Piano Lessons in Monte Sereno, CA

Instruments: Piano Oboe

If a student is not interested in classical music, then I may introduce some film music, popular songs, or jazz music in solo piano versions. I am pretty open-minded to provide options for students and allow students to pick the repertoires they are interested. For advanced students, I may assign one or two pieces from each stylistic period (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th Century, and Contemporary) to prepare them for a full recital program. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I enjoy observing each student’s character in their playing and design lessons tailored for them. Also finding a good balance between the music that a student is good at, and others that a student is not familiar with. Playing piano is in a way of expressing one's opinion through music. Learning the history, musicology, stories behind a piece, and the different techniques and tones for expressing the music, are all important features in my teaching. Read More

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

I approach teaching in a way that encourages students to learn at a pace that's comfortable for them. Since the lessons are one -on-one, there is no need to keep up with a herd like you're in school. So I try to give a healthy balance of goals that are attainable only if the student practices and reviewing material from the past to see what has been retained while also showing how certain musical material is not like riding a bike... you will forget without some upkeep. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

I began teaching in high school. Immediately after college, my studio grew to include 25 students. Included in the mix, some students were as young as 8 and several were adult beginners. Intermediate and advanced students also studied with me, as well as adults who were "re-beginners." (The term refers to adults who took lessons in childhood and have picked up their instrument again years later.) During graduate school, my assistantship included teaching piano classes comprised of students majoring in voice or music education. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Music Keyboard

For the exercises the student has mastered, I will assign the next exercise in the series or assign and go over a new exercise that strengthens whatever skill we are working on. If the student has not yet mastered the exercise we will go over it together. I will explain and discuss the technique and theory behind the exercise. I may make a recording for the student or write notes on the exercise for the student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Euphonium Tuba Keyboard

For all students my primary focus is tone and sound production and going from there I usually have beginning students start on the standard of excellence books, these books usually go hand in hand all the way up to the end of junior high school For more advanced students I have them use the Arban's Method for Trombone/Euphonium, Melodius Etudes by Rochut, and any solo or ensemble piece which fits their current level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Synthesizer Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For children just beginning their instrument, I teach finger placement and note location on the piano by using a color coding system to use in learning a song from John Thompson's Easy Piano Course. From there i introduce songs that interest them and develop sheet music comprehension, rhythm, finger technique and harmony development at a pace comfortable for your child. For older students, I ask them what their interests in music are. Read More