Piano Lessons in Alameda, CA

Curtis A

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer Music Keyboard

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
One great sign that a student is ready for lessons is if they ask for lessons. That show immediate interest. I've found that students around the age of 7 and older are able to make faster progress compared to younger students. Music has a lot of abstract concepts, and children are able to transition from concrete thinking to abstract thinking around that age.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Learn as slow as necessary and practice to perform. Most mistakes students make happen because they are rushing the learning process. Learning a new piece of music takes three separate steps. after choosing from 1 to 4 measures, the first step is to learn one hand's part up to speed. Secondly, learning the opposite hand's part up to speed. Third, learning to play hands together up to speed. Practicing to perform is done at the same time as the song is being learned, so that each part is played as close to how the song will be performed once they know how to play it correctly.

When will I start to see results?
Students start seeing results at their very first lesson. My teaching style gets students to make more significant gains quicker than traditional teaching styles. They have music they enjoy playing right at the beginning, and every lesson thereafter.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My mom encouraged me to take lessons by taking lessons, also. It didn't take long for me to develop a passion for learning piano, and becoming self-motivated to continue my education.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I love how I can solo and accompany myself at the same time. Playing piano, and especially synthesizer, essentially gives me an entire orchestra at my fingertips. With so many musical styles available, the joy of learning is endless.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Playing at the Kansas City Music Festival is one highlight of my career. I'm also happy to have won many state competitions playing flute and tenor saxophone.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
I've had at least 12 students attain distinction and Honors levels in their RCM and ABRSM certifications. I've had 4 beginning students audition for the piano part for their orchestras, and won over more experienced pianists.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The hardest thing to master at the piano is to be able to play completely different styles of music, and to learn the styles unique language on a professional level.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I'm partial to the Piano Adventures series, as well as the RCM Music Development Program. Both are very thorough in helping students understand complex musical concepts in the shortest amount of time.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
I like to start out with theory and scales. That way students learn what, why, and how (theory) and also warm up the small muscles and joints in their hands (scales), so they avoid injury when it's time to play/work on their music.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I have several songs I enjoy playing. If I have to pick just one, it's Bach's Suite No. 3 in D. A close second is Angela, the theme to the hit T.V. show Taxi.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
If I weren't a musician, I'd be an artist. I'm fascinated by how artist can draw or paint amazing pictures with ease. However, I'm much happier as a pianist and composer.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I love to play the Blues. I especially like songs that mix the Blues in with other styles of music. Along the same lines, Boogie-Woogie is also a favorite of mine.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I played flute and saxophone in elementary and high school, but they don't come close to how much I enjoy playing and studying piano and synthesizers.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Listening to hits on the radio runs in my family, and my dad plays the guitar. Other than that, I'm the only one who has pursued learning an instrument to the extent that I have.

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I decided and was a paid professional at the age of 14, and have been playing in that capacity ever since. It was a gradual process until I came to the realization that I have a talent in music and that playing piano and performing is my passion and a huge part of who I am.

Read More