Piano Lessons in Lakewood, CA

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

For me, reading notes is essential, because it opens up the entire musical literature. So that is what I start with. Counting is equally important, so I start with that as soon as possible. I usually work with Bastien Technique. I like the way the book is organised. In addition I give pieces for them to learn, according to their difficulty. I always plat the pieces first to make sure the student will enjoy working on the piece. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I like to enjoy myself, whether it's working or specifically NOT working. I am enthusiastic, positive, funny, caring, and dedicated to my craft and my students. I have a talent for adapting to different situations quickly and (usually) successfully. My experiences have been in all genres of music and on several different instruments. If you want to learn, I want to teach. We're a perfect match! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began playing drums at the age of 12 when I joined my middle school marching band. By the time I was in high school, my passion for music making and involvment with various performing groups had completely consumed me. I decided to further my musical endeavors by studying jazz performance at two different music schools. I have obtained a bachelors degree from Florida State University (2012) and a masters degree for the California Institute of the Arts (2014). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

After graduating from the one year course at Musician's Institute I attended CSUN and studied with concert pianists Jacob Gimple, and Charles Fierro, earning my degree in Composition/Piano. While in school friends and family asked me to teach them, and I found I had a special talent to teach. I joined the Music Teacher's Association of California and within a year had more students than I had time for. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The best plan is to always make room for fun as much as possible, because the harsh reality of practice can be a downer. I emphasize learning with the interest of the student in mind. It is best to be enthusiastic, but I make sure to see where the energy level of the student is to term the approach for the session. I give helpful reminders of learning techniques to stay motivated in between lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin

For beginning piano students, I love using Alfred lesson books. I like focusing on scales and using proper technique. For violin, I like using Suzuki, but I dont use Suzuki method. Focus is on scales and simple solo rep. I encourage composition at all ages and love finding a system that works for the individual student. Regular practice is encouraged. I am big on positive reinforcement and will be my students biggest cheerleader, even when I need to get firm about techniques. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For classical and opera singing, I teach a healthy Bel Canto technique rooted in the Italian school of singing. I am also skilled in teaching SOVT style, but I typically avoid it with beginning singers. For musical theater and pop, I teach healthy belting techniques that preserve vocal quality and focus on a connection to the chest and body, alleviating vocal tension. For my guitar students, I teach fingering techniques and basic chords first, and then I focus on giving each student a basic repertoire--several pieces they already know and like to showcase their abilities and track progress. Read More