Music Lessons in Castro Valley, CA

Instruments: Drums

I am super passionate about drumming and it is important that lessons are fun and engaging. I like to mix up the content of the class and am flexible as to the student's objectives and needs. I like to talk in terms of concepts and approach to drumming, both mentally and physically, in order to visualize and simplify ideas. I am quite detail oriented when it comes to foundational technique with a strong belief that understanding rhythmic relations and styles is key to significantly faster improvement. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Keyboard

At the age of 23, I traveled to the U.S.A. and studied Afro-Beat rhythms along with other African beats. Back in Chile I became a member of many different bands such as Uruz, Trboles, Avioneta, The Zulus Casi Famosos, and began my career as a Musician, Event Producer. I develop a great interest in sounds and Synthesizers. In 2010 I starts Armando Jarana Production Company participating in more than 200 live shows. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Rostropovich, V. Saradjan. I also worked in various orchestras for special presentations in the state of Colima, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Morelos, Mexico and California, Kansas and Texas, US. As an educator, I have had the opportunity to work with kids from 4 years old and up to adults at any age. Teaching in music Theory and specialty instruments like the violin, viola and piano. I have experience in both public and private schools and after school programs from Kinder levels to College and Masters Programs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When I first meet a student I ask them to tell me what kinds of music they love to listen to and what strikes a chord in them about this particular music. Then I assess their level, if they have played for awhile. If they are a beginner, I start with correct posture, hand position, and elbow position as these are very important ergonomic considerations any of which can cause stress on the joints and additional tension in both the hands and wrists. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

Throughout my years in Colorado, I worked several years as a volunteer music teacher assistant. During this time, I worked with children from as little as preschool all the way up to 7th graders and got them engaged in a musical environment. After this, I began teaching private piano lessons to close individuals who wanted to introduced to the instrument. I find so much joy in engaging and motivating the students and I am very excited to continue teaching more students in the bay area. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

If you are beginning and are a child, then Hal Leonard's Essential Elements is a very general and safe place to start. I firmly believe that establishing a solid set of fundamentals is a great place to start. It is important to not lose motivation during this period, progress is rewarding and it gets even better! After a solid foundation is established fundamentally, the individual is opened into a musical world with limitless possibilities. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice

I have taught guitar throughout my career, working with beginners through advanced students, teaching both finger-style and flatpick techniques as well as why the chords fit together (music theory). I like to teach lessons that move step-by-step, with each lesson building on the one before, so that the student can see the improvement as they move ahead. I recently published the guitar instruction manual "Sounding Good on One Guitar". In college my singing won scholarships and awards where I helped singers develop character for their roles in opera productions. Read More