Voice Lessons in Penryn, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Ukulele Keyboard

My teaching experience dates all the way back to early high school, when I taught piano lessons to kids in my local neighborhood. In college, I continued teaching as a part time job while at home during the summers, and when I returned home from touring, I taught at several studios in the Sacramento area, teaching private voice and piano, and classes I designed curriculum for, such as Musical Theatre for Beginners, "We Sing Disney", and Singing for Ages 8-12. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students who are children, I introduce theory, rhythm, as well as the instrument to give them a basic understanding of all of the aspects of music. Once the students has a basic grasp of the fundamentals, we will learn songs appropriate for their level. For adult students, I try to teach based on their interests, choose appropriate repertoire and help them meet and accomplish their own goals. The most important is that the students are enjoying themselves and learning - my main goal is to help the students succeed. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I assess what the student's current strengths, weaknesses, and needs are. Every student will have a different approach in the lessons as everyone has different taste in music and different learning styles. I cater to the student's interests to make the lessons easy and interesting while making sure that the student is aware of the reason that they are understanding how the topic they are currently learning blends and builds into their overall playing and musicianship. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trombone

I believe lessons should be fun and engaging. I believe the most improvement in a student comes from practice time, so my goal as a teacher is to show the student how to practice most effectively by applying what they learned in their lessons in their practice sessions. If it is all right with them, we can record the lesson so they can go back and watch. As a teacher, I believe it is important to be positive and supporting, giving constructive criticism guide the student to play better while also boosting the student's confidence. Read More

Instruments: Voice Violin

Teaching is uniquely tailored to the needs of the individual. Part of what keeps teaching so exciting over the years is the constant discovery of new methods and techniques that will reach the unique needs of each new student. 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 sang in both the classical and jazz choirs, and was percussion section leader in the Concert and Symphonic Bands, where I worked with Susan Hamre in organizing an annual High School Honor Band event, with guest conductor/composer Gary P. Gilroy. I also sang as a soloist with the ARC Orchestra as a winner of the 2016 Concerto/Aria Competition. At CSUN, I currently study composition with Liviu Marinescu, A.J. Read More