Piano Lessons in Meadow Vista, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar

Throughout the past 17 years I have been both a student and ambassador of music. Whether it has been explaining and showing chords or scales to another student, or describing the inner workings and wonder of a guitar solo with a friend - seeking to create and teach music will always be at the forefront of all that I do. To me, the first and most important thing for learning music is that you have to play something you enjoy and find fun. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

If you’ve tried and failed, or even if you’ve never touched a piano, Smiley can teach you. And, you’ll have fun doing it because with my easy approach to learning, you will start playing the songs you like from day one, not practicing endless scales all the time, and boring music language that would be difficult to understand the first day. With my easy learning how to play approach, you would lean your first song and be able to play it, over and over until you learn a new song to share. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I try to find a balance between being laid-back and offering my students enough structure so that they can develop at an appropriate pace. While encouraging my students to find ways to express themselves, I also try to be realistic with them about the importance of musicianship and technique. Empathy is the most important thing for me, as I try to help and nurture my students to explore their own musical talents. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Besides piano, my other emphasis is composition. My senior project was a song cycle using texts from poems by Robert Frost and was scored for soprano, mezzo-soprano and piano.  I received my Bachelor’s degree from UC Davis in Music and Psychology in 2009. As an active member in the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC), I have held numerous positions in the Yolo County Branch. I have recently finished my tenure as Branch President and in the past I have been Recording Secretary and Chair of the Composer's Today Program, a program designed to encourage student composers with an annual recital to showcase their original works. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I analyze each individual student. I design a plan according to their needs.  I give students arrangements of pieces that they will be inspired to play.  A lot of my teaching is based on some of the great teachers that I studied with in the past. I am 59 years old and currently teach in the San Diego area. I have been teaching for 40 years. I was playing professionally in the Chicago area when I was 16 years old. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons almost 20 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio, several Piano Academies, and students' homes. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo Music Keyboard

I don't have any experience at this time but I think that it is very important to get a regular constant practice schedule so that they can understand and practice the key points that were taught to them. I will give the students some classical music and modern music because I know that it will help the students learn if they play something they would like to play. I want the students to have fun with their playing as well. Read More