Piano Lessons in Los Angeles, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I find that the most effective method with beginners is to color code things in a way that makes sense. I have stickers for this and a chart of what each means. Music is similar to math, and once the student can make proper associations in their head when looking at music or playing an instrument, the rest becomes easier. I typically will have them give me a song they want to learn and make it my goal to teach it to them by the end of the first six months. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My Methods: Fundamentals of breath work - incorporating several physical exercises and methods of showing the coordination until it is ingrained Focus on the use of the resonators - projecting the sound to the different cavities where sound resonates before leaving your body and into the room (i.e. 'the mask', mouth resonance, chest resonance, etc) Reducing tongue tension - a common issue is root of the tongue tension and I have several exercises to address this Improving range - most of my students gain notes in their belt range and their head range, and often in their low range as well Increasing the legato vocal line - here we focus on linking the vowels properly supported by the breath Jaw tension - similar to tongue we have evercises for this Style - different approaches such as riffing, back phrasing, using a glottal attack, using a breathy attack - creating colorful expressive phrases that link to the emotion of the song and the style desired Musicality - learning to read music, counting tempo, sustaining pitch, syncopation, dynamics, etc Diction - correct vowel shapes and enunciation + awareness of when tension closes down the vocal line if diction is carried over from speaking habits Performance - using tools from acting training to perform a song effectively and believably Career consultation - when appropriate, also offered Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

While all of my students study the same fundamental musical principles, I believe that every lesson should be as unique as every person. That's why I always create new, customized lesson plans and provide individualized materials for all of my students. In my experience, this approach is most effective at increasing the student's musical ability—and it's a lot more fun! Rather than just going cover to cover through a method book, we'll keep things interesting and fresh by playing music games (especially with younger students), composing our own music, listening to new artists, and working on pieces that are requested by the student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Accordion French Horn Music Keyboard

I find that metaphors using familiar things and processes, like the laws of nature and physics we see everyday, can help students grasp concepts that require marrying physical movements with mental flexibility. Perhaps we're discussing articulations and you're having trouble understanding stylistically how to approach and execute staccato with legato over it. We could turn to methods like the Breathing Gym to practice a physical manifestation of how that articulation should sound. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Film credits include over 40 films. My television music can be heard in FOX, BRAVO, THE HISTORY CHANNEL, THE FOOD NETWORK, THE PET CHANNEL, AMC, MTV, and TURNER MOVIE CLASSICS. Through my arranging and orchestration work, I have garnered three platinum records working alongside several well-known artists, most notably pianist/composer Yanni. I performed and co-produced a series of easy listening piano CDs under the name of David Raintree. These CDs have sold over 100,000 copies. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Drums Ukulele Recorder Music Keyboard

My philosophy is to teach the student what they want to learn while including basic music theory. I feel it’s important they know what they are doing from the inside out and why. I plan performance opportunities for the students month. This gives each student a tangible goal to work toward. I emphasize that music is another language we can communicate with. Every time we practice we perfect our ability to communicate more fully. Read More