Music Lessons in Nicasio, CA

Instruments: Flute

I do not believe in a uniform approach for each person. Being in the right environment means everything for someone who is about to begin learning an instrument, be it his or her first encounter or not. This will manifest differently for each person. First impressions do mean everything in this case and that is why I am proud to say that anyone who has ever formally or informally attempted to find their embouchure with me or in front of me succeeded to find their voice. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I teach all levels and use a wide variety of methods for teaching, matching the students with what is most effective for their learning style and goals. I typically teach one-on-one with the student in my home office, giving vocal coaching and singing lessonsn lessons for children, adults, individuals and small groups; beginning or advanced levels. Students always love being in my class as I teach with patience and understanding, but have clear expectations about the proper way to sing and perform by creating a personalized lesson plan tailored to your needs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice

I have always loved music and have sung many kinds of music throughout my life from choral and musical theater to folk, jazz, and even opera. I learned to play several instruments along the way but came to playing guitar as my primary instrument because of its versatility and portability. My clear tenor voice led to my becoming a member of two nationally known folk groups that toured the U.S. and Japan. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Technique: grip, stroke methods, posture, symmetry, breathing, set up. Rudiments: with and without metronome, increasing tempo by 5 bpm, great way to warm up for any lesson. Beats/Rhythms/Styles: rock, pop, jazz, funk, hip hop, reggae, Arab, African + more. Genre/style identifiers and characteristics. Independence: hands and feet exercises for fluidity and freedom of expression. Orchestration and Arrangement: utilizing the variety of percussion instruments available at the studio to demonstrate rhythms and sounds. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

I am motivated to teach students all aspects of music. Each lesson focuses on scales and exercises, performance pieces, and musical creation. I graduated from St. Mary's college in 2006 with a BA of performing arts. I am currently playing with the Walnut Creek Concert Band and The Community Womens Orchestra. I have had the opportunity to play with Awesome Orchestra, Dirty Cello, a Prince cover band and many other jazz and classical groups. 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: Trumpet

I have about 1 year of teaching experience, but as a recent college graduate I believe that I have a lot to offer musically. I enjoy passing on the knowledge that I have gained throughout the years, and as someone who has studied with many incredible private teachers I think I now have a great deal to bring to the table for students of any level. I encourage consistent practice, as well as a strong emphasis on technique. Read More