Piano Lessons in Palo Alto, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Ukulele

My methods of teaching cater to the students interests and strengths. I use material and songs that the students want to learn. I draw the learning from these pieces of art. I also use Suzuki, Hal Leonard and Bastien piano materials. My specialty is popular, sacred, arias, jazz and folk music. I create diversity in my lessons and keep them fun and exciting. In my lessons, I teach body mechanics, proper vocal warm ups as well as piano exercises and drills. 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 Keyboard

I'm passionate about teaching others to love music. It is one of my greatest pleasures. I have been performing and teaching since I was a teen. I have performed both classical and original music and am currently working on a rock album writing piano and orchestra for about 12 songs. We have a Grammy-nominated producer in Denmark producing our album. Seeing new students experience learning to play is a great joy for me as well as helping an experienced student ace a RCM or other performance exam, place in a competition, or enter a music program in college. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My name is David Herscowitz, and I've been playing the piano since 1985 and teaching since 2005. I grew up in Los Angeles and moved to Oakland in 2012. I attended the Alexander Hamilton High School Academy of Music in Los Angeles and received my BA in Music from U.C. Santa Barbara. Making music (especially with other musicians) is my favorite thing to do, and teaching others the gift of music comes in a close second! Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

I really try to work with the student with where they are at or where they want to go with their music. I was a slow learner on piano, so I can understand how confusing and frustrating it can be at times to learn an instrument. I really work to make sure that the students under stand the basics because that will outlast me when I am long gone from their life. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students, I choose Alfred's Basic Piano Library and Faber Piano Adventures, and other brands/materials that fits the need of the student. I often made teaching materials myself, as well as writing music for my students. The most important thing for beginners are keeping interest and correct postures. Starting from songs the student recognize usually helps. For advance students, I usually recommend repertoire covering all 4 classical periods, plus etudes and finger trainings. Read More

Instruments: Piano Oboe

One of the most enjoyable things about teaching is to learn from my students and learn to harmoniously interact with different personalities. My teaching experience dates back to my high school junior year in California, as I began teaching private piano and oboe lessons at students' homes, and have been consistently teaching one-on-one lessons until currently. I started with teaching children and younger teenagers, and then began to teach adults during my undergraduate years. Read More