Piano Lessons in Hi Vista, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching music in 2006 while still in college, and I have worked at a variety of different music schools and teaching companies, most notably at the University of Southern California. I taught and maintained a small voice studio of my own in New York City for four years before the pandemic forced me back to the west coast to care for my family. I typically work with a wide variety of students with different ages and backgrounds, and I pride myself on offering a holistic and trauma informed approach to the study of voice and singing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe English Horn Acoustic Guitar

Music is experienced ears-first, and that's how I prefer to teach. I certainly teach everyone to read music if they don't already know how, but I really like to help people hear the music they want to make. This is done through listening assignments, playing with my students during lessons, some music memorization, and singing. I also incorporate a lot of improvisation games to get students making sounds pressure-free and help them access their inner expressive voice. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My methods change according to the ability, age, and personality of my students. I always use a variety of materials for both young students and adults to keep them interested. I enjoy spending the time needed to address proper practice habits, so that students are able to make the most of their time at the piano. I strongly believe that a traditional classical foundation is helpful for all pianists, but encourage both kids and adults to explore all the repertoire that they love. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Trumpet Recorder Fiddle

I have been featured during that time as an on stage soloist and leader of backstage banda groups. I am also associate concertmaster of the California Philharmonic. Now that I am retired from the public schools and soon from the opera orchestra I have more time to teach privately and am looking forward to using my expertise and a performer and teacher to take students to any level they would like to go. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I always make sure my students and their parents have realistic expectations when they start taking music lessons. For instance, violin is a difficult instrument to play and it can take months of practice to play a simple tune. However, it can be fun and enjoyable as long as it is understood that these simple accomplishments in playing the violin are in fact rather big ones. I request the parents of young (5-7 years old) students to be present during the lesson as often as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I use various methods and books depending on the style, age, ability etc. I always keep my eye out for new books and open to suggestions. A few examples. With classical guitar students who are over 10 yo I prefer to use Christopher Parkening Guitar Method and Frederick Noad "Solo Guitar Playing" The latter suits more mature (both mentally and physically) students. With younger guitar students , 6-9 yo, I usually start by using basic guitar methods such as Hal Leonard Essential elements or "Everybody's Guitar Method" and my own easy arrangements of popular songs before shifting to Parkening. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I like my students to bring a small notebook, so that they may write their homework down, and any practice assignments.  I expect my students to keep a practice log of how much time they practice per week, in between lessons.  I always insist that setting goals and expectations for them, is very important, as well as keeping track of whether they themselves are staying on task.  I try and incorporate different ways of practicing or playing music, so that even practicing turns into being fun and exciting and doesn't feel like a chore.  Read More