Piano Lessons in Valyermo, CA

Instruments: Piano Cello

I encourage my students to write their own pieces and perform for one another in my "musical get togethers" held in my studio or sometimes in larger venues. I have also organized 'cello ensembles that would often incorporate a singer, similar to what Pablo Casals did, 50 years ago. I tend to make learning more fun than just teaching in a strict manner - it is too much work to learn an instrument so the student might as well enjoy what he/she is doing otherwise, why do it???? Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Ukulele Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

From 2009 until 2016 I was on the faculty of the prestigious Orange County School of the Arts in Santa Ana. I also co-owned and managed the Green Room Arts music studio, where I recruited, prepared, and led several middle and high school student guitar orchestras on national and international tours and competitions. In 2017, under my direction, The Green Room Arts Youth Guitar Ensemble won 3rd place in the Large Ensemble division at the prestigious Guitar Foundation of America International Ensemble Competition. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Organ Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe

I am a drummer and pianist with experience at all levels and styles of music performance and education. I am an educator in the music communities of Washington D.C., Nashville, New York City, Los Angeles and around the world. I was the Advanced Music Theory tutor with the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University, Program Administrator with the W.O. Smith Music School in Nashville, TN and Music Director with the National Dance Institute in New York, NY. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

I will always push my students at the pace in which I believe they can handle. This means that this will change according to learning styles and motivation or lack of motivation shown to me. I will always give you all the tools I was employed to have as a student so that you will become the very best musician possible. I will always be available for questions and ideas that you would like to run across me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have various methods for different styles. For all students (classical and nonclassical), I will assess their abilites, skill level, and what their musical interests are. Beginning students will be given a list of hand picked lesson books and written notes based on each lesson focusing on technique, basic music theory and note reading, and learning how to play basic songs. Intermediate students will be given a list of lesson books based on their preferred playing style (Ex: Jazz-Hal Leonard Jazz Guitar). Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I introduce scales right away and each student usually has a technique book. I also incorporate games into lessons for young students to keep it fun. As students advance I introduce sheet music and music they like. For adults, there are a couple of chord method books by Alfred and Faber available and I use those unless they request something specific to work on. I may also write some of my own music, especially for learning note reading. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Euphonium Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When I see a smile on someone's face in the presence of a musical accomplishment, the spiritual reward for that service is something I live for! To be able to help a student attain their goals requires a flexible teaching style, that can cater to every type of person. Positive affirmations are a key ingredient to helping a student feel good about they mile stones, but remaining realistic for the student at the same time allows them to make progress at their own pace, and feel good about it nonetheless. Read More