Voice Lessons in Walnut Creek, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice

I couldn't imagine my life without teaching. To nurture a love for music in another, especially a child, is a gift I would not give up. I strive to find the correct balance of technique and performance, practice and play, focus and fun for each of my students. Every one of them comes to me with different skills, ambitions, and needs; building honest, open relationships with student, parent, and teacher is essential to meeting those needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Conga Latin Percussion

I like students to learn their favorite songs while learning technique, such as scales and chords, as well as music theory.   Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I typically perform an assessment with every individual during the first lesson. Depending on goals, I will recommend curriculum to achieve the desired results. If a classical approach is desired, I use the Alfred's Basic Piano series and the Hal Leonard method for guitar, along with scale and chord theory literature depending on the level of the student. I also teach jazz/pop accompaniment style improv playing so I print music out from various sources. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginners I will start with a reputable system of books, such as Hal Leonard or Alfred's, supplemented by my own worksheets and song selections that are relevant to the student. For more advanced students I will use my own open method, finding songs that the student is eager to play and reinforcing the theory and techniques that will enable the student to advance quickly. 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: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Keyboard

I am a very patient, knowledgeable and experienced music instructor who loves working with students of all ages. I graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education and a lifetime California state teaching credential. I also graduated from the Naval School of Music with top honors and I served in the Marine Corps as a bandsman playing the French Horn. I have taught music in many public, private and charter schools in California for over 30 years and am now retired. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice

I have always loved music and have sung many kinds of music throughout my life from choral and musical theater to folk, jazz, and even opera. I learned to play several instruments along the way but came to playing guitar as my primary instrument because of its versatility and portability. My clear tenor voice led to my becoming a member of two nationally known folk groups that toured the U.S. and Japan. Read More