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BM, San Diego State University, Music Education (in progress)
AA, Cuyamaca College, Music Education
Best Musical Direction, "Sheila", 2012
Best Musician - Monte Vista, 2007
I have a passion for music and a passion for teaching. I am proud to say that I offer individualized lesson plans that specifically cater to each student's musical goals and learning styles. I have been teaching music both in public school setting and privately for nine years and some of my current students have been with me for years. I attended San Diego State University and Cuyamaca College, studying Music Education at both. I will be beginning Graduate School next year, also studying music here in San Diego. As a working guitarist who has played in a wide variety of settings, I am able to bring real world musical knowledge to students to take them as far in music as they want to go.
Starting in 2005, I was the assistant band director under the late Peter Ring for many Elementary School Band Programs in East San Diego County. I have worked in public high schools teaching guitar ensembles, as a marching band coach, choir teaching assistant, jazz band director, and musical theatre director. Since 2012, I have been hired twice as San Diego State University's Music Director for their Drama Department. I have been teaching guitar and piano privately since 2009 with an average student retention rate of 9 months. I have taught students ages 5-51 including students with who are new to speaking English. I am always happy to welcome new students of all ages and levels of experience!
For both piano and guitar, I begin with the Alfred Method Book Series. These books are great for getting started and they feature versions for both young children and adults. Once students have gained a certain level of proficiency (usually about 3-6 months) I begin incorporating repertoire that has serious artistic merit but that is also fun for the students and keeps them interested. An example is the repertoire by Keith Wyatt, an instructor at the Guitar Institute. Wyatt writes pedagogical songs in the styles of rock, blues, and pop but that are also full of valuable teaching opportunities.
The ability to create and play music is a gift, but it cannot be attained without putting in a LOT of practice and hard work. My goal is always to find ways to keep each individual student motivated and interested while still guiding them and teaching them all the skills they will need to be a great musician. Part of the way I do this is allowing the students to choose some of the songs they learn and that we study together.
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