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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in Vacaville . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Organ
I love forming partnerships with my students. When we work together, we begin to speak the same language and work toward your goals in a positive way. You will have an opportunity to play music from various styles and musical periods. There is no predestined path here. I tried that when I was in my 20's, and learned very quickly that every student is different. Everyone's paths diverged, and all those notes I had taken to plan ahead for the next six months didn't work at all. Read More
Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard
For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Faber's Piano Adventures or Suzuki's Piano School, however I am open to other books. Faber focuses more on written and piano practice whereas Suzuki focuses on auditory learning and piano practice. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice
I always encourage my students to progress at their own pace and have fun while doing it. Not everyone improves and learns at different paces and I make sure to emphasize that with my students and when possible with their parents. I personally think that seeing a student reach a new goal is an important part of my job and it makes it all worth it in the end. I like to use positive reinforcement with my students to help them reach their goals. Read More
Instruments: Piano Keyboard
I have taught for over 40 years and am dedicated to helping all students reach their full potential. As a piano teacher I focus on developing a solid technique (ease of execution, tone, variety of touches, etc...), musical knowledge and stylistic awareness. I believe that we are all students and I simply try to pass on what I have learned, as well as what I continue to learn everyday. For me, the most important thing is personal growth. Read More
Instruments: Piano
I fell in love with music at the young age of four years old. I began taking lessons then and studied music formally until I was twenty years old. I went on to play in several bands, compose songs and musical scores and make recordings. I have a lot of experience teaching classical and pop music styles and I have a lot of patience. After high school, I began setting my poems to music which led to a reenactment of the well-known songwriter fable, moving from Toronto, Ontario, to California to follow my dream of becoming a successful songwriter. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Ukulele Recorder Music Acoustic Guitar
My teaching experience comes from my experiences and lessons from my previous private teachers. During my 10 years of lessons I learned that importance of a regularly maintained practice schedule leads to the most effective practice sessions. I try to encourage students of all ages to seek out music that they find enjoyable and I do what i can to shape my lessons to make learning the music exciting. I try to anticipate a students need. Read More
Instruments: Piano
I began studying classical and jazz piano at the age of 5 in the Chicago area with Bob Ravenscroft(currently resides in Phoenix and very influencial in the Phoenix Jazz Scene) at Alan Swain Music Studios. I was fortunate to have played in the New Trier West Jazz ensemble in high School. Our band competed in the Montreaux Jazz Festival sweeping 9 of the 12 soloist awards. At 16 I began playing professionally in the Chicago Area in combos, trios and backing up vocalists. I was very forutnate to have studied with three amazing teachers, Herman Shapiro in Chicago(a professor at DePaul University and a student of Rudolph Ganz(The Director of the Chicago Musical College, Carl Mosbacher-a professor at New York University and the Mannes School of Music and Julian White in the Bay Area who was a student of Egon Petri. Read More
Instruments: Drums
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
Just about any Pink Floyd song!
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I would likely be teaching another subject. I absolutely love teaching.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
I typically would warm up and start by locking into a metronome. I then usually loosen up with stick control and rudiment based exercises. Next, I work on new concepts, songs, and styles; with a great deal of repetition.
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
For very young students, I typically start with the Hal Leonard Book, Drums for Kids. For older or slightly more experienced students, I start with exercises that cover: Fundamental drum patterns, phrasing, and fills. When the student can show that they have a grasp of the fundamentals, we then typically move on to more challenging concepts, including: Sound source (voicing) exercises, note subdivision exercises, more challenging books, and (last but not least) songs. All of the above is supplemented and reinforced by two great books called: Stick Control for the Snare Drummer, and Syncopation for the Modern Drummer. Those two books are great for developing control, proper articulation (stick rebound), coordination, and sight reading skills. For more advanced students, I would typically jump directly into songs and styles; along with concepts that are generally more advanced (i.e. polyrhythms, strange time signatures, and independent coordination).
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
On the drum set, orchestration is often the trickiest to master. Orchestration could be seen as how a drummer can make each part of the drum set speak, in a relative way.
Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
I am very proud of a student who recently was selected to join, Camp Chase Drum and Fifes. This is an extremely selective group of Civil War reenacting musicians.
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I showed a sense of rhythm from a young age. My ears naturally hone in on the percussion instruments.
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am very proud to have performed at many of the major venues, in the Detroit metropolitan area. Most notably one of my groups opened for the legendary Jazz-Funk group, The Headhunters. This group was formed by the amazing Herbie Hancock!
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
In my humble opinion, if the child shows genuine enthusiasm for the instrument.
When will I start to see results?
In my experience, that is largely dependent on the students willingness to practice, in a structured and routine way. Usually, the more practice and repetition, the quicker the progress.
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Absolutely! I studied under two outstanding teachers, Donnie Gruendler and Darryl Pierce. I learned a GREAT deal through private instruction, and therefore teach through direct experience; by practically applying subjects that improved my playing (i.e. techniques, concepts, and books).
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
In my experience, structured practice, is most effective. For example, practicing specific concepts and exercises will generally result in quicker progress. While there is something to be said for creative practice, when the student plays any old thing, progress can be much slower; if that unstructured and non-specific route is taken with a practice routine.
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I like groove oriented music a great deal. There is nothing like having people dance to your music.
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I decided to begin working as a professional musician, when I was about 20 years of age. It was a gradual process, that represents years of hard work and dedication.
25 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Piano lessons in Vacaville to students of all ages and abilities.
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