925-215-3543
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24 Years
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in Walnut Creek . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Voice
My teaching experience started about 10 years ago when I was in Guitar Center looking at keyboards and someone asked me for lessons... I still have that student and many more now and have a very high retention rate and am an upbeat, positive teacher that students enjoy coming back to. The fact that I also play live gigs about 4 nights a week gives my students a chance to see me play live and get inspired, something that is really necessary to keep a student motivated for years. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Ukulele Recorder Music Acoustic Guitar
My teaching experience comes from my experiences and lessons from my previous private teachers. During my 10 years of lessons I learned that importance of a regularly maintained practice schedule leads to the most effective practice sessions. I try to encourage students of all ages to seek out music that they find enjoyable and I do what i can to shape my lessons to make learning the music exciting. I try to anticipate a students need. 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 Guitar Trumpet Trombone Drums Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
I believe encouragement is the best way to help a student succeed. I believe music lessons should be enjoyable and try to make them fun. But even though we have fun, we still have to play the best we can and get the work done. I try to inspire my students to enjoy music, not force them. I believe music should be fun and engaging and not just "work" or a "Requirement". Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet
I've been teaching private lessons in music since I was in high school and have always enjoyed sharing and mentoring younger students and professionals whenever my guidance or council has been sought. I've crossed pollinated my teaching methods over the years with my experiences working in a variety of environments from Universities, Opera Houses, Concert Venues, Theatres, and dojos. I like to emphasize the consistency of practice and finding the enjoyment in each session of practice and play. Read More
Instruments: Piano Organ
I began teaching in high school. Immediately after college, my studio grew to include 25 students. Included in the mix, some students were as young as 8 and several were adult beginners. Intermediate and advanced students also studied with me, as well as adults who were "re-beginners." (The term refers to adults who took lessons in childhood and have picked up their instrument again years later.) During graduate school, my assistantship included teaching piano classes comprised of students majoring in voice or music education. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
I always say that rhythm is more important than the notes. Play the right rhythm and the notes will come instead of playing every right note while sacrificing rhythm. I encourage students to make their mistakes loud, proud, and in rhythm so everyone has a better idea of what needs to be worked on most. I also emphasize isolating parts to practice and working backwards. Example: play the last two bars of the song until comfortable with it, now play the last 4 bars, last 6, last 8...etc., whole song. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
4'33... no joke. I always remind myself to see everyday sounds as potential music/art. There is so much audio beauty around if we just see it in a different light.
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Audio/Video Production. I love the amazing tech that exists nowadays to do incredible things. I love to help artists achieve a vision or market their amazing works.
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Singer/Songwriter. I love honesty and storytelling. Good lyrics can take you to the moon, quite literally. And when the lyrics and music fit just right... Everyone wins.
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I started playing guitar, piano, and drums after bass because these instruments were in the house! Just having these tools around inspired me as a child to just try it out and now its my career.
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My father is a Billy Joel impersonator and great songwriter though it was only his hobby. My old brothers are great musicians as well though also as hobbies. It felt like my place to take up the mantle and make it my career.
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
The first time I experienced that you can "talk through your instruments" with another musician. There was no turning back after that, I needed to see what else was possible.
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I do not. While Simandl is great for upright bass, my guitar/electric bass teaching is ALL my own content geared directly towards the specific needs of my students.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
Start naturally without thinking. Then do all the nitty gritty things. Finish again with whatever songs I'm currently most inspired by. And of course - Improvise what ever comes to mind!
If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have an undergrad in Jazz/Classical performance and am getting my Masters in Jazz Performance. I love learning classical to master my instrument and learning jazz to master MUSIC.
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
On the bass, I would say simplicity is the hardest thing to master. Less is always more on this amazing instrument - BUT finding that sweet spot takes mastery.
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Being hired to play at Smoke Jazz Club with Marc Carey and being hired by Hobart and William Smith colleges right out of my undergrad. Also, playing alot of gigs with Eastman professors Clay Jenkins and Rich Thompson.
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Neil Nicastro in Scranton was my first teacher and inspired me through his relaxed vibe and focus. He took me from "how to hold the instrument" to "Donna Lee" the challenging Jazz Tune... with ALOT of Red Hot Chile Peppers in the middle.
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
My dad is a great pianist of Billy Joel. My two older brothers as well - One played guitar, the other drums. So naturally I started on the bass and quickly took to guitar, piano, drums, and singing as well.
When will I start to see results?
Immediately you should feel engaged. You don't have to become a master, just become you. Stick with the flow. Don't stress, enjoy, and your immediate result is the enjoyment of music.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Stay Focused and Free. Start immediately playing whatever feels natural. Then dive into the nitty gritty stuff (scales). Finally, get deep into the songs you love so you can walk away with progress and a smile.
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If they have interest or an instrument - EITHER ONE can come first. Often a student needs just to have their first experience with a teacher or at a show to realize that guitar hanging around the house is VERY COOL.
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Piano lessons in Walnut Creek to students of all ages and abilities.
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