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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 Flute
For young students, we'll start our first few lessons with rhythm and singing games to break the ice. These games also help train the ear. For flute students, we will then progress to the basics of breathing, tone production, note fingerings, and music reading. Once we reach the point where the student can read and play simple tunes, we will start using Trevor Wye's Beginner's Book for the Flute. For teenage and adult students, we'll discuss your goals in our first meeting and go from there, whether those goals are learning to play for your own enjoyment, or preparing to apply for college and/or summer music programs. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Trombone
I believe lessons should be fun and engaging. I believe the most improvement in a student comes from practice time, so my goal as a teacher is to show the student how to practice most effectively by applying what they learned in their lessons in their practice sessions. If it is all right with them, we can record the lesson so they can go back and watch. As a teacher, I believe it is important to be positive and supporting, giving constructive criticism guide the student to play better while also boosting the student's confidence. Read More
Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo Music Keyboard
Teaching is very new to me. For beginning students I would start with a Hal Leonard's Essential Elements book. Then when the student progresses the fundamentals I will start to introduce solo pieces for recital performance. For adults I will ask them what would be fun for them to play and make my lesson plans off of that to keep them engaged and having fun no matter what level they are. Read More
Instruments: Piano
As a musician, I believe that performers must convey not only the logic, but the artistic and emotional warmth inherent in the music. As a teacher, I emphasize that one utilizes technique for the purpose of communication, and I know that this is a truth at all levels, whether in a Class Piano situation or with very advanced talents. I feel it is also vital for students (again, at all levels) to gain experience with literature from a variety of musical periods, so as to develop a diversity of taste and interpretive style. Read More
Instruments: Piano
I enjoy observing each student’s character in their playing and design lessons tailored for them. Also finding a good balance between the music that a student is good at, and others that a student is not familiar with. Playing piano is in a way of expressing one's opinion through music. Learning the history, musicology, stories behind a piece, and the different techniques and tones for expressing the music, are all important features in my teaching. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Clarinet
Sometimes, my students will spend a couple weeks on a song, and sometimes they will spend five months on a song. It is all dependent on what they need to succeed. Practicing is a major concept that I focus on and therefore provide every student with weekly practice sheets as well as written monthly progress reports to their parents. In lessons with me, there is nothing we can't do and that is what I strive to show my students every week. 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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