Music Lessons in Yountville, CA

Instruments: Guitar

I use a variety of books, recordings, and online resources for all levels- transcriptions of classicstylesand newer artists , scale and chordreference books, solo pieces for different genres,beginning guitarmethods bytraditional publishers such as Hal Leonard and Warner Bros. plus newer books. Online video and audio content andrecording software such as garageband arealso valuable resources to work with.Learning to read and write music opens up great potential for communication and creativity- theory and improvisation are other topics that I like to teach. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Organ Ukulele Electric Violin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar

I always start a lesson with a new student by assessing their current skill level. If the student already has a certain curriculum they are working on, I usually have them pick up from where they left off so I can see where we're at. Taking things into consideration like intonation, posture, dynamics, form etc., I either assign a new curriculum or continue on. My lessons usually consist of 3 books: a scale book, an etude book, and a leveled song book like the Suzuki method. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I like to focus on the practical application and aural aspects of instrumental learning as well as the technical skills. I invest heavily in listening and understanding as opposed to the largely 'by rote' style I was subjected to growing up! Whilst I will follow a student/parents desired path regarding exams, I will provide a rounded musical learning and experience that will enable students to excel in all endeavours and be creative, as well as pass exams. Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

For beginning students, I typically start with the foundational elements, focusing primarily on technique and simple application into song. I slowly introduce repertoire that is appropriate and can highlight their strengths. For more advanced singers, I continue to build upon the foundational elements and guide my instructions based upon the student's interest and goals. I am building custom lesson plans and materials suitable for the student, so the plans will be unique for the individual. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I began teaching in college and focused on motivating younger players to continue to exploring the instrument. I noticed early on that so many young students would stop showing up to lesson after just a few weeks. My goal has always been to expose every student to the potential their instrument has. A lot of this comes with making the lessons reinvent to "Real life". During drum lessons I often have a guitar or bass on me so we can play Example 23 from page 10 in a real musical setting. Read More

Instruments: Flute Clarinet

For flute, I use method books by Trevor Wye.  If the student is a beginner, I will start the student with the Beginners Book for the Flute by Trevor Wye (Book 1 and 2.)  Once the student is finished with these books, the student is now ready for the intermediate and advanced books by Trevor Wye.  It is a set of 5 books that focuses on each aspect of the flute, such as tone and technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have been teaching piano for over twenty years. My teaching philosophy is that every piano lesson should be fun. For young beginners, I focus on basic technique. The reason is that it is very important to form good playing skills right from the beginning. For older students, I broaden their musical knowlege by introducing piano literature from different time periods. I also encourage them to pick songs that they like to play. Read More