Piano Lessons in Clayton, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice

Since my teaching philosophy is that every piano lesson should be fun, I tailor each lesson according to the student's age and interests. For young beginners, I choose method books that contain fun songs. I also teach music theory through story telling. For older students, I tailor each lesson according to their interests.However, I encourage them to learn Classical music, so that students develop good musicality. My goal is that all my students enjoy music for the rest of their lives. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

I started to teach piano in college, helping other beginning students around me achieve their goals. I slowly worked my way out to the community, teaching students of all ages at local churches in the area. The greatest satisfaction of teaching comes from the happiness and sense of accomplishment a student has when completing a piece for themselves or for their performance in a recital. My students have a well rounded education with playing different styles of music as well as understanding the music theory of what pieces they play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Oboe

For beginning students (children and adults), I typically start with Alfred's Piano Lesson and Recital books. Before starting to read the music score, I seriously train their technique and hand/body posture. After students become fluent on note-reading and able to read and play basic rhythmic patterns properly, I will begin introduce simple solo repertoires and etudes such as Czerny studies, Bach minuets, Burgmuller studies, sonatinas, and simple classical repertoires in Keith Snell books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Organ Synthesizer

Hi, I am a pianist, composer, teacher, and multi-instrumentalist originally from upstate New York. I am passionate about all of the above, but I consider teaching to be the most immediately rewarding. In 2008 I completed my degree in music at the State University of New York in Fredonia. Shortly afterwards, I made a journey to the west coast and found a home in the SF bay area. I got involved in the vibrant music scene as quick as possible and played with as many different types of musicians as I could find. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Organ Ukulele Electric Violin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar

Each student learns at their own pace and it's important to understand that not everybody learns the same. Setting both short and long term goals with the student helps me understand what they want out of lessons. This makes it easier for me to engage with them and bring it back to something relevant to them at the end of the day. For example, no child understands advanced rhythm unless you disguise it in familiar terms e.g. using the phrase "run po-ny run" to describe two eighth notes sandwiched in between to quarter notes. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginners, my method is simple. To be able to read music is important to me. Therefore, I teach them to read notes, count, hand and finger positions. For advanced students, I will focus on teaching them to interpret a piece rather than copying from others. I will motivate the students to feel the piece so that they can play it easily and genuinely. Above all, all my students have to be able to read music fluently. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo

More interested in beatboxing than orchestral excerpts? You got it! Want to focus on high notes and tone this week instead of fast fingers? Lets do it! Want to learn that crazy hard piece you heard Jasmine Choi play on Youtube? Im game if you are - and youll be more motivated and learn faster because of it. I encourage my students to examine what concepts they are avoiding and why (hint: its probably because its hard), and to really nail the basics. Read More