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24 Years
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Teachers in Network
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in Rancho Santa Margarita . 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 Saxophone Flute Clarinet
While all of my students study the same fundamental musical principles, I believe that every lesson should be as unique as every person. That's why I always create new, customized lesson plans and provide individualized materials for all of my students. In my experience, this approach is most effective at increasing the student's musical ability—and it's a lot more fun! Rather than just going cover to cover through a method book, we'll keep things interesting and fresh by playing music games (especially with younger students), composing our own music, listening to new artists, and working on pieces that are requested by the student. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar
My teaching style is focused on helping each student feel at ease, so that they can better learn. I also am strength-based in.my approach. That is, I focus on each individuals strengths in learning. This is in contrast to other teaching styles which are geared toward focusing on an individuals challenges. I have observed that this is the best way to successfully address new musical techniques and concepts. An example might be a child who likes to sing, but is struggling to learn new notes. Read More
Instruments: Piano
When I have a beginning student, I provide for them a basic lesson book that includes fun songs and introduction to theory. Each week I go over a song or two with the student and have them play for me the song or songs for their next week's lesson. If the student performs the piece well, they are rewarded with a sticker and can move on. For my more advanced students, I ask them what kind of music they are interested in and they play for me songs from their favorite movie or artist. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard
My teaching philosophy is pretty simple and I describe it with these three words clear, direct, and creative. I believe that when it comes to teaching a teacher must be creative, since not all students learn the same way. Also a teacher must be simple and direct in his teachings. A lot of the times teachers tend to give too much information that goes over the head of the students. Read More
Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Synthesizer Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music
I strongly believe that a well-rounded music education helps a player to become a more confident, musical, and an emotionallyyaware musician. As such, I like to give my students small assignments focused on topics besides just performance, such as Music Theory and Aural Skills exercises. Of course, I will always move at the pace the student needs but I also know (from personal experience) that a nudge in the right direction can be priceless. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar
I tailor my lessons to fit each individual student's needs and goals, and am comfortable teaching both traditional classical music as well as various other modern genres. I typically use the Alfred books for children who are just starting out, gradually introducing solo repertoire as they progress. For adults, I use materials relating to whatever stylistic or technical goals they may have. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Ukulele Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar
All lessons are customized to meet the individual needs and interests of each and every student. Instruction is open to everyone with a love for music and a desire to learn, regardless of age or previous musical experience. I teach fingerstyle playing on nylon and steel-string acoustic guitar. In addition, I teach beginning piano and ukulele. I don't use one specific method book. Over the years, I have developed my own method that I then tailor to each student, depending on their objectives and goals. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I played at a religious gathering several times called Bethel Family Night, at Wallkill NY. I played, along with a small group, such tunes as Walk Don't Run, Perfidia, and Classical Gas. On another occasion i played solo fingerstyle guitar, Windy and Warm, Both Sides Now and a couple of other songs. There was over 1000 people present. One one occasion I received applause just walking on stage.
My brother Joe and I played in a small combo a few times doing Allman Brothers material, Billy Joel songs and Hollies "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" among other songs
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
My older brother Terry played guitar such as Ventures and other kinds of Surf, country and pop music. I just love the sound of the guitar, in all forms of music.
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
For guitar, a child's hand size is important in order to purchase the right size instrument. For example, I had an 8-year-old student who plays a 3/4 size guitar. A young student needs an appropriate attention span as well. I adjust according to their attention span.
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I did not have any teachers, our family could not afford music lessons. I learned from books and occasional visits with other players. No regular, structured lessons.
When will I start to see results?
Probably right away, but the word "results" is open to interpretation. Will you be able to slowly play a very simple song or part of a song after the first lesson? That is always my goal.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Regularity is key, even a few minutes a day is helpful. I find for myself that 3 times a week and a minimum of 2 hour is best. Playing very slowly, along with a metronome, has been very beneficial for me. As a student progress, he can increase his metronome speed to an acceptable BPM for the song.
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The left hand is the hardest for me to master. My hands are smaller so I only have a 4 fret stretch. As I play more I am noticing a small increase in my left hand stretch though.
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I ask the students what they want to learn, then try to teach them something that they can learn quickly. Then they feel a sense of accomplishment early. I progress thru an explanation of notes, intervals and chords, strumming patterns etc.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
15-minute review of songs I know well, 30 minutes learning new chords, scales and songs, then 15 minutes writing and recording something new. I also review music theory after actual playing time.
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
There is no one particular piece but Chet Atkins songs such as Black Mountain Rag, Blue Angel, Hellacious, as well as Jerry Reed songs such as Jerry's Breakdown. Also some Tommy Emmanuel songs
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Electronics technician or other technical work such as computer work. Technical work and music seem to go hand in hand since music has a definite foundation in physics and guitars often incorporate electronics
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Fingerstyle songs that use the right hand thumb playing a bass string accompaniment while the right hand fingers play the main melody. Classic fingerstyle guitar is very entertaining to an audience
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I do not play a second instrument but I dabble in keyboards and would like to learn violin. I dabble in keyboards mainly because it helps me to grasp music theory a little better.
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Grandparents, uncles, cousins and brothers all play. Some were touring musicians; some were recording engineers but most of us were just ones who played for ourselves or family and friends. I am presently trying to teach my 5 year old great grandson very basic music theory and simple songs on piano [3 Blind Mice]
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
After retirement, I had more time to devote to guitar. I do not gig much anymore but I hope to make a little extra money by teaching because it will keep me in the music world at some level.
24 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 Rancho Santa Margarita to students of all ages and abilities.
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