510-240-5040
Musika Quick Stats
25 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
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510-240-5040
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Music lessons in Oakland . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet
My experience in teaching is not only in the musical aspect. I was also a Spanish teacher for Centro Latino in Berkeley. Teaching music is like teaching another languages. In my specialties, clarinet and saxophone, the pause, breathing and acentuation have a very important part in phrasing the notes. The melody should flow "as we speak", in a normal way and with the right entonation. I have two children who are also musicians, an 11 year old daughter and a 13 year old son. Read More
Instruments: Cello
I am the cello professor at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, but enjoy a teaching studio in and around Palo Alto. I began teaching in 2015, and have taught over a hundred cellists in-person and online. As a lover of chamber music, I teach Cello Ensemble and Chamber Music at Cal Poly, and also coach ensembles locally. I enjoy teaching a wide range of ages and skill levels, but particularly enjoy adult students and high level high school that are interested in double majoring or minoring in music in college. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice
I started teaching my Sophomore Year while studying music in college and have loved it ever since. I enjoy finding out how my teaching methods can fit with one's personality and watching people grow throughout the years. I have kept students consistently for 2 years and each student is different and unique. Some of my students are doing certificate programs like ABRSM, while others are singing and playing piano simultaneously. Some of my students learn by ear and others are sight readers. Read More
Instruments: Drums
Teaches the fundamentals of music and fundamentals of percussion utilizing the drum kit, practice pad, audio/visual tools and text books; how to play basic, fundamental rhythms and patterns within different genres rock, blues, soul and Latin rhythms; teach music theory Students will gain the fundamental knowledge of drumming, coordination in their playing, acquire control, speed, touch, flexibility, power and be able to play on an advanced to professional level. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
All of my lessons are built around songs to teach technique and I add materials to teach theory and musicianship if the student wants and needs it. I always interview each student to find out their interests and desires and and build a custom curriculum eight lessons at a time to insure satisfaction and success on the students terms. I have student assessments at the end of each eight lessons block to make sure that the student knows how they have improved and where they need more work. Read More
Instruments: Piano Keyboard
When teaching piano I always start with this question: "Why are you taking piano lessons?". The answer is very important to me because it gives me an idea of how to approach the lessons. There are many different reasons for taking lessons and both student and teacher need to be clear on what purpose the lessons will serve. No matter the level I will always focus on playing in a relaxed and natural manner. Read More
Instruments: Piano Trombone
My teaching style is flexible. One of my teachers asked me up front how hard I wanted him to be on me and thats something we would go over as well. Its important I learn the personality and learning style of the student. Its important to establish a trust and understanding so as not to take criticisms personally so that we can develop weaknesses and build on strengths. Every musician has different strengths and weaknesses my goal is to help them achieve their best musical self to grow their confidence and be as fully realized as possible. Read More
Instruments: Drums Music
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My brother and I were the only musicians in our family. He is older than me, so I was exposed to music and the instruments that he played throughout my childhood. He played Sax, Accordion, Piano, and ultimately stuck with the guitar. In the sixties, he auditioned for Sha Na Na while attending Columbia University, but my parents would absolutely not allow him to join.
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
It sort of came with the territory for me. You work hard everyday, practicing, and playing with anyone who would have you, make a lot of mistakes along the way, apply course correction, and then repeat. Being a professional musician also applies to one's mindset. You van be good at something and sound great, call yourself a professional, but if it's not in your DNA, then it can become a constant struggle. Keep a positive attitude when you play. Don't look at it as work or a chore. If you love what you do for a living, then it's not work at all. You've arrived!
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Blues, Rock and Jazz Fusion are my favorite styles. These musical genres are challenging and provides an opportunity to play odd time signatures and polyrhythms that build up your skillset as a player that you will find yourself incorporating into your playing.
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
Rhythm Guitar
Piano
Bass Guitar
My older brother played the guitar as his primary instrument and taught me the basics when I was 9 years old. He auditioned for Sha Na Na in the late sixties.
My daughter is a trained classical pianist and I took piano lessons from her for 5 years. This improved my ability to sight read music on a completely different level than drums.
I took up the Bass guitar about 5 years ago.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
For me, I dedicate 45-60 minutes everyday to practice. I warm-up on the practice pad for 20 minutes moving through rudiments, looping exercises, method books, and a variety of etudes, etc. After the practice pad, I move to the drum set and go through variations in the Ted Reed Syncopation book, as well apply snare drum lessons to the drum kit. Then to top off the session, I play along to (and record) a number of Jazz Fusion tracks, classic Rock, Country, Latin, and Blues, and World music.
I record everything I do so I can listen back with a critical ear to identify my trouble spots and then make it a priority to hit those elements hard over the next few practice sessions.
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I dream to master anything performed by Dave Weckl. Dave is a highly capable and technical drummer with a great feel. But his ability to shift and displace notes and beats is hard to copy. I always get a great workout practicing his music.
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
If I wasn't a musician, I would be a music producer and a recording studio engineer. I was a recording studio and radio engineering in my twenties, and that experience taught me about acoustics, dynamics, mixing consoles, microphones, effects, and processors that I still incorporate in my life as a musician to this day.
25 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Music lessons in Oakland to students of all ages and abilities.
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