Piano Lessons in Blackhawk, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Ukulele Recorder Music Acoustic Guitar

For the Advanced Beginner to Intermediate students (both adults and children) I use a mix of the higher level of all series listed above and a series of pieces that will challenge my students to explore their musicality, expression, awareness, and technical skills. For Cello Students: My beginner to intermediate cello students are taught using a combination the the following method books: All for Strings, Belwin Course for Strings, The ABC's of Cello, and Strictly Strings. Read More

Instruments: Piano Bass Guitar

As someone who delights in music myself, what I want more than anything for a student is to foster that same love of music in him or her. Students need to know that anything worthwhile takes hard work. But if they are intrinsically motivated, they will find it much easier to apply themselves to the task of practicing their instrument. That's why I strive as a teacher to acknowledge any strides my students make and point out to them how their efforts have paid off. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Drums Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe encouragement is the best way to help a student succeed. I believe music lessons should be enjoyable and try to make them fun. But even though we have fun, we still have to play the best we can and get the work done. I try to inspire my students to enjoy music, not force them. I believe music should be fun and engaging and not just "work" or a "Requirement". 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 Clarinet

I begin teaching from piano books published by Alfred. I also have the student learn their scales as well as give a weekly written music theory assignment. I incorporate styles and songs the student enjoys listening to or playing as well. I like to teach classical music. With this foundation, ALL other music is much easier to play, and helps tremendously with their sight reading skills. Performance recitals are recommended, but not required. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Keyboard

Octavio has 14 years of experience playing cello and 8 years teaching privately. He has worked with students all ages and backgrounds. Octavio is always on the look for curious individuals who are interested in music learning and cello playing. He has participated in numerous masterclasses with prominent musicians, some include, David Ying, Richard Aaron, Wendy Warner, Phillip Borter, Jrme Hanta, Khari Joyner, and Steven Isserlis. Octavio's passion and versatility as a cellist are evident in his wide-ranging repertoire and commitment to musical excellence Read More

Instruments: Piano

I have also had the opportunity to work with American Bach Soloists director Jeffrey Thomas who conducted the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra in conjunction with the University chorus where I played both piano and celesta parts. It was a frightening and exhilarating experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat. As a soloist, I have performed several piano works of many of the great classical composers ranging from Beethoven piano sonatas, Bach prelude and fugues to Chopin nocturnes, Brahms intermezzos, and many, many others. Read More