Music Lessons in Duarte, CA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I meet you where you are at as a student and go from there. I like to teach methodically, building on new skills each lesson as building blocks towards bigger goals. I assign brief, targeted technical exercises as a venue to work on foundational technical skills, and incorporate these skills as much as possible into musical application. The ultimate goal is to play music and have fun, so technical practice will always be in service of playing the music you want to play. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I first like to learn a bit about each student and what their goals are on the instrument. Knowing whether or not someone as musical career goals vs. just being able to have fun playing is important! For beginners I general start with a bit of the basics - how the guitar works and how to start fretting notes and making some noise, and then begin moving towards easier or simplified versions of popular songs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Every person is different as every student is different, so I make a point to cater to the individual and not get locked into an umbrella method of teaching. I make myself available to each student to ask questions and get the most information out of whatever subject we might be discussing/learning. I make sure that each students needs get met by determining on day 1 of lessons what they want to get out of music and the instrument they are learning. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have been teaching Guitar for over 40 years - I am proficient at both Acoustic & Electric Guitar playing - I have performed and recorded with the Guitar professionally as both a solo artist and as the leader of and a sideman in several musical projects over the years - I have performed at both private & public events for over 40 years and continue to do so to this day - I specialize in the Americana, Blues, Country, Folk & Rock musical genres - I possess a keen sense of pitch and rhythm and have been blessed with excellent ear - I have a very strong Music Theory foundation, but, do not focus on "sight-reading", per se - I currently lead my own band, the "KBCE", performing an eclectic mix of Celtic, Folk & Americana music Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Recorder

To witness students making progress and share their passion for music is quite rewarding. I love to see how teaching music can also affect students in their personal lives. Some teaching methods can be translated to everyday life challenges. From my experience, learning an instrument or music, in general, can help tremendously to deal with day-to-day struggles or even mental state. It can help to deal with depression or ease some pain related to difficulties in their personal lives. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

For beginners, I will start with no sticks in the hands at all! Just tapping on your legs with your hands and getting all of the limbs to work together is hard enough! Then we will put sticks in your hands and learn technique, and finally introduce reading music. One step at a time is the best as to not overwhelm the student. Reading music is an essential element to my teaching style and is a huge advantage when learning an instrument. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music

For students who are just starting out and happen to be children, I typically employ a teaching approach that begins with the acclaimed Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. This comprehensive method lays a solid foundation by covering the essential musical fundamentals. Once a young student has gained a firm grasp of these basics, it's an exciting juncture where I can start introducing them to a repertoire that's tailored to their level of advancement, all in preparation for their very first recital. Read More