Music Lessons in Windsor Hills, CA

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

Once I get an idea for my student's level based on the trial lesson, I build a curriculum specifically for their needs. I have a personal library of music and exercises that I cater to needs of each individual. I do my best to always keep in mind the specific goals of my student whether they are studying to develop skills for school bands/orchestra, marching band, recitals, real world gigs and auditions, or just for fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano

Everyone learns differently, so I tailor my lessons to meet the needs and goals of each individual. In any case, regular practice and lessons are crucial to success. I encourage the parents of young students to be involved in their kids' progress to help establish good habits. With adults, it's all about developing a regular practice schedule that they can stick to realistic goals. I like to spend lesson time addressing at least 2 pieces of music, some sort of technical skill, and occasionally incorporating games and listening exercises. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I spend a couple of minutes every week quizzing them on their keyboard note identification until this has become a solid foundation for them. For additional practise, I have them colour in worksheets in addition to the quizzing. We also play the keyboard race game which is always a hit with students. A number of my new students in this age category are transfer students who have been learning for some time and are reading music notation in their method books, despite having significant trouble identifying notes on the keyboard quickly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin

For beginning piano students, I love using Alfred lesson books. I like focusing on scales and using proper technique. For violin, I like using Suzuki, but I dont use Suzuki method. Focus is on scales and simple solo rep. I encourage composition at all ages and love finding a system that works for the individual student. Regular practice is encouraged. I am big on positive reinforcement and will be my students biggest cheerleader, even when I need to get firm about techniques. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I specialize in teaching beginner guitar... even students who have never touched a guitar. I typically begin by teaching a very simple chord progression to a popular rock song, and by changing the strumming pattern, it's 2 songs in 1. By the end of the first lesson, I want the student to be able to play a song, not just random chords, so they can play along to it as practice. Then I assess what style, song, or band the student wants to learn so we can work towards playing material from that group or artist. Read More

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

Music is experienced ears-first, and that's how I prefer to teach. I certainly teach everyone to read music if they don't already know how, but I really like to help people hear the music they want to make. This is done through listening assignments, playing with my students during lessons, some music memorization, and singing. I also incorporate a lot of improvisation games to get students making sounds pressure-free and help them access their inner expressive voice. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I teach a combination of Suzuki and traditional methods. I grew up as a Suzuki student, but in my professional teaching life have learned to add additional methods into lessons to supplement training. For young, beginner students, I start them off with a method book like "All for Strings," which teaches first by rote. Not long after the students achieve the basic skills of the violin, we incorporate the Suzuki method and note reading. Read More