310-935-4532
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in Lakewood . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Guitar Ukulele Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar
I have been playing the guitar for well over 30 years performing and touring extensively throughout all years. I am a founding member of Triada Guitar Trio and Four of a Kind Guitar Quartet. With these groups, I have performed at well over 800 concerts throughout Europe and the United States. I have played guitar concertos with prominent Symphony Orchestras such as the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, South Coast Symphony, and Huntington Symphony of West Virginia. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
My style is to be open about the types of music my students can learn rather than forcing Mozart on them from day one. I create a relaxed environment without stress and complicated assignments that can feel like schoolwork. Music should be enjoyable for everyone involved. As a composer and arranger, I find it simple to take an established song and create an easier version for my student to learn. Read More
Instruments: Piano
For BEGINNING students, I teach piano but also theory as well. In order to play the piano accurately, the student must know theory. I teach using James Bastien's primary-level 4 books. Within those books, they offer a Piano book, Theory book, Performance book, and a Technic book. Depending on the child's level and ability to play, I will incorporate what I see is the best book to use for each individual student. Read More
Instruments: Piano Synthesizer Keyboard
I started teaching during my last couple of years of my undergraduate years in college. I knew deep in my heart that I was meant to teach as I am not just a teacher but that is who I am. I started with teaching private lessons, but then went onto teaching in the classroom. I wanted to work my way towards my Doctoral Degree because I knew that is what I should be doing. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Djembe
I love to see my students face light up and smile when they finally get a pattern on the drums they were having a hard time with. Every student of mine receives a tailor-made curriculum based on their abilities. If there's a performance for the school jazz or orchestra band I can assist with homework. If not I encourage my students to perform in musical programs in and out of school. Read More
Instruments: Piano Trumpet Accordion French Horn Music Keyboard
Essentials are first. Note names, hand position, mouth position, air, posture, rhythms, sheet music, ear training - it's all important and needs to happen concurrently. Everyone has different strengths; some students are able to handle a large amount of information stacking while others need a more one-at-a-time approach. Music is all about doing several physical and mental things at once, developing self awareness in learning *how* to improve a skill, and myelinating the pathways in your brain for the fastest connections possible. Read More
Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola
I've been actively teaching for nearly 35 years. Teaching children as well as adults. I graduated from Drake University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Music Education. While in college I played professionally in the Des Moines Symphony and was the winner of the Young Artist Contest which afforded me the privilege of featured soloist with the Drake Symphony Orchestra. I've travelled Europe performing in America's Youth in Concert and have played at Carnegie Hall, Notre Dame. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I played at a religious gathering several times called Bethel Family Night, at Wallkill NY. I played, along with a small group, such tunes as Walk Don't Run, Perfidia, and Classical Gas. On another occasion i played solo fingerstyle guitar, Windy and Warm, Both Sides Now and a couple of other songs. There was over 1000 people present. One one occasion I received applause just walking on stage.
My brother Joe and I played in a small combo a few times doing Allman Brothers material, Billy Joel songs and Hollies "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" among other songs
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
My older brother Terry played guitar such as Ventures and other kinds of Surf, country and pop music. I just love the sound of the guitar, in all forms of music.
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
For guitar, a child's hand size is important in order to purchase the right size instrument. For example, I had an 8-year-old student who plays a 3/4 size guitar. A young student needs an appropriate attention span as well. I adjust according to their attention span.
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I did not have any teachers, our family could not afford music lessons. I learned from books and occasional visits with other players. No regular, structured lessons.
When will I start to see results?
Probably right away, but the word "results" is open to interpretation. Will you be able to slowly play a very simple song or part of a song after the first lesson? That is always my goal.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Regularity is key, even a few minutes a day is helpful. I find for myself that 3 times a week and a minimum of 2 hour is best. Playing very slowly, along with a metronome, has been very beneficial for me. As a student progress, he can increase his metronome speed to an acceptable BPM for the song.
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The left hand is the hardest for me to master. My hands are smaller so I only have a 4 fret stretch. As I play more I am noticing a small increase in my left hand stretch though.
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I ask the students what they want to learn, then try to teach them something that they can learn quickly. Then they feel a sense of accomplishment early. I progress thru an explanation of notes, intervals and chords, strumming patterns etc.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
15-minute review of songs I know well, 30 minutes learning new chords, scales and songs, then 15 minutes writing and recording something new. I also review music theory after actual playing time.
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
There is no one particular piece but Chet Atkins songs such as Black Mountain Rag, Blue Angel, Hellacious, as well as Jerry Reed songs such as Jerry's Breakdown. Also some Tommy Emmanuel songs
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Electronics technician or other technical work such as computer work. Technical work and music seem to go hand in hand since music has a definite foundation in physics and guitars often incorporate electronics
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Fingerstyle songs that use the right hand thumb playing a bass string accompaniment while the right hand fingers play the main melody. Classic fingerstyle guitar is very entertaining to an audience
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I do not play a second instrument but I dabble in keyboards and would like to learn violin. I dabble in keyboards mainly because it helps me to grasp music theory a little better.
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Grandparents, uncles, cousins and brothers all play. Some were touring musicians; some were recording engineers but most of us were just ones who played for ourselves or family and friends. I am presently trying to teach my 5 year old great grandson very basic music theory and simple songs on piano [3 Blind Mice]
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
After retirement, I had more time to devote to guitar. I do not gig much anymore but I hope to make a little extra money by teaching because it will keep me in the music world at some level.
25 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Piano lessons in Lakewood to students of all ages and abilities.
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