Piano Lessons in Orinda, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice

I couldn't imagine my life without teaching. To nurture a love for music in another, especially a child, is a gift I would not give up. I strive to find the correct balance of technique and performance, practice and play, focus and fun for each of my students. Every one of them comes to me with different skills, ambitions, and needs; building honest, open relationships with student, parent, and teacher is essential to meeting those needs. 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 Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

'm here to motivate and inspire. There is no one right approach to learning music and I'm adept at understanding how each individual learns. I can help to formulate and achieve goals or simply offer an expressive outlet that is safe, enlightening and encouraging. I offer mentorship and help with choices, in a professional or recreational capacity, within the music and entertainment fields. I facilitate the most enjoyable approach to practice so my students develop skills, confidence and a love of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Conga Latin Percussion

I like students to learn their favorite songs while learning technique, such as scales and chords, as well as music theory.   Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo

During lessons, I often compare concepts to other activities my students know and love - their favorite sport, video games, or books. I love sharing my magic tricks - shortcut exercises to make tricky passages instantly easier, and youll definitely catch me encouraging my students to listen, listen, listen! Every genre of music has something different you can learn and it adds to your own creative toolkit. I expect students to practice regularly and thoughtfully - seeking to play their very best and working to improve every time they pick up their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Synthesizer Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

If a student is losing interest in learning I would brainstorm and adapt my teaching style to be more relatable to their learning style. I encourage my students to use skills they learn in our lessons to compose produce original music, perform with friends, perform in local music recitals concerts and simply have fun with what they've learned! I've taught students from 6 years of age to adults and believe music is a joy deserving for people of any race, gender and age! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I start my beginning students with Alfred guitar method. If someone wants classical lessons I start them with the Fredrick Noad books and some Sor and Segovia studies. For people interested in improvisation we begin with Blues and then take it where you want to go. Advanced students I give more master class type lessons where we discuss more advanced music ideas. Read More