Music Lessons in Mentone, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with the Suzuki Violin Method (Viola version available) with occasional ear training with the piano with the Kodaly method. For intermediate and advanced students, I introduce a variety of etudes, scale books, and solo repertoire, e.g. Carl Flesch, Kreutzer, Mazas, Dont, Dounis, and Unaccompanied Bach, etc. For viola students or violinists who are looking into doubling the viola, I introduce many techniques including Karen Tuttle and Primrose Scales to help along with the transition. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Clarinet

I have the goal of helping students look at music the way I do: with passion and inspiration. I encourage students to open their minds and set goals for themselves. For example, I would ask them the question, "By playing music, what do you want to accomplish?" I have asked this question to myself many times throughout my life thus far, and it has worked because I have accomplished so much. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Electric Violin Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Most of all I enjoy sewing the seed of passion that I received when I began playing my first guitar at the age of 8, and nurturing that which has brought me to love and enjoy the music I experience everyday of my life. I hope that everyone of my students gets out of the each lesson exactly what they came for and more. Whether you are looking for a hobby, trying to reach mastery, or just want to learn a few tunes for a loved one, I want to focus the lesson to your desire. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I'm not a knuckle-rapping authoritarian. I find that casual and fun lessons amount to greater and faster improvement. I encourage instead of discourage and I love to watch the improvements come. I can't promise big venue tours but I can promise happy improvement. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My primary goal is to fill the student with the love of guitar and the passion to continue and grow. This is accomplished by continuing to challenge the student while keeping the process as interesting and fun as possible. I encourage the student to choose songs they want to work on rather than my dictating the music. This keeps it fun and interesting, and sometimes presents a challenge for me if their tastes are a little eclectic. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Topics For Beginners May Include: - Fundamentals of music (pitch, rhythm, notation, etc) - How to read music - Ear training - Body position/relaxation - Left- and right-hand technique - Concepts of meter and time feel - Scale/chord theory - Standard songs and repertoire (that you prefer) For Intermediate and Advanced Players: - Concepts and methods of improvisation - Modal theory - Advanced chord/scale relationships and exercises - Odd meters or time signatures - Transcription exercises - Creating individuality as a player and developing an individual sound and approach -Advanced Guitar Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Double Bass Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginners, I start with the basics. I will show the student the anatomy of the guitar or bass and how to care for it. After that, I will begin to teach basic techniques. I will show how to pluck the strings and fret the notes. Once the student has a grasp of those concepts, I will teach them basic chords and scales. I will also teach the student how to sight read because in my opinion it is one of the greatest skills a musician needs. Read More