Piano Lessons in The Castro, CA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I was educated from age 7 in Clarinet, reaching the highest award offered by The Associated Board of the Royal School of Music at age 12. I was graded A* for my school music exam (GCSE) a year early, and also gained and A Grade in my college (A Level). Seeking to go to music college I then took ABRSM Grade 6 piano. I played in the Birmingham Schools Wind Orchestra (Principal Clarinet) and the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra (1st Alto Saxophone). Read More

Instruments: Piano

I like to emphasize learning technique through pieces, rather than practicing only technique on its own, as that can get boring very quickly! For beginning students, I like to start with the Piano Adventures series, which has pieces which are easy, teach basic techniques, but also are musically interesting. Once they have the fundamentals, we can begin working on solo repertoire that interests the student. For older students who are interested in 20th century music, I like to teach Bartok's Mikrokosmos. Read More

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

From experience, these are all the basic tools a student needs to work on their fundamentals before diving into full fledged solo pieces for competitions. Beginning students have to start from the bottom. These students will start by learning how to hold the violin and the bow, for example, and slowly but surely get into reading music and eventually playing simple scales and melodies from an elementary book. Some adults, however, may be interested in learning an instrument because they want to play a song they love. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Euphonium Tuba Keyboard

For all students my primary focus is tone and sound production and going from there I usually have beginning students start on the standard of excellence books, these books usually go hand in hand all the way up to the end of junior high school For more advanced students I have them use the Arban's Method for Trombone/Euphonium, Melodius Etudes by Rochut, and any solo or ensemble piece which fits their current level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

I will organize a manageable number of tasks for duration of each lesson to my students. Then, I will determine the progress of the students by assigning them with appropriate tasks to practice plus music theory. It is more rewarding when seeing my students grow and love what they are learning. My teaching style is to teach them by their character and learning pace. By tailoring what my students' ability to learn music skills, I am more prone to teach what they can achieve in their every lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano

However, I consider these method books as merely one of the tools of my teaching (very often, I do not follow exactly the order/content of the book, but design my own lesson plan using the aid of the book) - Because I believe I am responsible for most of the teaching, not the book. I also occasionally provide supplementary repertoire, as well as incorporating a limited amount of rote teaching. Read More