of their breathing. Having the right breathing patterns (since there are many varieties) is what can give you the edge and really bring out the best voice inside of you. Honestly, I mostly will give students recent pop songs that are good for the voice unless one is a stickler for classical songs, in which I sometimes use the 24 Italian Art Songs and Arias. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

Teaching and performing are two of my musical passions which have been growing since my days as a child star dancer/pianist in the 1960's, up to today as a professional 'cellist/ethnomusicologist. In addition to performing on both instruments, I also composed award winning pieces, premiered works as a 'cellist and also was fortunate to have the late great Croatian composer Boris Papandopulo write a solo work for me, just before he passed. Read More