Piano Lessons in Compton, CA

Kevin B

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I knew I had a talent for music when I was one of the fastest to pickup saxophone in elementary school. It quickly became clear it was my thing and I took it on as my identity before leaving middle school.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My mother sings at church but I am the only professional musician in my family. I started a love of music from listening to my dads CDs as a kid.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I started on saxophone in elementary school and soon added the guitar which is my main instrument. In high school I started playing drums and bass and have been very active on both since, playing as a session musician in many famous studios.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
My dream piece is a chord solo of Maria from west side story. I’ve been working on it recently and have found it to be a very rewarding arrangment

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I have always gravitated towards art so I would enjoy painting or pottery. I have an interest in ceramics and am planning on taking classes when I move to philadelphia.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
My favorite genre is rock/pop from the 60s-70s. My favorite bands are The Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen, and Paul Simon. I love singer songwriter music as well as jazz, blues, and reggae.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
My degree is in songwriting and arranging. I enjoy composing and I’ve used these skills to write hundreds of songs some of which have been featured in tv shows. I always give my students tips on writing and composing.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
When I practice I will run chords up the neck diantonically and chromatically. I will also run triads through 3 inversions up the neck. Also I will learn songs strictly by ear to practice ear training.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The hardest thing to master on guitar is knowing all of the notes on the neck and being able to use your ear to find them quickly. I work on ear training with my students to help with this.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I use Hal Leonard with some younger students but I often take note from a students interests as to what genres to work with them on and how theory can be lightly applied to it

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Some of my students have gone on to attend Berklee College if Music and study with some of the grestest musiciabs in the world. One of those students got in on a scholarship.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Every child should be exposed to music lessons at some point. Music is the universal language and every child deserves the opportunity to express their own creativity.

When will I start to see results?
After around 2 months of weekly lessons, students will start to make vast improvements if they have been practicing daily and are putting in the time and effort.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I had many incredible teachers throughout my career, many of whom I’m still in touch with. A music teacher is unlike any other teacher as they are teaching a craft that is so spiritual and unique with the ability to move others with their art.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I first learned the saxophone and soon after moved to the guitar because I wanted to write songs. Since then I have written hundreds of songs and I’ve never looked back!

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Performing for 50,000 people at primavera sound in Barcelona was one of my favorite musical moments. Truly an amazing event and I’ll never forget the feeling

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Take the time to set aside distractions and focus on your craft. Practice does not need to be boring it should be fun and engaging. My lesson plans give students the tools to enjoy their instrument and feel themselves improve.

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