Piano Lessons in Topanga, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Keyboard

I have been teaching voice and piano to all ages for about 3 years. Many students have come to me saying, I want to learn this song! Much of my experience has been working with students who want to learn to play and sing songs by their favorite artists. I have also spent a great deal of time working with kids ages 6-15. I have found in my time teaching that music is most valuable when appreciated both creatively and technically. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My teaching style is two part. Many teachers approach each student with the same routine and technique, and don't really listen to the issues the student has or wants to discuss. I listen to students' thoughts and observations, and address their issues and concerns specifically; as well as coming in with my own plan for what can be improved and how to go about achieving the students' goals and what needs to occur for improvement in my professional opinion. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Music Keyboard

Im pretty comfortable with a variety of methods but for children I enjoy using Alfreds method either for younger children or children over 7 . I also use Alfreds all in o e adult method along with a their greatest hits book to add more repetitive . All the series I use come with a cd of prerecorded tracks to play along with so its like youre playing with the band . All my students use a cd player as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

For piano I use a combination of the Bastien books, if you are a beginner. For more intermediate or advanced I use whatever music the student is interested in. It could be the Great American Songbook or classical music. For percussion, for beginners I use the Garwood Whaley book, Fundamentals for the Snare Drum. For drum set I use the Syncopation Book by Ted Reed and a variety of other books depending on the need. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Ukulele

For beginners, I firmly believe in establishing strong fundamentals. However, you can't spell fundamentals with out "fun"! So, even while building fundamentals, music lessons should be fun and geared toward what the student wants out of all of this. Whether that's learning a specific song, style, cool musically visual trick, or just jamming, I'm here for it all! Musical journeys are specific to the individual and therefore there is no one path that all students must follow. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

For the past 25 years I have taught students from beginner through intermediate levels. I have always devoted the first third of the lesson to a good warmup and constantly introducing elements designed to improve technique. I always tell students achieving good technique allows musicians to play a lot of the music they are interested in.I have always developed a very individualized approach for each student to help maintain their interest and motivation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Music for Little Mozart, Alfred Premier Piano Course, or Faber Piano Adventures. Once the student has progressed to have grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for them. For adults, I try to find out what they are interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun. I especially encourage my students to practice four to five hours per day, because it helps the students to develop techniques and strength for fingers. Read More