619-346-4546
Musika Quick Stats
25 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
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619-346-4546
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Music lessons in San Diego . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice
While performing, people would come up to me and ask me if I teach piano. I decided to begin teaching piano for a few students. Those students referred me to other potential piano students. Within a couple years I was teaching piano full time. A few years later, I began playing guitar and took lessons from many instructors. After playing guitar for a few years, as well as piano for 20 years, I considered those two instruments were the best two instruments in the world... Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Double Bass Keyboard
For my beginning piano students, I like to start with Alfreds performance books and music theory to help assist the note and music reading. My cello students that are still in the beginning stages I like to have using the Suzuki books to help work towards more advanced music and skills. My voice students are all very different so I shape our lesson methods based on what style of singing theyre interested in, but we always begin working on proper breathing and learning solfege. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Keyboard
While I understand that fundamentals are necessary and the need to learn and study the "how" and "why" of music is incredibly important, there is absolutely a place for popular music. I strive to create a fun and captivating setting for students that includes making connections between standard repertoire and modern popular music. Once I understand a students wants or needs I will be able to adjust my curriculum to better fit the specific needs of that student. Read More
Instruments: Trumpet
I am goal oriented in my own career, so I instill the same mindset in my students. At the beginning of each month, we will have a check-in to establish both short-term and long-term goals. The previous month’s goals will be analyzed and our approach going forward will adjust accordingly to continue our trajectory. Musicians need a reason to practice. That is why I encourage my students to seek out performance opportunities in their homes and out in public. Read More
Instruments: Voice
I began teaching voice students after grad school. I soon learned that students progress more quickly and with more confidence if they're given a program that was constructed just for THEM; so I teach each student with specific tasks and interests depending on their unique background. At the end of each lesson, I type out a summary of what we covered in the lesson, then some specifics about what to practice, for how long, and why. Read More
Instruments: Trombone
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I use specific methods such as etude books, and tuning drones. Arbans work well too, and just simple songs will always get the job done as well!
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Musicality (Phrasing). You need a sense of maturity to understand what makes something sound vocal. Everyone can master the technique, but it's especially unique to find someone who mastered the music.
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
It's a tie between winning my audition as 2nd trombonist with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and my first time subbing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Yes, one of my students won 1st place in a solo competition, and placed as the 1st (principal) trombonist in the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I had an i-SPY book with a page of all the brass instruments, and I like all of them very much, but I was really drawn to the trombone because of the slide. I was sold.
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I was always inspired myself, and i've know since I was young that I wanted to play the trombone. I did have MANY great teachers along the way that I can't thank enough.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Understand how you want to sound first, and then go as slowly as you need to, to achieve the sound you want. Remember to have fun as well!
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Anyone can start lessons at anytime. It's usually more helpful when a student has a fiery passion for playing a specific instrument and getting better at it.
When will I start to see results?
At the same rate you see your haircut. Patience is really needed to grow at your instrument, because you won't see growth immediately, but when you look back in time, you'll clearly see improvement.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
Warm-up, and hitting all of the fundementals. It's always good to check high, low, loud, soft, fast, slow, phrasing, technique, intonation, sound, articulation, and to listen! I always consider listening to count towards your practice!
If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have two music degrees in performance. While I was in that degree, I took classes in education as well. I chose performing because that's what kept me going the whole time. I love performing and listening to others perform.
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I love Respighi, he is my favorite composer, and I can't tell you exactly why I like his music, but I connect to it. I like pretty much all of his music, but I especially like his Pines of Rome, and Fountains of Rome.
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I can't see myself doing anything else. If I had to do something else, it might be related to animals because I am a huge dog lover.
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Classical, but not your standard Mozart/Beethoven. I like the "heavy metal" version of classical music: Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Bartok, Tchaikovsky. I Do really like Bach as well!
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I started playing the piano, but it never really was something I enjoyed studying. I then moved to guitar and quickly to bass guitar. Bass guitar was a lot of fun for me, and it wasn't until I started trombone where I knew that was the one that would stick.
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Music barley runs in my family, although I do have a cello playing aunt who is a professional music teacher, and her uncle was a famous percussionist with the New York Philharmonic.
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I didn't really decide. My band director mentioned that I should pursue performing professionally when I was in 9th grade, and my private trombone teacher really pushed me to be a trombone performer when I was in 10th grade.
25 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Music lessons in San Diego to students of all ages and abilities.
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