Piano Lessons in Saratoga, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Organ Ukulele Electric Violin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar

Each student learns at their own pace and it's important to understand that not everybody learns the same. Setting both short and long term goals with the student helps me understand what they want out of lessons. This makes it easier for me to engage with them and bring it back to something relevant to them at the end of the day. For example, no child understands advanced rhythm unless you disguise it in familiar terms e.g. using the phrase "run po-ny run" to describe two eighth notes sandwiched in between to quarter notes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Synthesizer Euphonium Tuba

I believe giving students a strong foundation in the fundamentals is key for success. Rhythm and the ability to keep time are essential in all styles across the board. Music Theory is something I teach in every lesson regardless of the instrument I am teaching and at all age levels. On Piano I teach the Faber Curriculum as well as the Alfred Books. These books both incorporate music theory so well from the very beginning. Read More

Instruments: Piano

It's been my strong belief that every student is unique in all aspects - it is my responsibility to recognize the uniqueness of the student, and individualize the lesson for each student's need. I am familiar with multiple methods - the most common ones include Alfred Basic Library, PIano Adventures, Music Tree, and Piano Safari; other methods include Bastien Piano Basics, Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, and many others. I use different methods with different students - decisions are usually made after the initial interview or when I have sufficient observation of the student's learning style, background, and personality. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I am honest with a student about their body, I think the best way to sing is to know how all the pieces of your instrument work together to create healthy sound. I encourage my students to eat well and take care of themselves physically and emotionally. I also want my students to have fun by singing music that enspires them to be sincere with their emotions, singing for an audience can be scary but in a private lesson I encourage trying things out even if they seem silly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Ukulele Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I'd say my teaching style is first tailored to each individual student- their learning style, their genre interest, and their goals. Some student respond to more traditional classical structure, and some respond to improvisation as a way of learning musical concepts. What's exciting is finding out which style each student has, and always come back to the joy keeps them motivated. While I am flexible in this regard, I do have specific practice assignments and repetition exercises that are the work of learning an instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Music Keyboard

For most of my beginning piano students, I use the piano adventures series. They offer a clear and well paced curriculum with numerous supplemental resources in a variety of styles. For beginning music theory, I use the Berklee School of Music texts or the Benward and Saker textbooks as well as many videos and other resources to explore musical concepts. For singing, I use a variety of sight singing books, all depending on the age and experience of the student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

I am a very enthusiastic and motivated instructor who loves working with students of all ages to share my love of music. I started flute and piano as a little girl and participated in many flute competitions and performances. I was accepted to Brigham Young University's music program for flute performance and received my minor in music. Performing and competing has been very rewarding to me and I want to share that with others. Read More