Piano Lessons in Monte Sereno, CA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Music Keyboard

My teaching method is centered around consitent practice and the idea that a student's practice time should be both fun and efficient. I work closely with my students to learn their musical interests and then establish their musical goals. With those goals in mind, we create a daily practice routine that is both fun, efficient, and designed specifically for that student, with their strengths and weaknesses taken into account. The materials used in these practice routines are pulled from my own personal library of music books, all of which I have worked through and mastered. 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 Guitar Voice Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For voice, I will typically start with technique and breath. The first lesson is heavy in feeling the anatomy of the body to cultivate a coordinated breath for the most optimal and healthy singing. From there, we move into warm-ups, and will adjust vowels to find resonant spaces. Generally, with the voice, after the initial work with anatomy there is an improvisatory style of teaching that I develop, catered to the individual. Read More

Instruments: Piano

It's been my strong belief that every student is unique in all aspects - it is my responsibility to recognize the uniqueness of the student, and individualize the lesson for each student's need. I am familiar with multiple methods - the most common ones include Alfred Basic Library, PIano Adventures, Music Tree, and Piano Safari; other methods include Bastien Piano Basics, Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, and many others. I use different methods with different students - decisions are usually made after the initial interview or when I have sufficient observation of the student's learning style, background, and personality. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

Music is my life. I actually enjoy teaching music and being creative with all ages and all kinds of people. Ive had the opportunity to play all over the world with jazz bands, Afro Cuban ensembles, top 40 bands as well as my own band which is a mix of original music that is jazz, r and b, soul, hip hop, reggae, latin and funk. I also direct a singing group in Richmond called Voices of Reason. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For beginner's in piano and guitar, I generally use the Alfred's and Mel Bay methods as starting places. In every situation, I tailor and personalize the curriculum to individual student needs; as students progress, I employ more and more personalized curriculum which reflects the research I have done into cognition and learning, and which maximizes the creative learning of the student. For more advanced students, I will challenge them in targeted domains, with customized exercises that focus upon their musical growth, with an emphasis on realizing their maximum potential. Read More

Instruments: Piano

As a musician, I believe that performers must convey not only the logic, but the artistic and emotional warmth inherent in the music. As a teacher, I emphasize that one utilizes technique for the purpose of communication, and I know that this is a truth at all levels, whether in a Class Piano situation or with very advanced talents. I feel it is also vital for students (again, at all levels) to gain experience with literature from a variety of musical periods, so as to develop a diversity of taste and interpretive style. Read More