Piano Lessons in Lakewood, CA

Instruments: Piano Drums Music Keyboard

I am Richard W., a Drumming/Percussion, Piano, and Music Theory instructor who lives in Riverside, CA. I have been practicing and performing for 20 years and have played professionally for the past 12 years. I spend my time composing new music that I perform in various venues around the country. I have developed relationships with notable figures in the music industry, including Bernard Porter and Black Violin. Along the way, I have learned valuable lessons that allow me to help developed musicians find their path to a strong career in music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

I hold various Principal 'cello positions, co-founded the Polish Music Reference Center at USC with Wanda Wilk, in the 1980's; co-founded Symphony 47 with Floyd Clark and had my New American Quartet for over 18 years, which also toured England, in 1997. I performed many overseas concerts; was Yo Yo Ma's pre-concert lecturer at the Wadsworth in 1994; coached Samuel L. Jackson for his movie role as a 'cello playing cop in 2000, and performed with Herbie Hancock in a World Peace concert in 2008, with my quartet. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I always try to make my classes fun and engaging. I manage a very particular teaching method based on how I have learned from my mentors. On the first class I ask what the student's interest is and what would make him/her happy to learn, how the student imagines playing and what styles of music are the favorites ones. If the student is beginner, I like to start teaching basic knowledge of instrument technique accompanied by easy rhythms so that the student feels motivated. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

for VOICE Students: I usually associate singing the song with some kind of activity, usually passing a bouncy ball to the beat, or throwing it back and forth. From there, we progress to tapping the beat or the rhythm while singing. Then well combine the two: student claps the rhythm while I tap the beat, and vice versa. I want my students to be able to clearly distinguish these two elements, and to be able to feel and maintain a steady beat which will set them up with a strong foundation for playing more advanced music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Trombone Saxophone Clarinet

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music. Therefore, it is important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a student's desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what truly inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and the needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I create a custom lesson plan for each student, as every voice is different, and everyone comes with a different set of goals in mind. Every student can expect to be asked what their goals are, whether they are just to have fun and sing, work towards competing in local competitions, or to audition for a choir or show, and lessons and repetoire will be based on those goals. Every student can also expect to do do basic vocal exercises at every lesson to warm up their voice, and to more effectively teach technique and gauge progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Euphonium

From the beginning phase, I figure out over the long-term what your student is motivated by and create a lesson plan around it. Some students like to compose their own songs and record them. Some like to write sheet music on the computer. Some love the enjoyment of the next challenging song on sheet music. I believe it is imperative a teacher has a malleable customizable approach for every student because we all have different personalities and preferences. Read More