Piano Lessons in Lake Balboa, CA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

For beginners and younger students, I usually start with things that are low pressure, yet effective. As opposed to using textbooks, I prefer to write my own exercises in front of students so that they feel included in the process. I also normally let them help me write these, which helps with reading and understanding written music and how it's related to the instrument. My biggest emphasis for younger and less experienced students is to get them to try and play everyday, even just for 10-15 minutes and make it a habit. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Banjo

I am passionate about introducing music to young students as well as opening new doors to more experienced players. After studying Piano Performance at Biola University I went on the road as the guitar player for the rock band Fastball. I spent the next 12 years touring and recording in bands, honing my craft as a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer. In addition to teaching piano and guitar I now compose for television and film out of my home studio in North Hollywood, CA. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute

While emphasis is on flute performance, included in lessons are: theory, ear training, sight reading, solfege, articulation, tone color & intonation study. Lessons are tailored in accordance to student's level and ability. Engaging students in variety of ways of learning (visual, auditory, etc), I also care of their personal stories, which I find brings great connection and makes learning much more fun for my students as they feel heard. I also teach beginners piano. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Additionally, some other books that I use with my drum set students are Syncopation by Ted Reed, The Art of Bop by John Riley, The Essence of Afro-Cuban Percussion, and The Essence of Brazillian Percussion by Ed Uribe. For more advanced students, I work on trancriptions of their favorite drummers, chart reading by playing with recordings or live musicians, improvisation over musical forms, and developing indivdual exercises for each student. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Everyone learns differently, so I tailor my lessons to meet the needs and goals of each individual. In any case, regular practice and lessons are crucial to success. I encourage the parents of young students to be involved in their kids' progress to help establish good habits. With adults, it's all about developing a regular practice schedule that they can stick to realistic goals. I like to spend lesson time addressing at least 2 pieces of music, some sort of technical skill, and occasionally incorporating games and listening exercises. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute

I have taught some students while attending Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. I've also taught a master class to university students in Colombia, South America while on tour with the Morgan State Jazz Combo. I enjoy teaching to all ages! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

During my time teaching at Victor Litz Music, where I taught for 12 years, I was lucky to work with one student who had severe dyslexia. Though he had difficulty in a classroom setting, this students general reading and musical skills blossomed over the course of several years of instruction. Through patience and a customized approach I was able to reach him in ways that, according to his parents, no other teacher was able to do. Read More