Piano Lessons in Richmond, CA

Instruments: Drums Synthesizer Music

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
Becoming a musician was not gradual. I didn’t think about it at all. I started playing when I was five. After that it became instinctual. One of the greatest experiences of my life playing music came when I was 16 years old the first time I played with my high school friends. I had a bunch of friends over in my parents basement . We couldn’t play play much yet, but we played our first nirvana cover song ( famouse 90’s alternative rock band ). It was a defining moment for me . I’ll never forget it . Playing music with other people is something experienced by so few .

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I grew up with alternative rock bands from the 1990s. Back then, my dream would’ve been playing on stage with one of those amazing 1990s bands. For me there’s still nothing like performing live and affecting people and a positive, motivating way. Watching people dance , move or affected by a beat that you’re creating or playing is as rewarding as it gets.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
lost. Just kidding. After 16 years of teaching seven days a week I actually left the industry and took a break. To me, teaching is one of the most rewarding things you can do. I’ve worked other jobs but nothing seems to compare. Other than teaching I think the job would have to be bigger than life for me to find it more rewarding.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I can say this definitively, I can find a great song in every genre of music. I do not have a favorite genre of music. I grew up on guitar driven music. When I started writing in Djing I knew I needed to understand other instruments. I started taking lessons and learning guitar, piano and music theory. I’m not great at any of them, but I love learning and continuing to play them. When I started DJing I discovered the world of electronica music. Being a drummer, most of electronic music used drum machines. It gave me an opportunity to look at drums differently and wondered how drum set was going to be used in the future Differently.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
When recording music became much more accessible, I wanted the ability to record my own music. To do so I need to learn how to play core instruments. I decided to play guitar piano and learn music theory. So I took lessons with fellow teachers. I knew that I did not have enough time to master the guitar or piano but it gave me an understanding of how they worked in recordings. Learning music theory on piano and guitar were one of the most practical ways to do so. It paid off because synthesizers are one of the most important tools you have when creating electronica music.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Music absolutely runs in my family! My father is an incredible singer. But the star of the family is actually my sister. She is an incredible singer. She was a finalist on Dick Clark’s 1980s show (before American Idol) , I grew up hearing her sing all the time ,but I had no idea how good she was until I finally heard her when I was 16 years old at a club, she blew my mind.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
There was a time where I practice 7 to 8 hours a day. There was also a time where I had no time to practice at all. It all comes down to goals. Our time is always limited. But one thing is important, you must know what you were going to play or practice before you sit down at an instrument. Otherwise you may waste precious time free playing . There was a time where I practice 7 to 8 hours a day. There was also a time where I had no time to practice at all. It all comes down to goals. Our time is always limited. But one thing is important, you must know what you were going to play or practice before you sit down at an instrument. Otherwise you may waste precious time free playing.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have a music performance degree from Dean College in Franklin Massachusetts. I chose that degree because at the time there is simply nothing I wanted to do better and be a musical performer.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
There was a time where for many years I practice 7 to 8 hours a day. There were also times where I had no time at all. It comes down to goals. Our time is always limited. It is crucial that you know what you were going to play or practice before you sit down at your instrument. Otherwise you may waste precious time “ free playing”. Free playing is often fun but not always very productive.

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