Piano Lessons in Huntington Beach, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Conga Music Keyboard Djembe

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
When determining if a child is ready for lessons, it is important to consider the child’s age, interests, and commitment level. If the child is excited about learning and willing to practice regularly, then he/she may be ready for lessons. Additionally, you can look for signs that the child has an affinity for music such as humming a tune or keeping a beat. The same is the opposite if the child is not responsive.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Choose something you enjoy and something you need technical work on. Practice the things you don't know and not the things you do know. Practice with someone if possible in a band setting. Set up before you begin so you can stay focus. Cut off the phone if possible.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
One of my most proud musical accomplishments is the fact that I have been able to teach and mentor both regular and special needs students in the art of music. I have also been able to collaborate with several different artists and labels throughout my career and have had the opportunity to tour the West.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
I believe the hardest thing to master on any instrument is timing or rhythm and something I call “feel”. It requires a lot of focus and practice to be able to keep a steady beat and play with accuracy and precision. The feel is something that you can only gain through experience.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I’ve studied those method but I don’t specifically use them as my primary teaching methods or solely depend upon their books to help my students learn and understand the basics of music. I typically use Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, and Hal Leonard books as research or reference (if needed), because they are comprehensive and cover a wide range of topics. They also provide helpful visuals and diagrams that help to explain some concepts.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
My normal practice session typically starts with warming up my mind, hands and body. I then spend time practicing scales, chords, melodies or whatever I am working on the piano. I also practice ear training exercises. Additionally, I often use a metronome or to practice rhythm and timing, and then also repeat without a metronome.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
My dream piece to perform would be a jazz standard such as “Autumn Leaves”. I’d create a play that tells an urban story of a boy struggling between music, and trying to survive living in a rough neighborhood. Jazz standards are timeless and I love the challenge of interpreting them in my own unique fashion. I don't think that too many people are doing this and so I would like the challenge of directing this one day.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
If I wasn't a musician I think I would pursue a career in education. Actually I have also worked in the field of academic learning for over 20 years, so I have a passion for teaching and mentoring. I believe this is an area where I make the most positive impact.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
My favorite style/genre of music to play is jazz. I love the improvisational nature and the ability to create and explore different musical ideas using melodies and rhythms.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
When I decided to start learning a new instrument, I looked at the type of music I wanted to play and what instruments were needed to do that. For example, when I wanted to learn jazz, I knew I needed to learn piano and percussion, so I started taking lessons for both.

Read More