Piano Lessons in San Clemente, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Music runs deeply in my family. My mom is a singer, entertainer, songwriter, my father played the drums, my uncle is a pianist, producer and songwriter, my grandfather was a guitar player, bandleader and songwriter and most of my family including the new generations in some way shape or form sing, play instruments, dance, rap, produce music or compose.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
When I was in junior high school, my parents signed me up for band. The band teacher needed more flutes but they ran out so he assigned me to saxophone instead.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Alternative rock is my favorite genre to sing and play because the 90s was when I was a teenager and discovered so many different artists, bands and musicians.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
If I wasn't a musician, I would be either a dancer or a geologist. Since I was a little girl, I've always been fascinated by dance -ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, Hip-hop and also been fascinated by rocks, planetary science and the earth.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
I believe the hardest thing to master on your instrument is perfecting your own voice/style/identity. Often when we are learning, we imitate the composers/artists we are studying. Whether it is Bach, Beethoven, Michael Jackson, or Whitney Houston we aim to be like them because they are the best and the standard curriculum for their respective artistries. However, when you achieve your highest level of performance is when you sound like you and transcend your heroes be creating your own identifiable style in which you play, sing or perform. Breaking away from sounding like the best and believing in your own talent and abilities is truly difficult because it takes bravery and belief in one's self.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Obtaining a graduate degree in music was truly a proud moment for me because it allowed me to return where I began. Even though I played music most of my life, I studied English as an undergrad and never thought I would have the grit and determination to go back to school after being in the workforce for years. I am also most proud of performing with my mother throughout the years because she is my hero. To be able to share the stage with the person who not only created me but a person who is an extremely gifted performer and artist, is an honor.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I believe that at the young age of three, I chose piano because when I heard sounds that inspired me, I could recreate this on the black and white keys in front of me.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My high school band teacher was a huge influence on my musical journey. He introduced me to classical, film and marching band pieces and spend so much time with us during the week, evenings, and weekends. He showed me the true meaning of dedication to education and so much of why music is a huge part of my life is because of my band experience in high school.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
In general, breaking things down into small sections and then slowly adding is an effective way to practice. For piano, one hand at a time and then putting them together slowly is one of the most effective ways to learn a piece. It keeps our brains focused on a simple task and only when we feel comfortable with both can we them progress to playing it as a whole and not become overwhelmed.

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