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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 Voice Trombone
For three years I was a camp counselor in the La Honda Music Camp (Hayward, CA). As a counselor, I looked after 10-12 middle school-aged girls, oversaw brass sectionals, coached trombone, and assisted in the junior wind ensemble. In high school I used to coach my classmates in the trombone section. In my grad school years I began to teach beginning piano and trombone. My hope when teaching music is that the kids have a lot of fun learning their instrument, so I always encourage them to learn songs they'd like to sing/play along to. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Mandolin Recorder Orchestral Percussion Music
I have been teaching music in school and giving private music lessons for voice, piano, violin, piano, cello, and viola since 2003. Aside from giving private music lessons, I also conduct and organize chamber ensembles, choir, orchestra, hand bell choir, musicals, recitals, and other public performances. I have been passionate guiding students across various musical genres, including classical and contemporary, and languages such as English, German, Italian, French, and more. Each lesson is a unique journey where we explore the art of voice, discovering the beauty in every note and phrase. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Ukulele Music Keyboard
From there I moved to Portland, picked up the ukulele, and began to teach at a studio called Music World, where I worked with all ages and talents, and began songwriting and performing across the city. After that, I moved to Birmingham where I taught in a large lessons studio called Mason Music Studios, while continuing my own musical collaborations and compositions. I love Little Rock, and I am excited to be building a private studio here and helping my students become artists in their own right! Read More
Instruments: Piano Flute
I have also received commissions and grants from soloists, ensembles, and arts organizations in several U.S. states. Some of my pieces have been published by music publishing companies or have been broadcast on the radio (including WFMT's Relevant Tones). I played principal flute in the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra for four years, and I appeared as a flute soloist in several orchestral and choral concerts on campus as well. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice
My method is to incorporate proper technique and fingering, and though reading music is important, i also put emphasis on hearing what your playing and also understanding it theoretically. This way students will be well-rounded and be able to understand what they are playing from an audio and theoretical stance, rather than just being told what to play by the notes on the sheet music. What this does is it allows the student to become independent so that they don't have to rely on music and a teacher to be able to play or pick-up songs they desire to play. Read More
Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo
I teach the way that I do because I want my students to have the confidence that I often lacked growing up and because I want them to know all the things I wish Id known when I was their age. I work with students of all ages and levels to achieve their musical goals, from cleaning up and solidifying fundamentals to preparing for major performances, auditions, and a career in music. 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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