Music Lessons in Winnetka, CA

Instruments: Flute

My educational background includes a Single Subject Teaching Credential, and a Bachelor and Masters Degree in classical and jazz studies.  As an educator, I have produced outcomes of first place awards with superior ratings in instrumental music festival/competitions local and statewide. In 2003 I established Knights of Music Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization to provide music literacy after school to children attending public elementary schools that do not provide instrumental music as part of their curriculum. 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 Voice Flute Keyboard

I like to work with my students to figure out what their passion is within the wide scope of music, and work from there. My lessons include: technique and warm-up exercises, performance preparation, personalized arranging, and an emphasis on individualized lesson plans based on level, interests, and goals. Depending on the instrument, level, and genre, some teaching materials I like to use are: Faber series, Fingerpower series, Music for Little Mozarts, Czerny etudes, A Tune a Day, Forty Little Pieces, Steps to the Real Book (Jim Levy), Jazz Piano Handbook (Michele Weir), Heart It and Sing It! (Judy Niemack), classical and popular music repertoire, and my own original exercises. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Generally, I use my own custom lesson plans and materials for my students and adjust them according to skill level and interest. This includes lesson notes, technical and listening exercises. I personally don't believe in strictly sticking to the typical guitar and voice books you can find at your local bookstore or online. In fact, I strongly believe that it's my job to go past what is provided in such handbooks and provide fun, practical and engaging lessons are tailored to each of my students to fit their needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

lthough not a Speech Level Singing certified instructor, I have extensive training in SLS. As well as classical techniques such as Bel canto, I have studied modern techniques with the likes of CVT and Robert Lunte of TVS. We will find the areas that hold you back in your singing goals, and we will DEMOLISH them, and every vocal lesson will be recorded onto CD. Piano I am well versed in many of the Pop style Piano including Blues Piano, Funk, Singer-Songwriter, RB, country, as well as atmospheric or synth playing (EG, playing strings convincingly on a keyboard). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Mallet Percussion

I began teaching 19 years ago and as one drum student grew to two, then to the occasional piano and guitar student, I eventually was teaching 35 students weekly.  I've been lucky in that I have taught such a wide variety of ages and skills.  I've taught actors to drum for roles, writers the lingo of the jobbing musician, and family bands pop songs for the school talent show.   I've always been open to scheduling whatever is easiest for the student, and I'm happy to do in-home lessons but since I began teaching the technology has advanced substantially. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

My lessons are all about you. I'm a firm believer in the Carol Dweck's 'Growth Mindset' mentality. There is no such thing as failure or disappointment. Only the opportunity for growth and learning. I promote the steady improvement of fundamentals for all ages and skill levels. Every student progresses at a different rate. I like to set goals on a regular basis to help push you to be the best you can be. Read More