Violin Lessons in Sunset Beach, CA

Instruments: Violin

My methods when it comes to the bow arm/hand come from the teachings of Galamian and DeLay. We then discuss what I'm hearing and seeing. I want to hear and see you at your best, and if I'm not hearing and/or seeing you at your best, then we need to match the two. If it's a mismatch (you sound all right, but your technique is not great), then we fix. Read More

Instruments: Violin

Communication is a key element of any student-teacher relationship. While most instrumental training can be fairly orthodox in nature, Im primarily interested in striking a balance between the clarity and focus that convention can offer and the creative desires of the student. In short, I believe that creating a democratic space for the student to learn and grow can keep the experience fresh, exciting, and encouraging. Read More

Instruments: Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle

If a student has never played violin before, I usually start out with a combination of the Suzuki method, the American Fiddle Method, and Jazz Fiddle Wizard to develop a holistic approach, comfortable with playing multiple styles, improvising, and playing both from sheet music and by ear from the very begginning.  After the fundamentals are grasped, I ask the student what he or she really wants to play, and we develop technique and theory based on his or her favorite songs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I always make sure my students and their parents have realistic expectations when they start taking music lessons. For instance, violin is a difficult instrument to play and it can take months of practice to play a simple tune. However, it can be fun and enjoyable as long as it is understood that these simple accomplishments in playing the violin are in fact rather big ones. I request the parents of young (5-7 years old) students to be present during the lesson as often as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have taught quite literally all ages. 5-75. Styles and lesson books used varied depending upon student and school. I usually taught Suzuki for violin, viola and classical guitar (tend to prefer Scott Tennant Pumping Nylon book for classical guitar though). And usually Faber Piano Adventures for young piano students. Eventually going to Clementi Sonatinas and Chopin Preludes. Also Mel Bay Modern Guitar for beginning rock/jazz guitarists. Then eventually going to Mickey Bakers Jazz Guitar books. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

In my lessons, I take an integrated approach to music education, drawing connections between music of practically any style, genre, or tradition; between musical technique, analysis, and expression; and between music as an abstract entity (e.g., a score, an acoustic phenomenon) and the cultural and historical context in which it is both composed and performed. I work on music not only from the Western classical tradition, but also from pop, rock, jazz, and folk music from around the world, as I believe all musical styles are worthy of exploration and consideration. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Acoustic Guitar

I have previously taught at the Saturday Conservatory of Music in San Gabriel, Suzanne Middle School in Walnut, IvyCrest Montessori in Fullerton, and Music & Arts in San Dimas and Mission Viejo. I have also held masterclasses in percussion and drums throughout Orange and Los Angeles County. I enjoy teaching privately because I know an individual student will be able to better improve themselves when applying their growing skills in their respective ensemble. Read More