Piano Lessons in Novato, CA

Instruments: Piano

I like to emphasize learning technique through pieces, rather than practicing only technique on its own, as that can get boring very quickly! For beginning students, I like to start with the Piano Adventures series, which has pieces which are easy, teach basic techniques, but also are musically interesting. Once they have the fundamentals, we can begin working on solo repertoire that interests the student. For older students who are interested in 20th century music, I like to teach Bartok's Mikrokosmos. Read More

Instruments: Piano Oboe

I start playing the piano when I was 5 and started playing oboe at the age of 8 in Guanran Catholic Music Elementary School in Taiwan- a school that taught music theory, ear-training, aural skills, music history, choir, and orchestra, in addition to regular academic classes. Throughout my life, I have performed as a solo and collaborative pianist, instrumental and vocal accompanist, oboist, choral singer, and conductor in various venues in US, Taiwan, China, and Italy. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

I have taught for over 40 years and am dedicated to helping all students reach their full potential. As a piano teacher I focus on developing a solid technique (ease of execution, tone, variety of touches, etc...), musical knowledge and stylistic awareness. I believe that we are all students and I simply try to pass on what I have learned, as well as what I continue to learn everyday. For me, the most important thing is personal growth. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have found that this helps the student to progress more quickly and gain a true love of music. I also like to have my students work on a wide variety of repertoire, even if they would like to specialize in only one field. Coming from a liberal arts college,I find that having a specialty while also being well versed in other fields as well is important to a successful music study. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

All of my lessons are built around songs to teach technique and I add materials to teach theory and musicianship if the student wants and needs it. I always interview each student to find out their interests and desires and and build a custom curriculum eight lessons at a time to insure satisfaction and success on the students terms. I have student assessments at the end of each eight lessons block to make sure that the student knows how they have improved and where they need more work. Read More

Instruments: Piano Ukulele Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I'd say my teaching style is first tailored to each individual student- their learning style, their genre interest, and their goals. Some student respond to more traditional classical structure, and some respond to improvisation as a way of learning musical concepts. What's exciting is finding out which style each student has, and always come back to the joy keeps them motivated. While I am flexible in this regard, I do have specific practice assignments and repetition exercises that are the work of learning an instrument. Read More

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