Piano Lessons in Mount Eden, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar

I have been teaching privately since undergraduate college days. In addition to private lessons on guitar and piano, I have facilitated group workshops, directed ensembles, and tutored reading comprehension in some Oakland public schools. It's a profound joy to see young children have their first musical experiences as well as to see the fire of music be rekindled in those who have put an instrument down and have decided to pick it up once again. 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 Trombone

I learned my fundamentals as a musician from my musician mother who is a vocalist and childhood piano teachers she set me up with from ages 4-12. At the age of 12, I picked up the trombone in the school instrumental program. I continued to play in school bands throughout my education and in high school, I was set up with a private trombone instructor. Throughout high school and college Ive studied with professional trombonists: Don Kennelly - SF Opera Bass Trombone, Dave Martell, David Taylor - New York, and Doug Beavers and John Gove. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ

For beginner students who are pursing music on the tonal instruments, I typically start with learning the names of the notes on the instrument and the major scale in every key as it relates to the piano. For the bass guitar I start of with basic finger strength techniques and exercises while incorporating the major scale fingering form and Nashville numbering system for all tonal instruments. For voice, I start off by finding the range of the individual and then teaching warmup techniques while building the individuals technique through finding a song and learning how to sing along.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

I love forming partnerships with my students. When we work together, we begin to speak the same language and work toward your goals in a positive way. You will have an opportunity to play music from various styles and musical periods. There is no predestined path here. I tried that when I was in my 20's, and learned very quickly that every student is different. Everyone's paths diverged, and all those notes I had taken to plan ahead for the next six months didn't work at all. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Music Keyboard

For most of my beginning piano students, I use the piano adventures series. They offer a clear and well paced curriculum with numerous supplemental resources in a variety of styles. For beginning music theory, I use the Berklee School of Music texts or the Benward and Saker textbooks as well as many videos and other resources to explore musical concepts. For singing, I use a variety of sight singing books, all depending on the age and experience of the student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

I am a professional musician/pianist who has had the good fortune to have performed and worked around the world in a variety of musical styles and venues. I spent 5 years touring with Joan Baez as her pianist and Musical Director. I also worked in the field of circus/cabaret for over 10 years in Europe and the USA as a pianist, musical director, arranger, and composer. As a teacher, I can give piano lessons to all levels as well as lessons in music theory. Read More