Piano Lessons in Charter Oak, CA

Instruments: Piano Violin

I stress the basics: scales, arpeggios and chords for piano and scales and double stops for violin. In regard to the piano, I have students practice each hand alone before combining them. Generally two pieces are assigned for students to work on and that work is continued for several weeks. I emphasize sight reading and rhythm. These are two aspects of music that are difficult for many. In regard to reading, the names and purposes of the various signs and symbols must be learned. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For younger beginning students, I typically use a method book, such as Accent on Achievement or something similar. For older beginners, I typically use the Rubank beginner's book. With this book, the student learns the fundamentals for their instrument. Once the student demonstrates an understanding of this, we will move on to sheet music. For more advanced students, we will typically use an etude book like Klose to explore the technical aspects of musical performance (such as technique development, phrasing, dynamics, etc.). Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Keyboard

Typically, I favor using traditional curriculum for beginning students (Alfred, Faber, Bastian). As a student progresses we typically incorporate Clemeneti sonatinas and the students favorite pop/modern songs. When a student achieves an advanced level of difficulty curriculum is purchased depending on the student's goals, college aspirations, and learning objectives. I typically administer a Classical Method of education, whether in private lessons or the classroom. It is my hope that time in my classroom encourages dialectic conversation and reaps gains in every learning situation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga

During college, a woman and her son saw a Jazz combo show I played drum set in and after the set, She asked me if I would teach her son. I agreed. I taught her son for a year. Sadly, they moved away but the word spread and the next year I had two more students. It contuied that way as I progressed in college my teaching improved. When I moved to California in 1997, I had seven students to teach on the weekends. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

Piano : All piano students will begin by learning about scales and scale theory. This includes scales learned withing the Classical idiom as well as the Contemporary music idiom which includes all styles of music. Students regardless of their preferred style of music will be encouraged to learn some elementary classical music in order to facilitate and reinforce good technique, reading and interpretation. Drums: All drum students will begin by learning about stick control and proper posture. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is all about enjoying music and the instrument. I can pick up when a student is frustrated, confused or embarrassed and adjust the lesson accordingly. Overall, I want my students to have fun! I enjoy teaching how to read music and once a few notes are learned, I start applying it to songs that my students really enjoy. I also like to teach scales and harmonic structure so my students can begin to understand what's really going on in the music they enjoy. Read More