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25 Years
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in Napa . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Conga Latin Percussion
Jake has been playing guitar and percussion for over 20 years. He teaches all levels of guitar and congas, as well as beginning piano, voice and drum set. He went to Berkeley High School where he played guitar in the BHS Jazz Ensemble. He then attended the New School in New York City, majoring in jazz guitar studies. He has studied jazz guitar with Steve Erquiaga, Dave Creamer and Jack Wilkins, and congas with Josh Jones, Sandy Perez and other Cuban percussionists. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar
For Piano lessons I run through the Primer - Level 3 Faber Piano Lesson books, along with techinque books, and songs that students personally want to learn. For beginning to intermediate guitar players, I would suggest learning some of the fundamentals and basics from Hal Leonard's Guitar Method Complete Edition - Books 1 2 and 3 (bound together in one volume). As the student develops a better understanding of music and a better ability to play it, I would then work on finding them a piece of music that challenges their knowledge and technique, yet also a piece of music that they would want to play, and that they would be passionate about learning. Read More
Instruments: Piano
For beginning students, I choose Alfred's Basic Piano Library and Faber Piano Adventures, and other brands/materials that fits the need of the student. I often made teaching materials myself, as well as writing music for my students. The most important thing for beginners are keeping interest and correct postures. Starting from songs the student recognize usually helps. For advance students, I usually recommend repertoire covering all 4 classical periods, plus etudes and finger trainings. Read More
Instruments: Piano Trombone Euphonium Tuba Keyboard
For all students my primary focus is tone and sound production and going from there I usually have beginning students start on the standard of excellence books, these books usually go hand in hand all the way up to the end of junior high school For more advanced students I have them use the Arban's Method for Trombone/Euphonium, Melodius Etudes by Rochut, and any solo or ensemble piece which fits their current level. Read More
Instruments: Piano Flute Music
For beginning students in flute and piano, I use Trevor Wye flute books and Alfred piano books, respectively. These books cover fundamentals and hand technique and once that is learned and internalized, then I will introduce more solo or accompanied repertoire that they would eventually perform in a recital. For beginning composition students (which are taught remotely on Zoom), I will go over different "lectures" about fundamental music theory and integrate short composition assignments that go according to what was learned in the lesson. Read More
Instruments: Piano Flute
I'm a composer-flutist and flute/piano teacher who received a PhD in music composition and theory with departmental distinction from UC Davis in June 2021. I also hold a master's degree from the San Francisco Conservatory and a bachelor's from Columbia University. My own compositions have been performed at music festivals across the U.S. and in Europe. I have won several calls for scores, including calls from the Sewanee Summer Music Festival (2020), North/South Consonance (2019), Vox Musica (2017), and New Music on the Bayou (2016). Read More
Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
4'33... no joke. I always remind myself to see everyday sounds as potential music/art. There is so much audio beauty around if we just see it in a different light.
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Audio/Video Production. I love the amazing tech that exists nowadays to do incredible things. I love to help artists achieve a vision or market their amazing works.
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Singer/Songwriter. I love honesty and storytelling. Good lyrics can take you to the moon, quite literally. And when the lyrics and music fit just right... Everyone wins.
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I started playing guitar, piano, and drums after bass because these instruments were in the house! Just having these tools around inspired me as a child to just try it out and now its my career.
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My father is a Billy Joel impersonator and great songwriter though it was only his hobby. My old brothers are great musicians as well though also as hobbies. It felt like my place to take up the mantle and make it my career.
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
The first time I experienced that you can "talk through your instruments" with another musician. There was no turning back after that, I needed to see what else was possible.
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I do not. While Simandl is great for upright bass, my guitar/electric bass teaching is ALL my own content geared directly towards the specific needs of my students.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
Start naturally without thinking. Then do all the nitty gritty things. Finish again with whatever songs I'm currently most inspired by. And of course - Improvise what ever comes to mind!
If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have an undergrad in Jazz/Classical performance and am getting my Masters in Jazz Performance. I love learning classical to master my instrument and learning jazz to master MUSIC.
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
On the bass, I would say simplicity is the hardest thing to master. Less is always more on this amazing instrument - BUT finding that sweet spot takes mastery.
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Being hired to play at Smoke Jazz Club with Marc Carey and being hired by Hobart and William Smith colleges right out of my undergrad. Also, playing alot of gigs with Eastman professors Clay Jenkins and Rich Thompson.
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Neil Nicastro in Scranton was my first teacher and inspired me through his relaxed vibe and focus. He took me from "how to hold the instrument" to "Donna Lee" the challenging Jazz Tune... with ALOT of Red Hot Chile Peppers in the middle.
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
My dad is a great pianist of Billy Joel. My two older brothers as well - One played guitar, the other drums. So naturally I started on the bass and quickly took to guitar, piano, drums, and singing as well.
When will I start to see results?
Immediately you should feel engaged. You don't have to become a master, just become you. Stick with the flow. Don't stress, enjoy, and your immediate result is the enjoyment of music.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Stay Focused and Free. Start immediately playing whatever feels natural. Then dive into the nitty gritty stuff (scales). Finally, get deep into the songs you love so you can walk away with progress and a smile.
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If they have interest or an instrument - EITHER ONE can come first. Often a student needs just to have their first experience with a teacher or at a show to realize that guitar hanging around the house is VERY COOL.
25 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Piano lessons in Napa to students of all ages and abilities.
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