Piano Lessons in San Mateo, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Drums Ukulele Recorder Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

The key ingredient to learning is interest. I believe that my students need to have an interest in what they are playing so that they can keep their minds and spirits engaged. Rudiments require attention and practice, but there is much more to learning an instrument than just technique; passion also needs nurturing. If a student is really in to Star Wars, for example, I will gladly incorporate the 'Imperial March' into their rudimentary studies. 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 Oboe

If a student is not interested in classical music, then I may introduce some film music, popular songs, or jazz music in solo piano versions. I am pretty open-minded to provide options for students and allow students to pick the repertoires they are interested. For advanced students, I may assign one or two pieces from each stylistic period (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th Century, and Contemporary) to prepare them for a full recital program. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Music has taken me to see places of the world I would have never been, music has given me some of the coolest jobs in my life. Playing organ for the San Jose Sharks NHL team was a dream come true, and I am still the youngest person to have held that job in the NHL. They still use all of my recordings. I went to the Virgin Islands last year to perform with a band on New Year's Eve, total paradise all to enjoy just for playing some music! Read More

Instruments: Piano

I've loved playing piano since I was 4 years old, and I love to share music with others. I have a classical background, and a particular interest in contemporary music and extended techniques. I studied and performed piano at Colorado College, and as a graduate student at Mills College. I've had the opportunity to tour the world with the Bowed Piano Ensemble, an ensemble that focuses on extended piano techniques. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

For beginning students, I place a large emphasis on the fundamentals i.e. scales, chord progressions etc. I also start them on solo pieces and like them to choose the pieces they are working on. I believe that if they choose their repertoire then they will have greater love and enthusiasm for the music. I also encourage them to push beyond what they think they can do. I work hard to match my teaching style to the needs of each and every student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I first started teaching at age 17, whilst in the UK, and continued to do so through college and University, I am also now a working Musical Director, which involves musicianship instruction and voice technique. Read More