Music Lessons in Ontario, CA

Instruments: Drums

For beginning students who are young, I usually start with just a snare drum. Learning stick holding and striking technique, and then move onto adding pieces of the drumset to play on. From there, I go onto introducing learning note values, and drum music reading. For adults, I may start the same way, but also discuss what they would like to focus on. I really like to imply the fundamentals of contemporary music, and what is typically used on well known recordings. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I absolutely love seeing the look on a students face when they are happy with what they are playing or learning. There is nothing that makes me more proud than to see my student improve and look back at how much progress they have made since they started. It's extremely important that I help my students move at a pace that they want to move at. I know that giving a student praise for doing an exceptional job is important when progressing, however, giving constructive criticism is also very important. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I want to make sure that I foster a love and enjoyment for music in my students. Fun is the best motivator and practice is key so I hope to present my lessons in a way that makes practice an enjoyable part of the process. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students so that it feels like they are making good progress. I am never rigid in my teaching style, however! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Ukulele

My teaching style is goal-oriented and centers on positive reinforcement. This should be fun, not a chore. I love creating weekly/monthly/yearly goals so the student has something tangible to work towards. That might be a showcase for parents, a more formal recital, or an audition for a group! Each student brings a unique perspective to the lesson room, which is what makes it so exciting for me. No two students are the same, which mean I can learn something from the student as well. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Lap Steel Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I find a balanced approach to studying technique, sight reading, theory and the students favorite songs to be the best recipe for keeping motivated and engaged. Beginning students will use Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method (Book 1) to get into the basics of these elements down, while learning basic voicings of the most common chords that will allow them to dive into playing some of their favorite songs almost immediately.  Lessons for more advanced students will be tailored to their individual needs, and can cover anything from improvising, to songwriting to learning complicated solos and advanced guitar techniques. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Fiddle

I have taught beginning violin using many different methods and books, including but not limited to the Suzuki Method, Essential Elements for Strings, and All For Strings books. However, I have found that the best way to engage students and maintain progress is not to keep too strictly to any one method, but to find what best suits each individual. I also incorporate a mix of transcribed fiddle tunes and/or popular music pieces to provide variety and keep the material fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano

Music has been a driving force in my life since I was a child. I began playing the piano at age seven. As a teenager, I studied classical piano in Long Beach, California with noted piano pedagogue, Joanna Hodges. As a student at UCLA, I continued my piano studies with pianist/personality Mona Golabek. I received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition from UCLA. My professional life in Hollywood has been devoted to working in films and TV as a composer. Read More