Music Lessons in Kenwood, CA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

One of the many things I learned that will always be a part of my approach to teaching music is how jamming or having a conversation with expert musicians is the most fundamental and important way to learn how to develop your voice and technique on your instrument. My approach at my studio is designed to allow students the opportunity to jam and learn. Making music can and should be as fun as learning to speak for the first time. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I couldn't imagine my life without teaching. To nurture a love for music in another, especially a child, is a gift I would not give up. I strive to find the correct balance of technique and performance, practice and play, focus and fun for each of my students. Every one of them comes to me with different skills, ambitions, and needs; building honest, open relationships with student, parent, and teacher is essential to meeting those needs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I am open to suggestions and, of course, any kind of music or songs the student brings to the lessons and has questions about. Regardless of the student's skill level and age, I meet them wherever they are at, and help them progress and take the steps necessary to improve their playing. If the lessons are held at my space, I use two drum sets for teaching. This is more fun for both sides! Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I like to ground my teaching in a line my own teacher, Carey Bell, often told me-- "if you make a mistake, no one dies!" Music is a challenging discipline in every respect, so I encourage my students to approach it from as positive and joyful a place as possible where mistakes are not a failure but simply a sign that further work needs to be done. Achievement in performance is only rewarding when the student takes ownership of their playing, so I do everything I can to allow clarinet to be a real and positive presence in my students' lives. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice

Teaching people what they want to know and feeding their enthusiasm has been the best thing about teaching for me. Understanding what a student already knows, seeing where there may be gaps to fill and what new material they are ready for makes it a exciting experience for both the student and me. Using material that interests them and moving ahead in a way that encourages and rewards their effort gives them a true sense of accomplishment and heightens their enjoyment of the lessons and their own improved ability. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with some basic chords and scales. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Ukulele Music Keyboard

Hi! My name is Willa, and I've been teaching music for twelve years! I began learning piano at age four, and it became a deeper and deeper passion as the years passed. I dedicated myself to my craft and went on to become a Perry & Walters Music Foundation Scholar, attending Harding University and graduating Cum Laude with my BA in Music (emphasis in piano). I taught for a time in Searcy, (privately, and with the Searcy Community School of Music) and started a weekly music therapy program at a school for kids with mental and physical disabilities (The Sunshine School). Read More