Piano Lessons in Benicia, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice

Since my teaching philosophy is that every piano lesson should be fun, I tailor each lesson according to the student's age and interests. For young beginners, I choose method books that contain fun songs. I also teach music theory through story telling. For older students, I tailor each lesson according to their interests.However, I encourage them to learn Classical music, so that students develop good musicality. My goal is that all my students enjoy music for the rest of their lives. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Drums Ukulele Recorder Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My experience in teaching dates back to my time in college, where I coached a few music education majors on the flute. Since then, I have offered my expertise towards community flautists, Emeritus band flute players, and a wide range of percussion and flute students. I am committed to the advancement of my students and feel really encouraged to see them grow and change. From younger to older - beginning, intermediate, or advanced - I will always try my hardest to keep you engaged and moving forward. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students, I choose Alfred's Basic Piano Library and Faber Piano Adventures, and other brands/materials that fits the need of the student. I often made teaching materials myself, as well as writing music for my students. The most important thing for beginners are keeping interest and correct postures. Starting from songs the student recognize usually helps. For advance students, I usually recommend repertoire covering all 4 classical periods, plus etudes and finger trainings. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

Throughout the past 17 years I have been both a student and ambassador of music. Whether it has been explaining and showing chords or scales to another student, or describing the inner workings and wonder of a guitar solo with a friend - seeking to create and teach music will always be at the forefront of all that I do. To me, the first and most important thing for learning music is that you have to play something you enjoy and find fun. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Conga Latin Percussion

He has also studied voice with Jane Sharp and piano with Ellen Wasserman.  Jake has been teaching music since 2001. He was Music Program Director at Mission Hills Middle School, in Union City, for 3 years. He was also the guitar and percussion teacher at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Oakland. Jake has also been a music instructor with COVA, Art and Soul Music Studios, Hayward Music Center and ALMA. Over the years he has performed with musicians such as Josh Jones, Michael Aaberg, Dayna Stephens, Ambrose Akinmusere, Jonathan Finlayson, Geoff Brennan, and Ray Brown. Read More

Instruments: Piano Accordion

I have been involved in piano performance since i was five years old. My passion for music has grown over the years in my life. I have studied music at San Jose City College, San Jose State University and with the 59th Army National Band. I have performed in jazz bands, concert bands, latin bands, choir, and solo piano performance. I have had the honor of performing at the palladium in hollywood, ca. with the 59th Army National Guard Band. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I like to emphasize learning technique through pieces, rather than practicing only technique on its own, as that can get boring very quickly! For beginning students, I like to start with the Piano Adventures series, which has pieces which are easy, teach basic techniques, but also are musically interesting. Once they have the fundamentals, we can begin working on solo repertoire that interests the student. For older students who are interested in 20th century music, I like to teach Bartok's Mikrokosmos. Read More