Music Lessons in Portola Valley, CA

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have performed dozens of shows with big bands, jazz combos, rock bands, and choirs. I have recorded both professionally and in my own practice space. I have experience teaching young children percussion, as well as general teaching experience with children ages 3-8. I love setting a good example for young people and sharing my love of music with them. As an intelligent, hard-working, and personable young man, I believe I am well-equipped to the task of instruction. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I started and loved to play the guitar since when I was 12 years old. I started out by self teaching myself how to play the style called "Finger-Style" on the steel string acoustic guitar and posted videos of myself playing this style on the instrument on YouTube. I was able to progress fast by posting videos consistently, and I had collected a big following as well. After a few years, my interest and love had grown for the classical nylon strung guitar and I continued to pursue it in a collegiate level. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I emphasize technique for beginning students. I call attention to hand and finger control, and offer a number of exercises develop the muscles needed to play fluidly. I teach a few levels of the rudiments, and show students the opening pages of the famous George Stone book, Stick Control for the Modern Drummer. From there, I work with students on drum rolls, groves and fills. My approach to drumming is to be as innovative as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Euphonium Tuba Keyboard

I have been teaching music for 8 years now. My experience includes wind ensembles, jazz orchestras, jazz combos, and chamber groups. I currently hold a position at Chabot Community as the Low Brass Instructor and Jazz Trombone Instructor. I teach all ages ranging from elementary school all the way up to the collegiate level. I currently work for notable organizations such as the Stanford Jazz Workshop where I mentor various junior high to high school aged students who are part of an all-star auction based ensemble. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

I'm a multi-instrumentalist, improvisor, composer and educator who takes great joy in teaching and sharing music with people of all ages. I've been deeply fortunate to have studied closely with multiple master musicians of various traditions. Perhaps the teacher who has had the deepest impact on my teaching methods is W.A. Mathieu, former arranger and bandmember of the Duke Ellington and Stan Kenton orchestras. I studied with Mathieu for three years. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

My teaching philosophy is student centered. I realize that every student is different in their physical or mental capabilities; that each student has different expectations with their relationship to music and with themselves; and that each student has their own strengths, insecurities, and pace of learning. Focusing on what makes each student different and unique is what guides how I teach each student. For example, I've had a handful of students with autism who had limited verbal capabilities. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I tailor my lessons to each students' individual needs. I have found the Hal Leonard Beginner Guitar Method Book to be a great introduction to guitar. I also create charts and diagrams tailored to the interests of my specific students. I teach my students how to read and write their own music. Nothing is more helpful than learning how to transcribe their favorite songs. You'll learn how to read, write, compose, analyze, transcribe - but most importantlyl - love playing guitar! Read More