Music Lessons in Portola Valley, CA

Instruments: Voice Music

I was born with an "educator" mindset, and began teaching early on in my personal music studies. I began teaching about 10 years ago, in 2010, after getting into my undergraduate studies for music performance. I have taught all levels and in many different settings: To-date I have taught ages 6 through 65. I have taught in formal school system classrooms, private music studios, community centers and at a student's home. Everyone has a unique gift in music and I focus on honing this gift and letting it shine through. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Organ Synthesizer

Progress is made at the student's own pace. I try to set goals that are both far-reaching and realistic. Anything is possible if you don't give up too easily! I've used a variety of different lesson books in the past. It's important to note that the Bastien piano books, as well as the Clark, Faber, and Alfred methods all play to different strengths. Since different students respond better to different methods, I try to incorporate some variety which focuses on several concepts: developing ear-training (i.e. picking up melodies and chords from ear) as well as sight-reading, technique, and choosing interesting repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have found that this helps the student to progress more quickly and gain a true love of music. I also like to have my students work on a wide variety of repertoire, even if they would like to specialize in only one field. Coming from a liberal arts college,I find that having a specialty while also being well versed in other fields as well is important to a successful music study. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Euphonium Tuba Keyboard

I have been playing trombone since I was 10 years old and I haven't stopped since. I am involved in various groups throughout the SF Bay Area and I have experience in playing many different styles of music ranging from classical, RB, salsa, Latin Jazz, Jazz, rock, and many more. I have been teaching for about 3 years and I have been teaching at San Jose State University as a Jazz Big Band instructor. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is one of deep listening to the student in their musical process, and from this creating the conditions for them to expand into new dimensions of musicality. I am an expert in creative process, and love working with students especially on songwriting, composition, electronic music production, and other such creative domains. In addition, my professional work is focused on a leading edge of musical education that is just emerging and beginning to be understood: developing the listening faculty as a pathway to musical excellence; for as the perceptual foci is polished, so does the sensori-motor engagement discover new possibilities. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Music Keyboard

I am a professional musician who has been gracing the stages, classrooms, and homes of the San Francisco Bay Are for almost 20 years. I absolutely love music and the benefits it can bring to our lives. Whether I am on a stage bringing joy and good times to an audience or sitting one on one with a student helping them understand a tough musical concept, I bring the same passion and knowledge to the table. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students, I use the Piano Adventure Series by Nancy Faber and Randall Faber. I also use the A Thousand Stories for a Little Pianist by Katrin Arefy. My special methods in teaching young students include stories, easy duets, and singing familiar folk songs. For intermediate level students, I use different method books according to the student's interests. However, I encourage them to play Classical music, which is very useful in developing good techniques in piano playing. Read More