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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in Vallejo . 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 Flute
I'm a composer-flutist and flute/piano teacher who received a PhD in music composition and theory with departmental distinction from UC Davis in June 2021. I also hold a master's degree from the San Francisco Conservatory and a bachelor's from Columbia University. My own compositions have been performed at music festivals across the U.S. and in Europe. I have won several calls for scores, including calls from the Sewanee Summer Music Festival (2020), North/South Consonance (2019), Vox Musica (2017), and New Music on the Bayou (2016). Read More
Instruments: Piano Trumpet
I'm a caring, straight-forward and passionate instructor who believes anyone can achieve greatness when it comes to music. I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance. I received my Master's Degree in Trumpet Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. I have performed in many countries including Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, Austria, China, Taiwan and Japan in venues such as the Kennedy Center, the Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and the Berlin Philharmonie. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar
Flowing between the presentation of new information and the actual active playing music is very important to the way I conduct lessons. Especially for the young, I place much more emphasis on facilitating musical experiences rather than the integration of musical nomenclature and conceptualization. When we learn to speak, our ears guide us first, and we imitate. Writing and reading comes later. I've found that this pertains to music as well, if not even moreso. Read More
Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard
My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private piano lessons part time 10 years ago. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that finding the genre the student likes can go a long way in helping them enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More
Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Keyboard
My experience with music goes back since I have memories. Music has been in my life and family and this is why I decided to become a professional musician and study hard to improve my skills and knowledge. My first piano lession I had 10 years and my first professional keyboard I was 15. Drums came along with my brothers toy drum to finally buy a real kit. All my brothers are a musician and it really helped to open to different styles and concepts. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar
For Piano lessons I run through the Primer - Level 3 Faber Piano Lesson books, along with techinque books, and songs that students personally want to learn. For beginning to intermediate guitar players, I would suggest learning some of the fundamentals and basics from Hal Leonard's Guitar Method Complete Edition - Books 1 2 and 3 (bound together in one volume). As the student develops a better understanding of music and a better ability to play it, I would then work on finding them a piece of music that challenges their knowledge and technique, yet also a piece of music that they would want to play, and that they would be passionate about learning. 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 Vallejo to students of all ages and abilities.
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