Daniel L
5.0
(4)
Instruments: Piano, Voice, Music, Keyboard
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Blues, Funk, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba, Bossa Nova
Daniel L
5.0
(4)
Instruments: Piano, Voice, Music, Keyboard
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Blues, Funk, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba, Bossa Nova
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 8-80
1994-2001 Private Piano Instruction Under Linda Elder,
1994-2001 Public Instruction in Music Theory and Vocal Jazz Performance under Janet Hitt and Kristina Ploeger
1999 Piano Jazz Combo- Frank DeMeiro Jazz Camp
2002-2003 Private Jazz Piano Instruction under Ruel Lubag
2002-2003 Student/Professional Jam Session Hosted by Seattle Pacific University and Organized by Ruel Lubag
Excellence in Attitude and Growth Award - 1999 Frank DeMeiro Jazz Camp
Motivated by my deep love of music, I have devoted much time and effort in developing my skills as a musician. After embarking on a study of my first love, singing, I soon took on the challenge of learning and mastering the piano. After studying privately with fine Seattle area instructors, Linda Elder, Ruel Lubag, and publicly with Janet Hitt and Kristina Ploeger, all of whom pushed me to excel in technique and expression, I continue to pursue the goal of furthering my development as a musician. In addition many opportunities to perform at public and private events, I’ve also had the privilege of participating in the Student/Professional Jam session hosted by Seattle Pacific University as well as the Frank DeMiero Jazz Camp. These instructors and programs impressed upon me the value of a community to nurture and assist the growth of others thereby preserving the art-form. I am very passionate about music education and the privilege of guiding others in their musical journey. I truly believe in the special power that music possess to reach deep inside and touch the heart, to initiate or intensify desire, inspire creativity and to be a source of joy and fun. Though I enjoy teaching and playing all types of music, I find myself most at home on the bandstand playing and/or singing Jazz. That's just what I like. It's totally OK for you to be into something totally different. While teaching music is my focus, I need to stress that I'm about more than music. I deeply care about people. I strive to be a good father and husband. I love Art and Science and being in nature as well.
I began teaching piano and voice lessons over 17+ years ago. I started out teaching in my home at the piano or at the home of my student. Later I taught as a faculty member at a music school. I've also worked for a company that focused on providing in-home lessons. That was a lot of fun. I really enjoy teaching music to others. I get asked a lot- "How long does it take to learn to play the piano?" That's a good question. My answer is this: You can play music on the piano in the first 10 minutes of your first lesson. This does not mean that you have arrived at the finish-line. Rather, you have only taken one step on a journey that lasts a lifetime. This is because when you study music, whatever the instrument, you are seeking to acquire a discipline, something that will develop and grow over time, something that will truly enrich your life. The journey is enjoyable and worth the time and effort required to keep making progress.
I believe music is best learned like a second language. When we learn any language we first listen and then imitate what we hear. My approach is based on this principle. I start my beginner students with a series of examples to listen to, along with experiments to try. This approach is fun and we actually start playing music very quickly! Its very exciting!! Later we gradually start introducing technique and written music, just as when you learn a language, first you speak and then you learn to read. I've noticed over the years that the age old "book-first-music-later" approach to teaching can actually stifle the creative spirit in young students and hinder their growth or even discourage them all together and as a result they lose interest and move on. That being said learning to read is just as important as the other aspects of music literacy and therefore is a major part of my teaching method. For more advanced or adult students I'm going to spend some time finding out what your goals are and then we'll craft a game-plan to get you there. That game-plan will differ from student to student. My goal for all of my students is that they grow as musicians and players of their instrument. As the teacher I strive to help you get there in a way that is enjoyable and valuable and encourages you to keep progressing.
Its so rewarding to watch my students grow in ability and confidence as they progress toward their goals. My teaching really is about you the student. I come prepared to point you in the right direction and help you stay on track. Setting goals and preparing a game-plan are key steps in this process. I'm here to help you do that! What are your goals for yourself? What inspires you? Did you find a concept on YouTube that you want help applying to your playing? lets do it! I'm Totally YouTube friendly.
Leona Hughes
Fantastic with our 9yo!
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