Piano Lessons in Davis, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

Smiley has studied piano since the age of 5 and has been fortunate to study with the Carl Wheeler the musician who wrote and played for Tony Toni tone, as well as Beyonce and high profile headliners. Smiley has played for celebrity singers including Carlos Santana, comedian Tommy Davidson, as well as John Witherspoon. He a Degree in music from the University of Berklee, and has taught piano and voice since 2005. he enjoys working with people and uses his patience and perceptiveness to communicate music to others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute

I have also received commissions and grants from soloists, ensembles, and arts organizations in several U.S. states. Some of my pieces have been published by music publishing companies or have been broadcast on the radio (including WFMT's Relevant Tones). I played principal flute in the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra for four years, and I appeared as a flute soloist in several orchestral and choral concerts on campus as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute

I find that when teaching just reading a book and rote playing isn't enough. I like to use scales, singing, and creative composition to get my students to think outside of the box and learn to independently create music while learning theory basics. I like to help my students be one of a kind and be in love with the music that they are creating...if they don't look forward to coming to class again, then I know I haven't done my job fully. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I analyze each individual student. I design a plan according to their needs.  I give students arrangements of pieces that they will be inspired to play.  A lot of my teaching is based on some of the great teachers that I studied with in the past. I am 59 years old and currently teach in the San Diego area. I have been teaching for 40 years. I was playing professionally in the Chicago area when I was 16 years old. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

After a year and after completing the teacher training program, I started to teach piano from my home studio.During this time, I took upon myself two more years of intense composition study and experimenting with some of the secrets of this art, which now has become one of my passion.In 2007 I enrolled in a music program at the Music Conservatory of San Francisco, where I learned and expanded my knowledge on technique, performing, and music ensembles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

Teaching piano classes is something I continued at UMass/Amherst with Continuing Education students who were mostly from foreign countries. I thrive on meeting people from all age groups and skill levels. Collaborating with others is what floats my boat! I will ask questions to clarify what you are thinking without using musical jargon. (It can be done!) My goal has evolved with experience. Facilitating my students' understanding of music has the wonderful result of their increased enjoyment in listening to recordings and attending live performances. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I began teaching private piano lessons in the fall of 2015. I have taught both adults and children, and have found the experience very rewarding, especially with adult learners. I got my own start in music very late, and was actively discouraged in my youth from pursuing it--so one of my main goals as an educator is to motivate students and encourage them that they can still be performers. Working with children has also been very rewarding, and has taught me that it is just as important to have fun when you're making music. Read More