Music Lessons in South Laguna, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola

Hi there! My name is Brandon Encinas, violinist and violist living in the Los Angeles area! I’ve been playing violin for 23 years and work as a performing and recording artist. I’ve had the joy of sending some of my students to top university’s and music schools across the country over the last decade. I also record with studios across Los Angeles, and some of my favorite projects are done at home from my home recording set up, where I can work with composers and artists from all over the world. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I am an active member of Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC). My students take the Certificate of Merit (CM) test annually in performance, theory, sight-reading and ear training. Taking the CM test is optional but highly recommended. I also make sure my students have plenty of chances at performing on stage at recitals by organizing my own recitals or joining forces with other MTAC teachers. Having a recital to practice for is a great motivation for students to practice daily and gives the parents the chance to see their children's accomplishments. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

For beginning students, I like to teach simple and fun tunes that get them excited. I focus on single-note licks/melodies, and will gradually add open-chord progressions and songs to the curriculum. It's best to practice everyday even for 5-10 minutes, rather than every other day or few days for a longer period in my opinion. Once they start improving, I'll gradually teach more challenging songs that'll keep them engaged, but not overwhelmed. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

My teaching method is relatively simple, but is somewhat backwards from how most people teach music. I start with teaching the student a song, at his/her level, by listening to the record and by my example. After that I like to go back and give written out exercises and notes on what we did in the song. Often times a student will get a technical exercises and begin to get frustrated with it because they can't see why they're learning it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I believe that motivation begins with excitement and there is no better way to help a student stick to a practice routine than teaching him or her to play their favorite songs. Of course, a knowledge of music theory is very important, but I always make sure that we don't get bogged down in minutia, and that each student is allowed to proceed at his or her own pace. A practical and usable knowledge of music's fundamentals is employed to get results and keep the student motivated and actively learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano

With beginners, I provide material that teaches about finger numbers, rhythm, note learning, and basic material. As the student progresses, I asses their learning style and provide the necessary material and suggestions as to what books and miscellaneous learning tools the student will need. My preferred method of teaching is through the book, Piano Adventures by Faber Faber. These books are divided into a lesson book, theory book, and performance book with the levels increasing from 1 to 2A to 2B and so forth. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I usually start with technique exercises that will help develop the foundation of their playing. I do not introduce music notation usually until the fifth or sixth lesson. I believe that kids learn faster when they beginning learning by call and response or like many call imitation. By developing first the ability to listen and play by instinct a student can develop a stronger foundation in developing the beat and noticing high and low pitches. Read More