Piano Lessons in Woodacre, CA

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 Flute Recorder Piccolo

Hi, I'm Jenna! I'm a professional flutist, flute teacher, and music educator teaching in Lafayette, Alameda, and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. I specialize in improving students' playing by teaching practice efficiency, confidence and focus. I use both traditional and non-traditional techniques to help flutists understand rhythm, tone, intonation, technique (finger skills), and musical expression. After working with me, students play more accurately, more expressively, and have a deeper understanding and appreciation of their musical repertoire. 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 Guitar Voice Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My primary goal as a teacher is to develop a love of music within the students. I'm more interested in developing Artists than I am developing "Performers". Perfection is not something that I aspire to as an Artist. Sometimes perfection, and striving for impeccable technique can become on of the biggest hinderances for a Musician to truly embody the stage, and show their passion. While I do have a focus on technique, I tend to find it within the student through their artistry, and I try to allow for that artistry to be the catalyst. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe in encouragement, fun and positive focus on the students progress at whatever speed that they progress. This makes each student look forward to each lesson with eagerness and actually accelerates their progress. I never push a student and instead encourage and edify the student and try to use their own favorite pieces of music to keep them excited about their next lesson. Acknowledging small progress is the key and I never let a student leave without celebrating their accomplishments no matter how small! Read More

Instruments: Piano

As a musician, I believe that performers must convey not only the logic, but the artistic and emotional warmth inherent in the music. As a teacher, I emphasize that one utilizes technique for the purpose of communication, and I know that this is a truth at all levels, whether in a Class Piano situation or with very advanced talents. I feel it is also vital for students (again, at all levels) to gain experience with literature from a variety of musical periods, so as to develop a diversity of taste and interpretive style. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Conga Latin Percussion

Jake has been playing guitar and percussion for over 20 years. He teaches all levels of guitar and congas, as well as beginning piano, voice and drum set. He went to Berkeley High School where he played guitar in the BHS Jazz Ensemble. He then attended the New School in New York City, majoring in jazz guitar studies. He has studied jazz guitar with Steve Erquiaga, Dave Creamer and Jack Wilkins, and congas with Josh Jones, Sandy Perez and other Cuban percussionists. Read More