Piano Lessons in Manhattan Beach, CA

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

I believe each student is unique and requires lessons tailored to his or her individual strengths. While covering all the bases with each learner, some students thrive in enriching with improvisation. Others prefer to have set exercises to improve technique. Some have specific goals, like learning a particular song or a melody for an upcoming holiday. The great thing about one-on-one instruction is I can customize lessons to suit each learner. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I use an organized step by step method as a general rule, depending on the students age and ability, seeking to have each student master the fundamentals of rhythm, note reading, technique and expression in a logical easy to understand way. I require practice at least 4 days a week to ensure progress. For preschool age children, I use the Wunderkeys method. I seek to minimize frustration, encourage students to e-mail with questions, use games as a learning tool and assign pieces they like and pieces that are standard repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Banjo Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

So we study chords and rhythms, as they relate to the songs the client enjoys. I like to insert a five to ten minute practice before digging into the main lesson. This involves playing scales or running chord progressions or learning about, for example, the circle of 5ths or 4ths. I do teach more advanced levels, in which we learn how to substitute chords and arrange songs. I alwyas build goals into a program as it feels really good to achieve and move on to the next goal! Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Euphonium

I think it is absolutely important to develop a teaching style that is based around positive reinforcement. Praising when you like what the student did. When you can tell there is progress from week to week, telling Jonny that you can tell he practiced is a brilliant way to inspire Jonny to associate hard work with progress. I live by the mantra, 2 praises and a wish, meaning offering 2 words of REAL positivity followed by constructive criticism. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I tailor each lesson to the individual student and we set realistic goals. Some students want to learn more challenging pieces and we may work on the latter for a few weeks to a even a few months. Other students feel better working on one piece a week and then moving on. I give great constructive feedback to help improve the students rhythm, musicality, musicianship, and finger placement. All of my students practice more when they love a piece so I try to assign them pieces that interest them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

A music student should be able to practice and perform as though no one is watching, and that it is simply the spontaneous expression of the soul! For this, I have to curate material and instruction so that it is authentic and engaging to the student - this is what unlocks the truest connection to musicianship. I believe that high-level training is the diligent pursuit of quality and detail - and that talent is simply how one approaches ANY new material. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Piano Marvel and Alfred's piano methods are a great start for all ages as they have books that are geared toward both younger and older beginners. For guitar and bass there are various Hal Leonard books that work well; one thing that I try to do with guitar and bass students is encourage them to know what note they are playing and to eventually read music notation if they are curious and interested in it. Read More