Piano Lessons in Rio Linda, CA

Instruments: Piano

I started teaching piano as a private teacher in my piano studio right after I graduated from the music college in Japan. After 10 years of teaching experience, I decided to apply for the position of the music teacher in Zambia, Africa. I was sent there as a volunteer member by Japanese government. I taught about 30 students - piano, music theory, keyboard harmony and so on in the vocational college in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, They were going to become the music teachers in the junior and high schools. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I began studying classical and jazz piano at the age of 5 in the Chicago area with Bob Ravenscroft(currently resides in Phoenix and very influencial in the Phoenix Jazz Scene) at Alan Swain Music Studios. I was fortunate to have played in the New Trier West Jazz ensemble in high School. Our band competed in the Montreaux Jazz Festival sweeping 9 of the 12 soloist awards. At 16 I began playing professionally in the Chicago Area in combos, trios and backing up vocalists.  I was very forutnate to have studied with three amazing teachers, Herman Shapiro in Chicago(a professor at DePaul University and a student of Rudolph Ganz(The Director of the Chicago Musical College, Carl Mosbacher-a professor at New York University and the Mannes School of Music and Julian White in the Bay Area who was a student of Egon Petri. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

Every student is unique. I try to unerstand their individual interests and abilities before I design the teching style that would be most productive and enjoyable. Providing a solid foundation and understanding of musical principles is what I strive to achieve with my students. I prefer to be an inspiring and enthusiastic coach. The student should not feel pressured or constricted. I try to create an environment in which students can feel comfortable to relax and develop their own creativity while learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

If you’ve tried and failed, or even if you’ve never touched a piano, Smiley can teach you. And, you’ll have fun doing it because with my easy approach to learning, you will start playing the songs you like from day one, not practicing endless scales all the time, and boring music language that would be difficult to understand the first day. With my easy learning how to play approach, you would lean your first song and be able to play it, over and over until you learn a new song to share. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Fiddle French Horn Electric Guitar

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing my students develop a passion for music, so it's important that each student progresses at their own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Music

I have been given so many opportunities to teach students of various ages. I was an assistant instructor for San Jose State's Summer Flute Institute, which involved giving private lessons, teaching beginner-level flute classes, coaching an intermediate chamber group, and judging a advanced-level performance competition. I've also had the chance to travel to Tijuana, Mexico as an assistant instructor for a summer Festival called Opera de Tijuana's Opera en la Calle. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo Music Keyboard

Music has helped me a lot through out my life and I want to be able to watch students develop a passion and fall in love with music. I want to make sure that students progress at his or her own speed. I will help sett goals for my students at each lesson to help them progress in their music. I will acknowledge the students accomplishments to help my students progress and keep my students eager to learn more about music and their instrument. Read More