Piano Lessons in Emerald Hills, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For beginner's in piano and guitar, I generally use the Alfred's and Mel Bay methods as starting places. In every situation, I tailor and personalize the curriculum to individual student needs; as students progress, I employ more and more personalized curriculum which reflects the research I have done into cognition and learning, and which maximizes the creative learning of the student. For more advanced students, I will challenge them in targeted domains, with customized exercises that focus upon their musical growth, with an emphasis on realizing their maximum potential. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Ukulele

I have taught music for over 20 years. I have been performing for 25 years. My students acquired graduate degrees in music, as well as attended the most prestigious schools, here in the bay area and beyond. My son and students are prolific performers and have been selected for leading roles. They have been awarded scholarships and honors in the performing arts field, and in general academia subjects. I published a thesis on the subject of how music helps with learning, mood and mind/body healing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Ukulele Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For my young piano students, I use the structure of the Faber series to slowly introduce concepts. For my guitar students I have had great success with the Mel Bay series, which combines initial chord playing and some music reading fundamentals. For ukulele, I utilize the Hal Leonard service. With all of my students, I always want to have the students choose songs they like and that they can set as realistic goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone

I learned my fundamentals as a musician from my musician mother who is a vocalist and childhood piano teachers she set me up with from ages 4-12. At the age of 12, I picked up the trombone in the school instrumental program. I continued to play in school bands throughout my education and in high school, I was set up with a private trombone instructor. Throughout high school and college Ive studied with professional trombonists: Don Kennelly - SF Opera Bass Trombone, Dave Martell, David Taylor - New York, and Doug Beavers and John Gove. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I like to set clear but realistic goals for students, so each student can learn at their own pace. I'm a big believer in positive reinforcement. I think the best motivation comes from within, and I aim to fuel this by finding out what inspires the student most and helping them reach their own goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Music Keyboard

For most of my beginning piano students, I use the piano adventures series. They offer a clear and well paced curriculum with numerous supplemental resources in a variety of styles. For beginning music theory, I use the Berklee School of Music texts or the Benward and Saker textbooks as well as many videos and other resources to explore musical concepts. For singing, I use a variety of sight singing books, all depending on the age and experience of the student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

For beginning students, I place a large emphasis on the fundamentals i.e. scales, chord progressions etc. I also start them on solo pieces and like them to choose the pieces they are working on. I believe that if they choose their repertoire then they will have greater love and enthusiasm for the music. I also encourage them to push beyond what they think they can do. I work hard to match my teaching style to the needs of each and every student. Read More