Piano Lessons in Calistoga, CA

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Keyboard

My experience with music goes back since I have memories. Music has been in my life and family and this is why I decided to become a professional musician and study hard to improve my skills and knowledge. My first piano lession I had 10 years and my first professional keyboard I was 15. Drums came along with my brothers toy drum to finally buy a real kit. All my brothers are a musician and it really helped to open to different styles and concepts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I've been teaching private lessons in music since I was in high school and have always enjoyed sharing and mentoring younger students and professionals whenever my guidance or council has been sought. I've crossed pollinated my teaching methods over the years with my experiences working in a variety of environments from Universities, Opera Houses, Concert Venues, Theatres, and dojos. I like to emphasize the consistency of practice and finding the enjoyment in each session of practice and play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trombone

For beginners, I like to start with the Standard of Excellence book 1, and intermediate students with book 2. The trombone is such a versatile instrument that there are tons of different styles of playing to practice. Depending on the student's level I will build curriculum for them. We will also play duets together, because it's very important to learn how to play well with others. Scales, lip slurs, and other exercises will be implemented as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Faber's Piano Adventures or Suzuki's Piano School, however I am open to other books. Faber focuses more on written and piano practice whereas Suzuki focuses on auditory learning and piano practice. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I have started piano students off with Piano Adventures Primer Lessons and Theory, and have taught adults using the Alfred Basic Adult Piano Course. I do have students learning from John Thompson's Teaching Little Fingers How to Play method (moves more quickly than Piano Adventures), and have a Blues Piano student learning from various sources including How to Play Boogie Woogie (Hal Leonard/Wise). I teach beginning guitar using the Hal Leonard Guitar Method, also Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method, and Mel Bay's Fun With Strums. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe in encouragement, fun and positive focus on the students progress at whatever speed that they progress. This makes each student look forward to each lesson with eagerness and actually accelerates their progress. I never push a student and instead encourage and edify the student and try to use their own favorite pieces of music to keep them excited about their next lesson. Acknowledging small progress is the key and I never let a student leave without celebrating their accomplishments no matter how small! Read More