Music Lessons in Antelope, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons almost 20 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio, several Piano Academies, and students' homes. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Before I start working with any client, I find out exactly why they've sought out vocal lessons and what their goals are. Then It all starts with breathing. The student will learn how to properly excersize the correct muscles when singing, and then will vocalize with the piano. We must start with pitch! Then there will be songs to learn that both the student suggest and I pick, based on what I think will help their development most. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching style is very flexible. I am able to teach classical, as well as many different musical genres. I am able to arrange piano songs to the student's level and write down the scores from the songs. My ultimate purpose of teaching piano is to make my students ENJOY their performances. However, the key factor in improving piano skills is hard practice. Making sure their children keep practicing is always challenging for parents and teachers, but please remember that everyday practice is required if you would like to progress your piano performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano

From the moment my fingers touched the keys, my passion for the piano never ceased. Starting as a self-taught player, I received formal training in the instrument at the University of California, Davis under the instruction of Marilyn Swan. There I played in several chamber ensembles, including a performance of Schubert's Trout Quintet. I have also accompanied recitals for fellow musicians of various instruments, including a double bass and a cello. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

Smiley has studied piano since the age of 5 and has been fortunate to study with the Carl Wheeler the musician who wrote and played for Tony Toni tone, as well as Beyonce and high profile headliners. Smiley has played for celebrity singers including Carlos Santana, comedian Tommy Davidson, as well as John Witherspoon. He a Degree in music from the University of Berklee, and has taught piano and voice since 2005. he enjoys working with people and uses his patience and perceptiveness to communicate music to others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For children, I begin with Donald Waxman's Pageant for Piano series. The pieces are quite fun, and also good for technique. The illustrations also offer many opportunities for story-making and engagement. For adults, I begin with James Bastien's The Older Beginner Piano course, and for intermediate learners, supplement it with pieces from Bartok's Mikrokosmos, Czerny, Kabalevsky, Burgmuller's 24 Etudes, duets and various other literature as appropriate. Improvisational skills may also be taught. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Fiddle French Horn Electric Guitar

For beginning students, I try to figure out what if any familiarity with the instrument or connected genres the student already has and plan to orient lessons around that. If they're absolute beginners with no specific interests yet, as is often the case with children, I focus on teaching fundamentals of the instrument's technique, music theory relevant to reading sheet music and understanding scales, keys, and time signatures. If it seems like it would help I'd move on to the Suzuki method or at least to simple songs and etudes. Read More