Music Lessons in Piedmont, CA

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

Teaching drums the past ten years has exposed me to over 100 students of all skill levels, beginner to advanced, and all ages. My passion for teaching goes well beyond the limits of music and toward the fulfillment of personal development and success of each student. This approach, directly influenced by my experience working with children with developmental disabilities, demands thoughtfulness, customizing a vision that best fits the needs and skill set of the individual. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I grew up in a household full of music. My Dad loved jazz while my Mother loved opera and classical music. They constantly played their respective recordings throughout the day. I began guitar lessons at 9 with a music teacher in the neighborhood who had a good reputation. However, I found his teaching style to be lacking warmth or any specific direction. So I quit and began teaching myself by learning melodies and chords from rock, pop and jazz recordings. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium

I have taught private trombone lessons while I was attending University of North Texas and taught trombone and piano for another private music company. I make sure to keep active on my trombone by playing in as many bands as possible and encourage my students to do the same. I want to pass on the excitement that I have enjoyed on the trombone to my students and use that as encouragement to practice often to get that much better. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginners, my method is simple. To be able to read music is important to me. Therefore, I teach them to read notes, count, hand and finger positions. For advanced students, I will focus on teaching them to interpret a piece rather than copying from others. I will motivate the students to feel the piece so that they can play it easily and genuinely. Above all, all my students have to be able to read music fluently. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I preach the fundamentals, from building tone to gaining proficiency in theory. I will show my students long tone exercises to develop their sound, scales and arpeggios to develop their technique, sight-reading sheet music, and much more. I encourage my students to explore the genres that fascinate them. For example, if they wish to learn jazz, then I will help them learn standards, transcribe solos, and read chord changes, as well as gain an ability to improvise. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My wife Chappell and I collaborate on composing, recording, and performance. After a full time music adventure, I followed the muse of story-telling and poetry to San Francisco State University’s Creative Writing program (B.A. ‘93, M.A. ‘95). My goal as a teacher is to help the student achieve what they desire in their piano playing, to grow their love of music, to awaken the joy of creative expression and appreciation for beauty. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

I begin teaching from piano books published by Alfred. I also have the student learn their scales as well as give a weekly written music theory assignment. I incorporate styles and songs the student enjoys listening to or playing as well. I like to teach classical music. With this foundation, ALL other music is much easier to play, and helps tremendously with their sight reading skills. Performance recitals are recommended, but not required. Read More