Piano Lessons in Menlo Park, CA

Instruments: Piano Cello Keyboard

Octavio has 14 years of experience playing cello and 8 years teaching privately. He has worked with students all ages and backgrounds. Octavio is always on the look for curious individuals who are interested in music learning and cello playing. He has participated in numerous masterclasses with prominent musicians, some include, David Ying, Richard Aaron, Wendy Warner, Phillip Borter, Jrme Hanta, Khari Joyner, and Steven Isserlis. Octavio's passion and versatility as a cellist are evident in his wide-ranging repertoire and commitment to musical excellence Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone

My teaching style is flexible. One of my teachers asked me up front how hard I wanted him to be on me and thats something we would go over as well. Its important I learn the personality and learning style of the student. Its important to establish a trust and understanding so as not to take criticisms personally so that we can develop weaknesses and build on strengths. Every musician has different strengths and weaknesses my goal is to help them achieve their best musical self to grow their confidence and be as fully realized as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My students are provided with a solid musical and technical foundation that allows them to feel comfortable in any of the countless musical contexts they will encounter as they embark on a life-long musical journey! Most piano methods books are "C and G-centric," causing students to learn to only feel comfortable playing on the white keys and then become either terrified or bewildered any time there is more than one sharp or flat in the key signature. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I'm an experienced and caring instructor who loves to see students empowered in their own creativity and excellence. I received my Bachelor's in Music Education from Ithaca College in 1988. I have recorded and released three projects so far that have received radio play internationally and been on the charts on college public radio. My travels performing music in the U.S. and beyond have enriched my life immeasurably and I love sharing the spark of imagination with my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always say that rhythm is more important than the notes. Play the right rhythm and the notes will come instead of playing every right note while sacrificing rhythm. I encourage students to make their mistakes loud, proud, and in rhythm so everyone has a better idea of what needs to be worked on most. I also emphasize isolating parts to practice and working backwards. Example: play the last two bars of the song until comfortable with it, now play the last 4 bars, last 6, last 8...etc., whole song. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

Flowing between the presentation of new information and the actual active playing music is very important to the way I conduct lessons. Especially for the young, I place much more emphasis on facilitating musical experiences rather than the integration of musical nomenclature and conceptualization. When we learn to speak, our ears guide us first, and we imitate. Writing and reading comes later. I've found that this pertains to music as well, if not even moreso. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I've loved playing piano since I was 4 years old, and I love to share music with others. I have a classical background, and a particular interest in contemporary music and extended techniques. I studied and performed piano at Colorado College, and as a graduate student at Mills College. I've had the opportunity to tour the world with the Bowed Piano Ensemble, an ensemble that focuses on extended piano techniques. Read More