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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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: Guitar
I've always thought the best approach was to get the student playing the type of music or songs they want to the most, right from the start. Over the years I have found that as long as the student plays the style they're interested in, there is always an opportunity to implement the basics (or more advanced ways) to each lesson within a musical styles he/she is comfortable learning within and inspired by. 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: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
My focus with each student is to tune into them in a way that I can then assess their physical, mental and emotional abilities. I ask each student what they want to learn with their instrument. If they do not know, we then start with the basics to establish a solid foundation in music with their instrument. Along the way, I ask the student what kind of music they like. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
My general approach to teaching is to mold my lesson plan around the students needs and wants, and it's extremely important that our lessons are fun for the student! This is especially true for children; if playing an instrument becomes "work"/"homework" they will probably lose interest pretty quickly. It's important to try to avoid that mindset, and keep it fun so that the student WANTS to pick up their instrument and play everyday. Read More
Instruments: Clarinet
My philosophy is defined by the need for the student to be actively engaged in what they are doing. This means that I keep things moving during lessons. Within a broader structure, the student chooses what they want to work on. For all ages, I work to create a safe environment by actively encouraging mistakes. At all times, students must feel safe enough to fail. In many instances, a student's "mistake" would actually be correct in another situation. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar
When my father saw my interest in the guitar, he put me in guitar classes because as he said, I had to "learn properly". Soon after my first lesson I realized I didn't learn very conventialy, l. I just wanted to learn the songs that I love. Flamenco Guitar and singing is an art for passed down from father to son/daughter. This is how I teach. I get to know the student's soul for music and I deliver to them the ability to instantly express themselves. Read More
Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion
Students will vary but using an approach based on age and skill level will give me a great start in preparing to teach my students. Also knowing what my students are interested in such as favorite genres or bands keep the lessons engaging and fun. 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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