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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in Rancho Palos Verdes . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano
In teaching piano, half my focus is on the student playing the music. The other half involves learning how to move your hands, how to practice effectively (especially when you hate it!) and how to stay excited about piano. Some lessons will focus on different things each time depending on each students goals. Id love to end up having recitals every year so that my students can demonstrate what theyve been working on! Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar
My own musical journey began as early as I can remember spending hours experimenting with toy pianos in my room. At 5 yrs old, in kindergarten the enchanting sound of piano caught my attention in a school performance by Jose Norman, a magical performer, and composer for Desi Arnaz, composer of the song Cuban Pete. I was drawn to the expressive nature of the piano, and its ability to convey emotions without words. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harp Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Shakuhachi Oboe Bassoon English Horn Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar
For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonards Essential Elements book, as well a basic understanding of music. Once the student has progressed to have a nice grasp of the fundamentals of music, I usually begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. I also believe in the importance of listening to as many professional recordings as possible of the instrument the student is taking lessons on. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard
For beginning students who are children, I usually start with technique exercises that will help develop the foundation of their playing. I do not introduce music notation usually until the fifth or sixth lesson. I believe that kids learn faster when they beginning learning by call and response or like many call imitation. By developing first the ability to listen and play by instinct a student can develop a stronger foundation in developing the beat and noticing high and low pitches. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar
This helps ensure that the student can thrive musically and in life. Also I do a lot of "visualizing" while teaching my students. Often, if they are struggling, I'll tell them to say something like, "I can do it" aloud a few times. I also have them close their eyes and really listen to me playing so they can visualize what it's like to play the chord or song before they even start to actually play. Read More
Instruments: Piano Violin
Most students were sometimes getting good but sometimes they have a hard time playing with difficult notes that I teach. Some students were getting good on the beginning methods and understanding what the music book is going to read and learn about. I encourage the students to practice the beginning methods seriously for about 30 minutes. If the student is getting a little hard, she can take a break for 10 minutes and go back to the homework. Read More
Instruments: Piano Drums
For piano I use a combination of the Bastien books, if you are a beginner. For more intermediate or advanced I use whatever music the student is interested in. It could be the Great American Songbook or classical music. For percussion, for beginners I use the Garwood Whaley book, Fundamentals for the Snare Drum. For drum set I use the Syncopation Book by Ted Reed and a variety of other books depending on the need. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Violin Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I do prefer essential elements, artist compilation books, theory handouts/worksheets, and sheet music. I tend to stay away from Suzuki methods since I find it too dependent on intervals rather than learning how to read sheet music properly.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
I practice every day if I can. I generally recommend a practice be at least 30 minutes. I begin my practices by tuning and warming up which usually consists of working on older material, running through scales, etc. I like to keep practice logs so I check what I noted I've been working on, what I feel I want to keep working on, and I begin designing exercises to help me achieve that goal. I separate my content by focusing on different aspects such as precision, rhythm, speed, volume, and so forth. I close out by playing all the way through what I've been working on a few times and then leave some time at the end for creativity/improvising. See what you can make with what you have learned and then fill out practice log.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
I think keeping a practice log/journal of some kind and having moments of mindfulness and reflection during each practice is really important. I believe that what you put in is what you get, so get practicing! We will set realistic goals. Learning a skill like an instrument is a lifelong process. You will always be improving and learning new things if you keep with it.
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
No, I am the only one with a musical bone in my family. My family loves music and have always encouraged me but thankfully I had friends growing up that also played instruments and I played in school.
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I began with violin but that was through school. I picked up guitar, ukulele, and some piano through private lessons and self-instruction. Once you understand some general music theory and are familiar with an instrument, I find it is easier to start learning others. I'm always learning and improving though!
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I think there is something of musical value in almost anything I listen to. I may not enjoy the style but maybe there was an interesting rhythm or effect. I try to share this mentality with my students and ensure we explore the different ranges music has to offer. I personally most enjoy blues/jazz, soul, and rock.
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I teach music part-time. I am currently working to obtain my Massachusetts Teaching License in second language acquisition. I love music but I don't want it to be my main career so that is what I will be doing instead!
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
It does require a certain level of maturity and concentration in order to fully grasp the logic of music theory and to apply that to playing an instrument.
When will I start to see results?
Learning music and an instrument is a lifelong process. You will learn things day 1 that you use for as long as you continue to play and practice. You will always be building from a foundation so the only place to go is up!
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
Even though I began with violin, I would say guitar is my main instrument. I generally practice and play it more since it is so versatile. Violin is a bit more specialized but fun and interesting nonetheless.
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Personally, I have always struggled with sweep picking on guitar. If you're not familiar I'd recommend looking up some videos online. I've always wanted to be able to do them and can somewhat but not to the degree I would like. I would argue that is one of the hardest guitar techniques I've encountered. For violin, a lot of people have issues with shifting.
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Piano lessons in Rancho Palos Verdes to students of all ages and abilities.
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