Piano Lessons in Belvedere, CA

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo

They are more successful in all their musical endeavors, from chair placements and band or orchestra solos to solo recital performances and auditions. My teaching philosophy: Being a musician is more than just playing the right notes at the right time. Its about hard work, passion, and dedication, but its also about playfulness, creativity, and joy. My goal is to create a safe space in which every student has the opportunity to express themselves and develop the musical tools that will allow them to do so effectively. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

I'm a teacher who has experience with ages 8 to 80 (at least!). Collaborating with people at all levels of development is wonderful! Adult beginners find that they know more than they had anticipated. They will be playing familiar songs with two hands together in just a few lessons. My background includes diverse styles and genres, collaborations from church music positions and choral accompanying to teaching piano lessons and working with singers and instrumentalists. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I like to emphasize learning technique through pieces, rather than practicing only technique on its own, as that can get boring very quickly! For beginning students, I like to start with the Piano Adventures series, which has pieces which are easy, teach basic techniques, but also are musically interesting. Once they have the fundamentals, we can begin working on solo repertoire that interests the student. For older students who are interested in 20th century music, I like to teach Bartok's Mikrokosmos. Read More

Instruments: Piano Oboe

If a student is not interested in classical music, then I may introduce some film music, popular songs, or jazz music in solo piano versions. I am pretty open-minded to provide options for students and allow students to pick the repertoires they are interested. For advanced students, I may assign one or two pieces from each stylistic period (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th Century, and Contemporary) to prepare them for a full recital program. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always say that rhythm is more important than the notes. Play the right rhythm and the notes will come instead of playing every right note while sacrificing rhythm. I encourage students to make their mistakes loud, proud, and in rhythm so everyone has a better idea of what needs to be worked on most. I also emphasize isolating parts to practice and working backwards. Example: play the last two bars of the song until comfortable with it, now play the last 4 bars, last 6, last 8...etc., whole song. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

Especially for young people, maintaining interest and ensuring that they continue to see the value of their musical education is essential. I remember a very frank conversation with my mother when at 13 I wanted to give up music to play football, and I blame that on the style of teaching I was receiving. Whilst there is stuff not to like about instrumental learning - for some it's scales, for me it was sight reading - the satisfaction comes from masterng these challenges, and if we can keep these short and long term goals relevant to the student, getting the practice hours done may be a litte easier on everyone! Read More