Music Lessons in Encinitas, CA

Instruments: Guitar

I start out my beginning Guitar students learning the "open string chords" - I teach my students how to tune their guitars in addition to identifying the note names of each open string - I teach my students "chord progressions" (using the "open string chords") - I get my students playing songs as quickly as possible - i ask my students "what songs they would like to learn?" and proceed to teach them those songs - After my students have learned the "open string chords", i progress to teaching them "barre chords" - I teach my students how to use a "capo" Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

As a music teacher I believe I have a responsibility to be your coach and your guide. I will take every step with you. My goal is to help you achieve your goals and give you all of the tools you need to grow as a musician. I love to reward my young students for their hard work and practicing. I give praise for every accomplishment and teach you about your mistakes to make them accomplishments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I use various methods and books depending on the style, age, ability etc. I always keep my eye out for new books and open to suggestions. A few examples. With classical guitar students who are over 10 yo I prefer to use Christopher Parkening Guitar Method and Frederick Noad "Solo Guitar Playing" The latter suits more mature (both mentally and physically) students. With younger guitar students , 6-9 yo, I usually start by using basic guitar methods such as Hal Leonard Essential elements or "Everybody's Guitar Method" and my own easy arrangements of popular songs before shifting to Parkening. Read More

Instruments: Voice

There are two major philosophies I've uncovered when teaching lessons. 1. The use of descending lines to erase the "break" in ones voice. Early while studying, myself, I was taught to sing ascending, trying to maintain the same sound - this is defeating. Rather, bringing the top down is the "way to go." 2. Keeping the sound forward makes changing from one vowel to another quite easy and palpable. We generally begin by humming, getting vibrations away from the throat and into the front of the mouth. Read More

Instruments: Drums

There is not a one-size fits all teaching method for beginners, or any playing level for that matter. Every student had different goals for what they want to play or what they want out of music in general. Bombarding a new student with drum rudiments and prescribed drum patterns (unless it is what they desire) can be very daunting and could lead a student to dislike drums or any instrument. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Music Acoustic Guitar

For my VOICE students, I believe in the 5 steps method. This consists in 1. Relaxing, 2. Breathing, 3. Vocalization, also known as Vocal Warm-Ups, 4. Sol-fa, 5. Song Preparation. My voice students know that their voices is the only instrument that cannot be bought and replaced, and for that reason, we all need to take good care of it and educate it so it lasts forever. For my GUITAR students, I start with left and right hand exercises so the fingers get articulated and well trained. Read More