Piano Lessons in Del Sur, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

I am a singer/songwriter and pianist who loves sharing the gift of music with teenage and adult students. I have been teaching piano, voice and coaching songwriters since 1998. I have had the privilege of working with people of all ages, from different cultures and backgrounds, both as a performing/recording artist and as a music instructor. I started teaching in Vienna, Austria, and continued after I moved to Los Angeles in 2004. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Euphonium

I always like to get a feel for the students ability first and then choose the right level to begin with them. I always start with some exercise work to strengthen the basics and then include a lot of fun pieces to boost the fun and satisfaction with the improvement. I am very effective at improving a players ability and enjoyment of the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Accordion French Horn Music Keyboard

I find that metaphors using familiar things and processes, like the laws of nature and physics we see everyday, can help students grasp concepts that require marrying physical movements with mental flexibility. Perhaps we're discussing articulations and you're having trouble understanding stylistically how to approach and execute staccato with legato over it. We could turn to methods like the Breathing Gym to practice a physical manifestation of how that articulation should sound. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Beginning piano students typically start in a beginners lesson book.  Lessons begin with scale and chord warm ups. As they progress I incorporate music of their choice.  Lessons also incorporate music theory, performance techniques, and relevent music history. Beginning voice students start with song selections of their choice. Lessons begin with a series of warm ups that develop proper technique.  As the student progresses the level of music advances.  Lessons incorporate  music theory, performance techniques, and relevant music history. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

What you put into anything is what you get out of it; its the same with vocals. I customize lessons to help you get to your voice and/or stay with your voice. However, you have to know the basics and if those aren't there, that will be the initial focus. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My Methods: Fundamentals of breath work - incorporating several physical exercises and methods of showing the coordination until it is ingrained Focus on the use of the resonators - projecting the sound to the different cavities where sound resonates before leaving your body and into the room (i.e. 'the mask', mouth resonance, chest resonance, etc) Reducing tongue tension - a common issue is root of the tongue tension and I have several exercises to address this Improving range - most of my students gain notes in their belt range and their head range, and often in their low range as well Increasing the legato vocal line - here we focus on linking the vowels properly supported by the breath Jaw tension - similar to tongue we have evercises for this Style - different approaches such as riffing, back phrasing, using a glottal attack, using a breathy attack - creating colorful expressive phrases that link to the emotion of the song and the style desired Musicality - learning to read music, counting tempo, sustaining pitch, syncopation, dynamics, etc Diction - correct vowel shapes and enunciation + awareness of when tension closes down the vocal line if diction is carried over from speaking habits Performance - using tools from acting training to perform a song effectively and believably Career consultation - when appropriate, also offered Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

Students (and parents of students) often have goals for learning piano. As an instructor, my job is to assist and encourage students to achieve these goals. Whether its to learn basic chords and simple songs, or to master certain complex musical pieces for a recital, I am eager to work with students to find out the best methods to improve and progress towards achieving their goals. When students show diligence, passion, and a drive to learn, my own excitement and passion to teach is even more stoked. Read More