Piano Lessons in City Ranch, CA

Instruments: Piano

I customize lessons for each student because of different levels, goals, and tastes. For children, I usually start with a beginning method book such as Alfreds or Bastien. I introduce the fundamentals and work at the speed of the student, encouraging daily practice. I like to keep my lessons upbeat and fun so I always incorporate pieces that are recognizable to the student. If a student has a favorite tune from an artist, band, or a movie I will find them an arrangement that best suits their level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I encourage students to be open and ask questions during their lessons. I want to get a clear picture of every student's learning style and interests to help them achieve their goals. I also encourage students to participate in bi-annual recitals which I put on in partnership with other music teachers in Santa Clarita, as performance is an excellent motivator for practice and consistency with lessons. I make it a point to stick with a regular lesson schedule, as consistent attendance is an extremely important factor in progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Ukulele

For beginners, I firmly believe in establishing strong fundamentals. However, you can't spell fundamentals with out "fun"! So, even while building fundamentals, music lessons should be fun and geared toward what the student wants out of all of this. Whether that's learning a specific song, style, cool musically visual trick, or just jamming, I'm here for it all! Musical journeys are specific to the individual and therefore there is no one path that all students must follow. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

After I first received my Bachelor's Degree from CSU Fullerton, I opted to showcase my original music through distinct outlets. One of the resulting projects, themattsmithneujazztrio, has recorded three full-length records; my other project, JUICEBOX, has recorded two. I gained a masters of music in jazz drum set from California Institute of the Arts, where I was honored to record my own composition for the CalArts, 30th Annual Jazz CD at Capitol Records. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

From my own experience learning music, my greatest motivation has been the fun of discovering something new. I motivate my students with the same ideology. I build my student's curriculum based on music that they have a love and passion for, music that they will be excited to learn. I also teach students practice techniques that will bolster the students growth with efficiency and fun. I help students to track gradual growth in their practice by honing their routines into healthy learning habits. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

I encourage my students to find and explain to me the techniques that are working for them once I have given any instruction. I want you to have a deep seeded understanding of the teachings which I am employing upon you. I will begin with basic music fundamentals for all my students and establish a scope of your knowledge and then move forward accordingly. For my piano students I will start with a beginning piano book and we will move forward as you progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For young students I use Faber and Alfred books. As well as Famous and Fun books which have popular tunes to help keep the students motivated to practice. My older students work in the standard Hanon exercise book which helps develop agility and evenness in the hands and fingers. I also teach my students all 12 Major and minor scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions. My more advanced students usually learn classical music and Jazz/Blues Rags series by Martha Mier. Read More