Music Lessons in Saint Helena, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always say that rhythm is more important than the notes. Play the right rhythm and the notes will come instead of playing every right note while sacrificing rhythm. I encourage students to make their mistakes loud, proud, and in rhythm so everyone has a better idea of what needs to be worked on most. I also emphasize isolating parts to practice and working backwards. Example: play the last two bars of the song until comfortable with it, now play the last 4 bars, last 6, last 8...etc., whole song. Read More

Instruments: Voice

My lessons are highly individualized and directed to the musical level of my students. My students always comment that my patience, passion and honesty help them achieve singing and performing levels that they never imagined possible. I start every new student with an honest appraisal of their starting point as well as their potential. I am very outgoing and try to understand fully each students aspirations and dedication, which is quite important. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For the last 15 years, my teaching has focusing on two parts: highly advanced students from music schools, and amatuear students age from 4-76. I have worked in many music schools teaching piano major and minor students preparing for professional performance careers. Including broad selections for repertoire, constant developing of finger strength and technique, preparing for competitions, auditions, and performances. I've taught in these music schools including 2 elementary, 3 middle, 4 high schools, and 2 music departments of universities. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Electric Guitar

Most of my curriculum will be based around what you'd like to do. For example, if you'd like to get into the start of great electric bass playing, we can cover Larry Graham, James Jamerson, Chuck Rainey, and all the intricacies of the lines that they made. And if you'd like to learn how to keep up with 16th note double bass at 280bpm or higher, I can show you that too! Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Music

During my entire career, I have worked as a private teacher of Clarinet and Saxophone, with people from all ages, 10 to 60. In 2011, I also worked as a Clarinet and Saxophone teacher for Altamira School, a private school in Santiago, Chile. I have Classical, Jazz and Latin-American music experience; learning, performing, recording and teaching. I developed my career as a musician in Chile as a Saxophone and Clarinet player, performing with many different styles of bands and orchestras, so I have experience playing Jazz, Latin Jazz, Blues, Funk, Afro Beat, Salsa (Son, Rumba, Mambo, etc), Bossa Nova, Samba, Tango, etc.  I also Performed, Collaborated and Recorded with: La Pozze Latina, Irazú Big Band, Gitano, Carlos Cabezas, Tonino Carotone, Luis Jara, Leo Quinteros, Gonzales y los Asistentes and Benjamín Lechuga. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I am a dedicated teacher who plans his lessons individually for each student, based on their current level, needs, and interests. My emphasis is on making practicing fun while keeping the lessons challenging. I don't have a one-size-fits-all approach. I do not want to bore my students, or insist on working on music they don't enjoy. Also, one approach that works for student A might not work for student B, so I am flexible and happy to explain things from different angles, as many times as it takes for the student to fully understand the topic. Read More