Music Lessons in Rio Vista, CA

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginner students who are children (or for students who are looking for a more traditional curriculum involving reading standard notation), I typically begin with Hal Leonard's Guitar Method books to develop a foundation and familiarity with reading notes and handling the instrument with correct posture and technique. For students who simply want to play the music they enjoy and prefer using tab over standard notation, I like to jump right in by learning first-position chords, which is usually followed by common finger-picking patterns/strumming patterns, and playing songs of the student's preference. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginners who are young children under 7 years of age, I always start with Bastien Piano Basics Primer A together with the theory book primer A then Primer B (piano and theory). Once the student has progressed to gain fundamentals I introduce Alfred’s Basic piano Library Prep Course with the theory book as well. Some students start from B but most of them start level C depending on their ability. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When I first meet a student I ask them to tell me what kinds of music they love to listen to and what strikes a chord in them about this particular music. Then I assess their level, if they have played for awhile. If they are a beginner, I start with correct posture, hand position, and elbow position as these are very important ergonomic considerations any of which can cause stress on the joints and additional tension in both the hands and wrists. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I began instructing young adults in harmony, theory and piano when I was nineteen in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. After high school, I began putting my poetry to music and this led to a move to California to try and make it as a songwriter. I played with several music acts in the Bay Area, toured the east coast and Midwest, and wrote music for the theater, notably an original score for Bertolt Brecht's Caucasian Chalk Circle. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

Stiffness is the enemy of piano playing and it can also cause harm to tendons, ligaments, etc.... I always give exercises to illustrate the different "touches" (finger dexterity, legato, staccato, singing-tone, octaves, etc...) used in playing the piano. It is also very important to have a good sense of musical style - baroque, classical, romantic, modern, etc... I focus on being as true as possible in honoring what I believe to be the wishes of the composer. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I teach many odd time signatures, four way independence. I teach out of the most educated drum books that all of the great drummers have studied. I also encourage my students all of the great drummers on recordings and videos. Here are the books that I use: Here are some important books: a) Louis Bellson's Snare drum book; b) Gene Krupa, Cozy Cole Sensational Drum Book; c) Jim Chapin's Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer; d) Ultimate encyclopedia for the drum set; e) George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students who are children, I introduce theory, rhythm, as well as the instrument to give them a basic understanding of all of the aspects of music. Once the students has a basic grasp of the fundamentals, we will learn songs appropriate for their level. For adult students, I try to teach based on their interests, choose appropriate repertoire and help them meet and accomplish their own goals. The most important is that the students are enjoying themselves and learning - my main goal is to help the students succeed. Read More