Piano Lessons in Walnut Creek, CA

Instruments: Guitar Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I chose my primary instrument for two reasons – high regard for my favorite musicians, and the ability to let my creative voice out in musical expression.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
My original compositions and recordings, and being asked to perform at friends weddings and memorial services for the relatives.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I create my own lesson modules, and offer the Hal Leonard books as an option for the guitar students desiring to learn the five line staff. For clarinet and bass students I have several Kindle books I work from.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
For myself, my routine disciplines of repeating and polishing the more challenging and new material I am learning, as well as staying brushed up on my regular knowledge. In my student lessons, occasionally a brief social catch-up of the week, then hearing the students perform their assigned lesson work, jumping in for assisting and correcting, tagging on to lesson topics to enhance the subject, tying into related new topics of instruction.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My high school band teacher, Mr. Lester, greatly inspired me... because he was knowledgeable, encouraging, engaging, and a great listener.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My Dad used to walk around strumming on a baritone ukulele and singing out his country songs, and always had guitars laying around the house. My grandpa had an amazing woodgrain F-hole acoustic guitar in the basement that I was fascinated with, and he eventually gave it to me. I still have it and played it at his memorial service????

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I decided to become a professional instructor when I started teaching my own children. When I saw the fruit of their efforts and the joy they found in their abilities, coupled with the rewards I receive in teaching - I was sold. I love it.

When will I start to see results?
If the lessons are appropriately designed, an hour's worth of devoted practice should show growing familiarity with the lesson.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Do they walk around playing air guitar while listening to a song? Do they gaze intently at musicians in a live band? Do you hear them humming or singing their own musical creations?

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I love many genres of music: Folk, Country, Blues, Spirituals, Rock, Metal. My favorite style of music depends on my current mood, music is always a creative expression of the thoughts and feelings inside of the player.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Keep your eyes on the prize, practice with the intent of achieving your desired goal. In difficult sections of your practice, break it up into smaller pieces and practice each section repeatedly until comfortable, then move on to the next.

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