Piano Lessons in The Castro, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have found that this helps the student to progress more quickly and gain a true love of music. I also like to have my students work on a wide variety of repertoire, even if they would like to specialize in only one field. Coming from a liberal arts college,I find that having a specialty while also being well versed in other fields as well is important to a successful music study. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Clarinet

I am classically trained on piano and have been studying for many years. My piano students learn theory, as well as rhythm and end up very well versed in how to count properly. I also teach them proper hand technique as well as expression in a piece. Many students believe that it's impossible to be emotional on piano, but I make them dig deep to find the beauty and meaning in each piece and they come out the other side better players for it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

Especially for young people, maintaining interest and ensuring that they continue to see the value of their musical education is essential. I remember a very frank conversation with my mother when at 13 I wanted to give up music to play football, and I blame that on the style of teaching I was receiving. Whilst there is stuff not to like about instrumental learning - for some it's scales, for me it was sight reading - the satisfaction comes from masterng these challenges, and if we can keep these short and long term goals relevant to the student, getting the practice hours done may be a litte easier on everyone! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a classically trained clarinet player who learned every Rock instrument along the way and some other instruments. I'm currently in multiple bands including a Classic Rock cover band and a Latin band (Rock, Funk, Reggae, Ska, Cumbia). I write music in a variety of styles as well, such as singer/songwriter, Rock, EDM/trance, and even wrote a piece for the Diablo Valley College Philharmonic Orchestra. I'm also a big music theory geek which adds to my teaching ability. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Synthesizer Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For children just beginning their instrument, I teach finger placement and note location on the piano by using a color coding system to use in learning a song from John Thompson's Easy Piano Course. From there i introduce songs that interest them and develop sheet music comprehension, rhythm, finger technique and harmony development at a pace comfortable for your child. For older students, I ask them what their interests in music are. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Double Bass

For beggining students and especially children I will start with books such as the Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has graped the fundamentals of musical theory and scales , we will begin to introduce a solo repertoire appropriate for skill set and age. For adults I simply try to find what the studenet is interested in, and guide my instruction accordinglu to keep the lessons fun and engaging, no matter their ability level! Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone

I learned my fundamentals as a musician from my musician mother who is a vocalist and childhood piano teachers she set me up with from ages 4-12. At the age of 12, I picked up the trombone in the school instrumental program. I continued to play in school bands throughout my education and in high school, I was set up with a private trombone instructor. Throughout high school and college Ive studied with professional trombonists: Don Kennelly - SF Opera Bass Trombone, Dave Martell, David Taylor - New York, and Doug Beavers and John Gove. Read More