Piano Lessons in Represa, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

If you’ve tried and failed, or even if you’ve never touched a piano, Smiley can teach you. And, you’ll have fun doing it because with my easy approach to learning, you will start playing the songs you like from day one, not practicing endless scales all the time, and boring music language that would be difficult to understand the first day. With my easy learning how to play approach, you would lean your first song and be able to play it, over and over until you learn a new song to share. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trombone

For three years I was a camp counselor in the La Honda Music Camp (Hayward, CA). As a counselor, I looked after 10-12 middle school-aged girls, oversaw brass sectionals, coached trombone, and assisted in the junior wind ensemble. In high school I used to coach my classmates in the trombone section. In my grad school years I began to teach beginning piano and trombone. My hope when teaching music is that the kids have a lot of fun learning their instrument, so I always encourage them to learn songs they'd like to sing/play along to. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

It wasn't until I was 12 years old that I really started to play and learn guitar, being further motivated by my brother who was just learning guitar himself. We started out learning songs by Metallica and Led Zeppelin. Later, I took a deep interest in learning blues, classical, jazz, and more classic rock like Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Santana etc. After years of studying and practice, I believe I have a firm grasp of music theory, how to play different styles of music, and the ins and outs of guitar playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

I am a strong believer of traditional teaching methods, however, I have learn that we all learn in different ways, so I let my students discover music by teaching them how to relate to the piano first, after they become familiar with the instrument by playing easy but wonderful melodies I start with the process of teaching music notation, scales, chords, analyzing songs, music history, exercises.I teach all ages, I am very patient and supportive, never pushy but firm with my students goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

Every student is unique. I try to unerstand their individual interests and abilities before I design the teching style that would be most productive and enjoyable. Providing a solid foundation and understanding of musical principles is what I strive to achieve with my students. I prefer to be an inspiring and enthusiastic coach. The student should not feel pressured or constricted. I try to create an environment in which students can feel comfortable to relax and develop their own creativity while learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Fiddle French Horn Electric Guitar

For beginning students, I try to figure out what if any familiarity with the instrument or connected genres the student already has and plan to orient lessons around that. If they're absolute beginners with no specific interests yet, as is often the case with children, I focus on teaching fundamentals of the instrument's technique, music theory relevant to reading sheet music and understanding scales, keys, and time signatures. If it seems like it would help I'd move on to the Suzuki method or at least to simple songs and etudes. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I started playing when I was 5 years old and was taught through Suzuki format. It teaches students to learn by ear and that really made a difference in my style of playing. I started writing my own compositions at 13 years old and that is what made me want to learn more. All through highschool I continued to play and eventually got a small album together. I have played for many weddings and special occasions and even for convalescenthospitals. Read More