Piano Lessons in Martinez, CA

Instruments: Piano Flute Music

Hello! I am a Colombian-American composer and flutist from the San Francisco Bay Area with a Bachelor of Music degree in Composition from San Jose State University. I have been working as a freelance musician for about 5 years. As a performer, I play just about anything and enjoy challenging myself with new repertoire, I particularly like playing Romantic or Modern music! I've had so many opportunities to perform with various chamber groups through an organization called Chamber Music Silicon Valley, and have traveled to many places in California and outside of the United States to perform and teach. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always say that rhythm is more important than the notes. Play the right rhythm and the notes will come instead of playing every right note while sacrificing rhythm. I encourage students to make their mistakes loud, proud, and in rhythm so everyone has a better idea of what needs to be worked on most. I also emphasize isolating parts to practice and working backwards. Example: play the last two bars of the song until comfortable with it, now play the last 4 bars, last 6, last 8...etc., whole song. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Mandolin Recorder Orchestral Percussion Music

I use various methods, books that will fit the student's needs. For instrumental, I use theory book with written activity that helps the student understand the fundamentals of music. In addition, I use various exercise and performance books that will develop the student's skill and master the instrument. For voice, I teach various vocal exercises and vocal techniques that will develop the student's voice. I have been passionate guiding students across various musical genres, including classical and contemporary, and languages such as English, German, Italian, French, and more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone

I began teaching private lessons while I was still in college around 2005 and have had few private students. Ive taught and coached jazz band, concert band, and orchestra youth programs like Stanford Jazz, The Jazzschool, and Golden State Youth Orchestra. The students I work with learn the fundamentals and mechanics of the instrument, the understanding of musical language and theory, how it relates to the world, expression of feelings, thoughts and ideas, and the overall joy and fulfillment of playing music on trombone. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private piano lessons part time 10 years ago. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that finding the genre the student likes can go a long way in helping them enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Organ Synthesizer

Progress is made at the student's own pace. I try to set goals that are both far-reaching and realistic. Anything is possible if you don't give up too easily! I've used a variety of different lesson books in the past. It's important to note that the Bastien piano books, as well as the Clark, Faber, and Alfred methods all play to different strengths. Since different students respond better to different methods, I try to incorporate some variety which focuses on several concepts: developing ear-training (i.e. picking up melodies and chords from ear) as well as sight-reading, technique, and choosing interesting repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I want to help create the artist in you and for you to enjoy learning weather you are starting with fundamentals or are advanced and want to learn a specific skill. I will fit my teaching methods according to your needs weather your a visual, aural or theoretical learner. I am very versatile and teach many genres and am proficient in a variety of skills: Skills I teach are: music theory, ear-training, composing/arranging, improvisation, sight-reading, rhythmic/melodic/harmonic dictations, recording and vocals as well. Read More