Music Lessons in Hidden Hills, CA

Instruments: Piano Violin

I try to relate the student's study of their instrument to their school work and what music they might be studying in school or encountering in their daily lives.  With adults it is important to discover what other music lessons they have had and what their experiences with music have been. During lessons I give much attention to detail and attempt to balance discipline with the student's enjoyment of the experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I am a musician, singer-songwriter, composer with a Master of Fine Arts in music from the California Institute of the Arts, specialization Performer-Composer and a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from the University of California, Los Angeles. I have been composing and performing music for most of my life and enjoy connecting with all students at all levels and ages. I believe that each of us have different paths and experiences that lead us to expressing ourselves artistically. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

For young students in first through sixth grade, I start them with the "Rubank Elementary Method for Trumpet or Cornet." Once the student feels comfortable with the basics out of that book, I will introduce recognizable solo repertoire and the Fundamentals for Brass Book by William BIng, which has a focus on fundamental control of the Trumpet. For students in middle school and high school, I will ask them to play and make and assessment based on what I feel will benefit the student the most. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Mallet Percussion

I cannot stress enough the respect I have for each student's learning style and play, and I put a lot of effort into understanding each students individuality.  We're not making fast food, here! That said, I have some basic books I've been working out of for years.  For younger students I work with a couple things including the Alfred Drum Method and the Bastien books, as well as very simple ear training games and things like 5 finger scales. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe English Horn Acoustic Guitar

Music is experienced ears-first, and that's how I prefer to teach. I certainly teach everyone to read music if they don't already know how, but I really like to help people hear the music they want to make. This is done through listening assignments, playing with my students during lessons, some music memorization, and singing. I also incorporate a lot of improvisation games to get students making sounds pressure-free and help them access their inner expressive voice. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Prior to making the transition to a full time musician, I was a swim and surf instructor for children and adults! This experience greatly prepared me for teaching music. I learned a lot about patience, communication, and having fun which is what I've been incorporating into my 3 years of teaching drums and percussion. I also have experience with different age groups, cultural backgrounds, and children with disabilities. I've taught children age 5 up to 17, I have basic conversational French and Spanish speaking skills, and I have experience with children with Autism, Aspergers, Down Syndrome and ADHD. Read More

Instruments: Drums

The most important aspect, in my eyes, for developing as a drummer, is having an authentic and convincing 'feel.' To achieve this, one must have strong fundmental skills as regards technique, co-ordination, and time. My methodological approach therefore focusess strongly on technical development, musicality, in addition to numerous genre oriented developmental methods aimed to develop the drummer in areas of rock, jazz, latin, odd meter, etc. I also encourage artistic appreciation of the drummers and musicians/groups that have paved the historical trajectory from roots to modern, with regard to particular genres. Read More