Piano Lessons in Corpus Christi, TX

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I have wanted to be a professional musician since I was in the seventh grade playing solos on my saxophone with the jazz band. That was the defining year of my life that I knew this was something I had to pursue even if I did not become successful at it.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My father was a semi professional singer and actually put out an album. Due to poor planning though as to its distribution and your touring, he never really made the thing that he deserved to have.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
This is an easy answer. I worked as an engineer before I went back to college and finished my music degrees. I would still be stuck working as an engineer now if I had not done that.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I enjoy both classical and jazz. The memorization in the improvisation are both aspects of the instrument. They help each other in their performances and learning.

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 a degree in both composition and performance. I thought doing that would cover all ends of what I needed to do with the instrument.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
As far as I’m concerned Piano is the king instrument. It has the largest range of sound, and it’s laid out logically right in front of you.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Memorizing my pieces in college for jury exams was very stressful but I managed to do it and retain those pieces to this day.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
In the photo section of this bio, you’ll see a young man holding a trophy who studied with me and won the talent show in Los Angeles. I had another student win the most talented person in their high school award.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
I try and cover all aspects of the instrument in a practice session. Set a goal every day to accomplish a new ability at the instrument. This includes your training, technique, theory, composition, sight singing and anything else that comes up.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I actually can choose and use any book. Open my 30 years of experience I have tried them all. Like I mentioned in the previous questions, they will explain the books I use.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
I think your training can be the hardest thing if you were trying to learn perfect pitch. I went to college with people, and I saw a mature adult students having a very difficult time learning simple intervals.

When will I start to see results?
Give yourself a couple of months. Everybody warms up to this in their own way. Adults will probably start adjusting faster than kids. Although kids typically learn faster, their maturity and attention level is not as high as adults. I adjust to either situation it’s fine with me.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
All of my teachers were working professionals in the music industry. It was highly inspirational to see somebody bring themselves to a level of competency where they could be the performing artist.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
I encourage people to do soul searching. To know how they are wired up and learn the best. Give yourself plenty of time to practice so you do not feel rushed. Do not try and power your way through something. Work on small concepts every day and set yourself a goal for that practice session.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Although I don’t mind any age, I have found that six years old is the best age to start. You will know also if your child enjoys singing very much and always listening to music. Sure signs are ready to start.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I dream of Sunday being able to perform as a Oscar Peterson does the tune on his album called, “lulus back in town.“ I also dream of being able to improvise as well as him in Art Tatum.

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