Piano Lessons in Los Gatos, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar

I tailor each lesson to the unique self and stage of musical development of the student and actively create custom lesson plans and materials to best suit their progress and musical curiousities. Improvisation and rhythm games, music theory essentials, and instrumental basics are core components of my teaching practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginners I will start with a reputable system of books, such as Hal Leonard or Alfred's, supplemented by my own worksheets and song selections that are relevant to the student. For more advanced students I will use my own open method, finding songs that the student is eager to play and reinforcing the theory and techniques that will enable the student to advance quickly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I typically perform an assessment with every individual during the first lesson. Depending on goals, I will recommend curriculum to achieve the desired results. If a classical approach is desired, I use the Alfred's Basic Piano series and the Hal Leonard method for guitar, along with scale and chord theory literature depending on the level of the student. I also teach jazz/pop accompaniment style improv playing so I print music out from various sources. Read More

Instruments: Piano

However, I consider these method books as merely one of the tools of my teaching (very often, I do not follow exactly the order/content of the book, but design my own lesson plan using the aid of the book) - Because I believe I am responsible for most of the teaching, not the book. I also occasionally provide supplementary repertoire, as well as incorporating a limited amount of rote teaching. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I like to emphasize learning technique through pieces, rather than practicing only technique on its own, as that can get boring very quickly! For beginning students, I like to start with the Piano Adventures series, which has pieces which are easy, teach basic techniques, but also are musically interesting. Once they have the fundamentals, we can begin working on solo repertoire that interests the student. For older students who are interested in 20th century music, I like to teach Bartok's Mikrokosmos. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

Wether the student is beginner or is more experienced, I take time to get to know the student and understand their goals with the piano and what they want to achieve out of piano lessons with me. I then give students a customized approach to reaching their goals while also ensuring the student is developing the proper skills and techniques. All the student needs is a binder and a pencil, and I create lesson plans and strategies to ensure the success of the student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Ukulele

My methods of teaching cater to the students interests and strengths. I use material and songs that the students want to learn. I draw the learning from these pieces of art. I also use Suzuki, Hal Leonard and Bastien piano materials. My specialty is popular, sacred, arias, jazz and folk music. I create diversity in my lessons and keep them fun and exciting. In my lessons, I teach body mechanics, proper vocal warm ups as well as piano exercises and drills. Read More