Piano Lessons in Barrington, CA

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

For beginning string student's, I use Essential Elements for Strings and Schroeder method books. Once the student has grasped the basic fundamentals and note reading, I begin to introduce solo repertoire from the Suzuki String method. Along with technical studies and solo repertoire, the student will learn scales ranging from one to four octaves. For beginning piano student's, I use the Bastein Piano series. This method is complete with a method book, solo repertoire, theory studies and scales. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

Since I mainly work with teenagers and adults, I like to start with Alfred's Adult's Piano Courses. I like to find music that the student is interested in and to put together solo repertoire that they enjoy playing. This can be anything from classical music to the Beatles, Jazz Standards or pop tunes. I also encourage my students to write, to record themselves and play for others. If they are aspiring songwriters, we work on their material, as well as learning songs by their favourite musicians and specific songwriting exercises, which include rhythm, melody, harmony and lyrics. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

Teaching style could easily be summaried and paraphrased with my above stated pedagogy! Teaching style changes from student to teacher. I enjoy trying to decipher what the student enjoys hearing, wants to learn, prior knowledge, and desires are. These help in my search to find the perfect style at which the student understands and enjoys the task at hand.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Beginning piano students typically start in a beginners lesson book.  Lessons begin with scale and chord warm ups. As they progress I incorporate music of their choice.  Lessons also incorporate music theory, performance techniques, and relevent music history. Beginning voice students start with song selections of their choice. Lessons begin with a series of warm ups that develop proper technique.  As the student progresses the level of music advances.  Lessons incorporate  music theory, performance techniques, and relevant music history. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Trumpet Recorder Fiddle

My goal is always to take students where they are: beginning, intermediate or advanced and help them discover and develop their own love of music. I do this through introducing music that develops their skill and gives them the satisfaction of playing music that they enjoy. It is not only about playing scales and such but learning to play musically so that people they may play for in the future will enjoy listening to them and they will enjoy sharing what they have learned. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

My teaching experience dates back to my high school, where I started mentoring younger kids and leading brass sectionals at my local high school. Throughout college, I began acquiring more students ranging from locals to fellow college students who were interested in picking up the trumpet as either a hobby or a secondary instrument. For my younger students, I've always tried to put a heavy emphasis on playing every day and starting with very basic, short exercises that help them quickly progress. Read More