Music Lessons in Blossom Valley, CA

Instruments: Voice

My passion for music stretches beyond performance and into my teaching. It is important that I share with others what I have learned through my own experiences, both as a student and a teacher. Developing the art of music can be one of the most rewarding experiences! It is my goal to work closely with each student so we work together to approach the style of learning that works best for them. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Opera Academy of CaliforniaJuly, 2011Role: Nella, Gianni Schicchi by G. PucciniVenue: Southside Theater, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, CADuquesne University, Mary Pappert School of MusicApril 2012Role: Amy, Little Women by Mark AdamoVenue: PNC Recital Hall, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PANovember, 2011Concert: M.M. Recital, "You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman: Pastoral Reflections by Passionate Women"Venue: PNC Recital Hall, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA... And many more! Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Keyboard

Octavio M. is a Venezuelan-American cellist with an impressive background in performance and teaching. He recently earned his Master's Degree Diploma from The San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Octavio has won several awards, including the Latin Grammy Foundation Scholarship, The Blair Scholarship, Barron String Orchestral Scholarship, and the William E. Duckwitz Talent Scholarship. He has performed as a soloist with the SFCM Baroque Ensemble, the Simon Bolivar Orchestra of Tachira, and the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium

I really value input from all of my students no matter what age. This keeps our lessons fun and challenging. It is very important that each student sets their own goals to reach at the end of each lesson to achieve for the next week. I am a big advocate of positive reinforcement. For my younger trumpeters I like to use stickers and to play fun duets whenever they achieve their goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

Especially for young people, maintaining interest and ensuring that they continue to see the value of their musical education is essential. I remember a very frank conversation with my mother when at 13 I wanted to give up music to play football, and I blame that on the style of teaching I was receiving. Whilst there is stuff not to like about instrumental learning - for some it's scales, for me it was sight reading - the satisfaction comes from masterng these challenges, and if we can keep these short and long term goals relevant to the student, getting the practice hours done may be a litte easier on everyone! Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Music Keyboard

We then set about drawing up a practice routine, specific to that student. The practice routine is a set of 3-5 exercises taken from my library music books that will each touch on an area or skill that the student needs to work on. The routine will end with a song or piece of music for the student to read and practice. The student will practice this routine daily and the following week the student and I will sit down and play through the routine together. Read More