Music Lessons in Blossom Valley, CA

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

This can be done in any style, including Funk, Jazz, Rock, Metal, Pop, RnB, Soul, Reggae, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, other Caribbean and Latin styles, and others. For my lessons, I use a mixture of books and my own exercises, tailored to the student's exact needs. Books I work with include: Ted Reed "Syncopation"; George Lawrence Stone "Stick Control"; Gary Chester "New Breed"; Fred Klatz "In Time"; Peter Retzlaff "Baby Steps to Giant Steps"; 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: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching experience goes back to college, i taught private lessons as well as large ensembles and small ensembles at local high schools. I have traveled with a non for profit around the world working in poorer communities giving children a chance to experience playing and learning about music. My students have received top honors in middle school, and high school as well as some of them receiving scholarships from Universities. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students, I choose Alfred's Basic Piano Library and Faber Piano Adventures, and other brands/materials that fits the need of the student. I often made teaching materials myself, as well as writing music for my students. The most important thing for beginners are keeping interest and correct postures. Starting from songs the student recognize usually helps. For advance students, I usually recommend repertoire covering all 4 classical periods, plus etudes and finger trainings. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I have been teaching for over 20 years. I have been teaching a guitar class at UCSC for 8 years. I have also taught group classes through the City of Santa Cruz Parks Rec Department and at Cypress High School. I have also given private lessons on guitar, bass, mandolin, drums and piano. I have also been a guest lecturer at two music classes at UCSC (Music Business and Music of the Grateful Dead). Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students, I use the Piano Adventure Series by Nancy Faber and Randall Faber. I also use the A Thousand Stories for a Little Pianist by Katrin Arefy. My special methods in teaching young students include stories, easy duets, and singing familiar folk songs. For intermediate level students, I use different method books according to the student's interests. However, I encourage them to play Classical music, which is very useful in developing good techniques in piano playing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I prefer to let the student's personality and general skill level dictate the pace and style in which I teach. The greatest detriment to a student's progress is a lack of interest, so I try to give the students as much say as possible when deciding what piece of music they will be learning. Every student develops their skills at their own pace, so my key concern is keeping the students motivated and interested in everything we do during our lessons. Read More