Voice Lessons in Oakley, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice

I try to find a balance between being laid-back and offering my students enough structure so that they can develop at an appropriate pace. While encouraging my students to find ways to express themselves, I also try to be realistic with them about the importance of musicianship and technique. Empathy is the most important thing for me, as I try to help and nurture my students to explore their own musical talents. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the singing and acting and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. 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 Keyboard

Ive been teaching music since I was a teenager. Ive taught at various music schools in New York and also California. Ive worked with very young beginners as well as seniors who are beginning. Ive worked with people who have all kinds of learning and physical disabilities. I really love teaching (people who want to be taught and who love music). I dont love people who are being forced to take lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trombone

For beginners, I like to start with the Standard of Excellence book 1, and intermediate students with book 2. The trombone is such a versatile instrument that there are tons of different styles of playing to practice. Depending on the student's level I will build curriculum for them. We will also play duets together, because it's very important to learn how to play well with others. Scales, lip slurs, and other exercises will be implemented as well. Read More

Instruments: Voice

One year after graduating from KD Conservatory, I moved to the Philippines and started my own original band called Alchemy Band. We performed several times a week at local venues. Most of the band members were full-time college students and due to the overwhelming workload, some of the members could no longer keep up with performance demand. I was simultaneously performing with a well-known girl-group called SILK Party Band and eventually became a full-time member performing "Top 40" hits from the 70's to current, 6-7 times a week all over the Philippines. 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