909-284-9650
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909-284-9650
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in Chino Hills . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard
My work extends beyond the stage, as I've had the privilege of recording and composing for acclaimed series like HBO's "Hacks" and Netflix's "Insiders." Collaborating with industry veterans such as Rob Lewis, known for his work with artists like Christina Aguilera, Fifth Harmony, and the Backstreet Boys, has been an inspiring part of my journey. Additionally, I've had the incredible opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Madrid Philharmonic Orchestra, presenting my composition "Espirales" and my piece "Murmullos," both of which received awards and were showcased at the prestigious Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid, thanks to the support of the Fundacin Sax Ensemble. Read More
Instruments: Piano Synthesizer Keyboard
I am a composer and musicologist. Currently I am an active composer and working on multiple materials for performances. I am also writing an extensive book on the music of Star Wars. it will cover all the 9 films (including the upcoming episode 9). I have a Doctor of Musial Arts Degree from Claremont Graduate University. I have taught both in the classroom and one on one lessons for 25 years. I have taught music to K-12 and the College level. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
With students that are full beginners, I like to start them out with some reading to show them how time is divided and how to identify notes on the staff. I've found that finding notes on the staff helps them learn the notes on the fretboard faster and easier. I use a book called Guitar Method Book 1 by Hal Leonard. For students who are more advanced, I will focus on their time feel, sound, and music theory. Read More
Instruments: Piano Bass Guitar
I can be a more laid-back teacher, but this is only if I see that the student has been practicing has been paying attention to the feedback and is taking it in as criticism and not personal. If there is a lack of progression, then we have to communicate what is restricting them or getting in the way of them practicing so we can move along and make them a better player. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard
My teaching philosophy is pretty simple and I describe it with these three words clear, direct, and creative. I believe that when it comes to teaching a teacher must be creative, since not all students learn the same way. Also a teacher must be simple and direct in his teachings. A lot of the times teachers tend to give too much information that goes over the head of the students. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice
I think it's important for students to learn interpretation and musicality as much as technique, regardless of their instrument. For piano, I typically start with Hannon's piano exercises, and then move on to repertoire which highlights specific technical challenges, such as crossed hands or mixed meter. In the repertoire is where I also make sure to talk about common interpretation practices, as well as techniques for how to characterize a piece of music. Read More
Instruments: Piano Flute Music Keyboard
Aim for 5 to 6 days of practice EVERY week. Consistency is key, even if it is only for 15 minutes! Whatever you do, make sure you practice right after your lesson AND the day following - retention will be 90%! When practicing, aim 3 times in a row flawlessly. For longer and more challenging pieces, be sure you are practicing in small sections. A fun way to do this is through the Penny Game or cards and counters ask me how! Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Drums Mallet Percussion
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I have written over 250 songs with lyrics, recorded several CD's of Jazz originals. I have composed music for film and tv. I compose Orchestral music. I love to write with electronic sound devices and use all of these styles to some degree as one. I spend most of my time improvising in the world of Jazz. But composing music is a great place because you can create sounds which ultimately defy categorization.
I believe it is just as difficult to write a 3 chord song with a beautiful lyric as it is to play an uptempo be bop improvisation. Composing a one hour symphony takes a lot of time in some cases. But it does not mean the music is as good as a simple tune.
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I always played music since I was able to walk. As I learned about the business it became clear to me that the idea of making a living on music would be a challenge. I cannot compromise music so therefore being a professional is more difficult.
I have played concerts where I have been paid 2,000 dollars for a 50 minute set and then I have played performances where the money was very little. Being a professional musician is a state of mind not just an income. The decision was only made by the love for music and the need to play it each and every day that I breathe.
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
NO
My Father exposed me to music as a child. He listened to all the great music and I'm sure this had an indelible mark on my ears. I had to always make my own way in music as the family knew little about it and what it takes to dedicate oneself to an art form which is hard to make a living at.
I know this is why I learned several things in order to survive. Learning several instruments has also been the product of no guidance and little encouragement. And for those reasons when I teach a child or an adult something about music which I see them get inspired about. I am happy.
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
When I went from drums to vibes it was to meet the requirement of the Berklee school of music.
When I went from Vibes to piano it was to develop my understanding of harmony. Playing piano was the best move I made. Piano has all of the elements in both hands. I excelled at these 3 instruments to a high degree. The piano allowed me to compose for orchestra and to know more about the art of improvisation.
From piano to song writing was a great move in order to understand the idea of less is more. And to learn more about the guitar.
Playing the trumpet developed my phrasing. The trumpet is by far the most difficult instrument I've played.
Now the tenor sax the new love of my life. It has it all and allows you to express many ideas, as well as sing.
The reason I went from one instrument to the next is all about discovery and challenge. Making money had something to do with it as well. But not much.
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I would be writing words as much as possible Learning to write perfectly and never compromising my thoughts to make money. Words have become stunted by the plethora of publishing opportunities for all.
Poetry, plays have a special place in my mind. I like the writings of E>E> Cummings. Walt Whitman, W. B. Yeats, T. S. Eliot, Langston Hughes, Rainer Maria Rilke. I love the writings of James Baldwin, Marcel Proust, James Joyce, Edgar Allen Poe, Franz Kafka, Virginia Wolf, Vladimir Nabakov. These minds keep me going.
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
If I could conduct Stravinsky';s The Rite of spring, I would be excited for sure. The music he composed was and is so timeless and so emotional, it inspires me every time I listen. This music has been my driving force for composing full Orchestral pieces. I do not emulate the sound but I have studied the orchestrations at length. The music of Debussy is also a favorite of mine. Performing a slow blues has always inspired me
Playing drums in a big band is quite exhilarating. If I could sing in a gospel choir with Mahalia Jackson out front I would never need to do another musical thing in my life. She was pure music.
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Piano lessons in Chino Hills to students of all ages and abilities.
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