Music Lessons in Newport Beach, CA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I'm very goal oriented with my students and flexible with their development. It is important to progress but also to take account of small achivements as much as large ones. Learning music is fun and the process should be fun through and through. Always emphasizing the positive aspects of a students performance and capabilities ensures a pleasant and fun experience for all involved. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

I believe that every student learns differently and at different levels. I also know that you get out of lessons what you put into them so I require that students practice at home in addition to their weekly lessons. I have recitals twice a year and I believe that being able to play in a group setting and having a goal of performing really gives students the motivation to practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I spend a couple of minutes every week quizzing them on their keyboard note identification until this has become a solid foundation for them. For additional practise, I have them colour in worksheets in addition to the quizzing. We also play the keyboard race game which is always a hit with students. A number of my new students in this age category are transfer students who have been learning for some time and are reading music notation in their method books, despite having significant trouble identifying notes on the keyboard quickly. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

For beginning students, I like to teach simple and fun tunes that get them excited. I focus on single-note licks/melodies, and will gradually add open-chord progressions and songs to the curriculum. It's best to practice everyday even for 5-10 minutes, rather than every other day or few days for a longer period in my opinion. Once they start improving, I'll gradually teach more challenging songs that'll keep them engaged, but not overwhelmed. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

My lessons are based on 3 different approaches. The first is the understanding of the essential rudiments for drumming. These help to instill all of the basics and the foundation of drumming. The second is utilizing the collegial based learning systems. These include instruction in many genres, dynamics, appropriate context, and practical application of drumming. Lastly, I identify both the specific individual goals and the strengths and weaknesses of that specific student. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I've found that keeping an open mind about methods is really helpful when dealing with beginning students, young and old. I've tought from various method series including Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, Emily Wright's A Modern Cellist's Manual, Muller Rusch, and more. While I'm not a certifited Suzuki instructor, I do teach from the Suzuki method when students or parents request it. What's important is matching the right method to the right student which I tend to determine at our initial lesson. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning and intermediate guitar students, I typically use Hal Leonard's Guitar Method Complete Edition by Will Schmid and Greg Koch. This book will cover technique, music notation, theory, repertoire, fingerboard knowledge and music fundamentals. It works for children and adults. For beginning students who are learning classical guitar, I use the Aaron Shearer's method which includes detailed lessons on theory, form, fingering, technique, sight-reading, and etc. Nevertheless, I usually use many other books for guitar lessons since I always take into consideration the needs and goals of my students. Read More