Voice Lessons in Clayton, CA

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 Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

If you’ve tried and failed, or even if you’ve never touched a piano, Smiley can teach you. And, you’ll have fun doing it because with my easy approach to learning, you will start playing the songs you like from day one, not practicing endless scales all the time, and boring music language that would be difficult to understand the first day. With my easy learning how to play approach, you would lean your first song and be able to play it, over and over until you learn a new song to share. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I had my first paying gig at 7 years old and have never looked back! Always striving to keep my repertoire relevant, I developed a great ear that allows me to learn many songs quickly. I always emphasize that in my teaching so that a student is not only playing, but actively listening too. My teaching method is very open and is tailored for each individual student. With some I do any combination of technique, theory, composition, and improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Ukulele Recorder Music Acoustic Guitar

Teaching is a passion of mine that I hope to further expand upon in my post-graduate educational studies. I do my best to provide a personalized lesson that is designed to suit a students playing style.I like to acknowledge a students accomplishments to help encourage their accomplishments. By acknowledging a students accomplishments it helps them thrive and eager to tackle further challenges both in music and their lives. I want my students to enjoy practicing and grow their love for their respective instruments. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I love teaching, learning, and singing, but sometimes doing the things we love can still affect our nerves! I start first from a grounding and emotional center where we learn to access our own joy and take up our own space. From that point forward, we sing our hearts out! We will learn that vocal techniques that start out feeling tricky can become easier by incorporating mindfulness and full-body movement, and we master some techniques that are most relevant to your style of singing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students, I use the Piano Adventure Series by Nancy Faber and Randall Faber. I also use the A Thousand Stories for a Little Pianist by Katrin Arefy. My special methods in teaching young students include stories, easy duets, and singing familiar folk songs. For intermediate level students, I use different method books according to the student's interests. However, I encourage them to play Classical music, which is very useful in developing good techniques in piano playing. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I am a free-spirited teacher and performer who believes that everything meaningful in life comes from unorthodox inspiration. I enjoy eccentric people and places because it makes life so much more interesting! I've lived in several different places such as: Hawaii, Nevada, Texas, California, and I've even lived in the Philippines. I could say I'm pretty "cultured" and I'm able to genuinely connect with a diverse group of people. This has allowed me to explore a variety of music: r&b, pop, hip-hop, gospel, country, rock, classical, contemporary christian, reggae, EDM, musical theater, and genres in-between. Read More