Piano Lessons in Lakeville, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I can accompany the student with the guitar or piano. For beginners in piano, I will typically begin with the Faber workbook. If they have their own workbook that they would like to work from, I will work with that. I teach Circle of Fifths as an early tool to cultivate an understanding of harmonic language, and make it as simple and easy as possible, until the basics become engrained. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I began instructing young adults in harmony, theory and piano when I was nineteen in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. After high school, I began putting my poetry to music and this led to a move to California to try and make it as a songwriter. I played with several music acts in the Bay Area, toured the east coast and Midwest, and wrote music for the theater, notably an original score for Bertolt Brecht's Caucasian Chalk Circle. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

Stiffness is the enemy of piano playing and it can also cause harm to tendons, ligaments, etc.... I always give exercises to illustrate the different "touches" (finger dexterity, legato, staccato, singing-tone, octaves, etc...) used in playing the piano. It is also very important to have a good sense of musical style - baroque, classical, romantic, modern, etc... I focus on being as true as possible in honoring what I believe to be the wishes of the composer. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I've been teaching private lessons in music since I was in high school and have always enjoyed sharing and mentoring younger students and professionals whenever my guidance or council has been sought. I've crossed pollinated my teaching methods over the years with my experiences working in a variety of environments from Universities, Opera Houses, Concert Venues, Theatres, and dojos. I like to emphasize the consistency of practice and finding the enjoyment in each session of practice and play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone

Trombone - I utilize the books Abrams and Rochut-Melodious Etudes. I develop custom curriculum for each students level and learning style. At the first lesson, I evaluate what the student wants to get out of the lessons, what sparks their interests in music, and skill level. From there, I share exercises from the books, exercises I create for developing certain skills, and later on, creation or exercises by the student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Keyboard

My method is to have fun to make the student feel motivated and challenge to learn and get better with the instrument. There is no recipe to improve your skills than just practicing and practicing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students, I use the Piano Adventure Series by Nancy Faber and Randall Faber. I also use the A Thousand Stories for a Little Pianist by Katrin Arefy. My special methods in teaching young students include stories, easy duets, and singing familiar folk songs. For intermediate level students, I use different method books according to the student's interests. However, I encourage them to play Classical music, which is very useful in developing good techniques in piano playing. Read More