Music Lessons in Terra Linda, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have been playing violin since I was 7, and viola since high school. My favorite part of music has always been the connection with others, and I still often play with others, either in chamber ensembles, sight-reading, or as part of an orchestra. I was a member of the San Diego Youth Symphony in high school, was part of my college orchestra in college, and have been a member of the San Francisco Civic Symphony since fall of 2013. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Double Bass

I try to cater my lesson style to the individual students desire and needs. I like to always incorporate the fundamentals of music and technique while exploring the material at hand.  Some key points I try to incorporate into my teaching are an understanding of:  rhythm, technique, playing from ear, improvisation, theory, and most importantly making music! I usually encourage my students to seek out music they like and specific songs they want to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

I love to teach people of all ages and skill levels! I am a flexible guy that is able to adjust to the needs of the student, thus making my teaching style accessible to a wide range of students and individuals. My passion for music glows through our lessons and making music fun is a number one priority. The true name of the game is improving as fast as you can. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I preach the fundamentals, from building tone to gaining proficiency in theory. I will show my students long tone exercises to develop their sound, scales and arpeggios to develop their technique, sight-reading sheet music, and much more. I encourage my students to explore the genres that fascinate them. For example, if they wish to learn jazz, then I will help them learn standards, transcribe solos, and read chord changes, as well as gain an ability to improvise. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Upon this foundation, I would introduce own separate exercises and techniques, as well as favorite songs, so as to help keep the students motivated. In the case of students who do not wish to learn to read and would just like to learn to play, I would teach them using an emphasis on ear training as well as understanding of basic chord symbols for them to be able to associate and know what they are playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

I have been teaching privately since undergraduate college days. In addition to private lessons on guitar and piano, I have facilitated group workshops, directed ensembles, and tutored reading comprehension in some Oakland public schools. It's a profound joy to see young children have their first musical experiences as well as to see the fire of music be rekindled in those who have put an instrument down and have decided to pick it up once again. Read More

Instruments: Piano Ukulele Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I'd say my teaching style is first tailored to each individual student- their learning style, their genre interest, and their goals. Some student respond to more traditional classical structure, and some respond to improvisation as a way of learning musical concepts. What's exciting is finding out which style each student has, and always come back to the joy keeps them motivated. While I am flexible in this regard, I do have specific practice assignments and repetition exercises that are the work of learning an instrument. Read More