Piano Lessons in Roseville, CA

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

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I decided to become a professional musician gradually. A defining moment was when covid-19 came and shut everything down. I knew I wanted to build something of my own that was sustainable. I felt it made the most sense to teach music full time since I've been teaching part time since I was 17.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I use the Piano Adventures series by Faber for those interested in learning to ready. I also use a theory book called Master Theory as a base level music theory reference. The majority of my method is passed down aurally. I choose this method because this is how I've learned from on of my favorite educators and jazz musicians, Barry Harris.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
Practice sessions for me lately have been composition based. I start by laying a drum foundation to set the mood of the song I want to create. Then I practice by recording different takes of improvise music, melodies, chord changes and rhythms.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
My music degree was Piano Performance and when I transferred schools I changed my degree to Interdisciplinary Music Studies. I chose piano performance because it was my main instrument. I chose Interdisciplinary Music Studies because it allowed me to study multiple subjects relating to music; music business, music production, improvisation, reharmonization, ear training, music theory, etc.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
There are many song's I'd love to play one day. There are a lot of jazz standards I've yet to get under my fingers. There's a song called "Got a Match" by Chick Corea that I'd love to learn soon. It is fast and full of energy. I've seen him perform live twice and would love to reach a level of playing similar to his one day.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
If I wasn't a musician possibly I would be working in some role in the corporate world; possibly sales, operations, administration or marketing. I had interviewed for a few roles outside of music and then covid came while I was awaiting results. I think it happened for a reason! :)

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
My favorite style to play is Jazz. I like how I can blend Jazz concepts of harmony and improvisation into other genres of music. Jazz is impressive to me and I view it as an extension of classical music.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I started playing my second instrument in 4th grade when I had to pick an instrument to play at school. I chose the snare drum. I played percussion in elementary school. Then in middle school I wanted to learn guitar but my new band instructor told me he needed a bass player for the jazz band so I learned Bass Guitar instead.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Music does run in my family. My mother was a first chair clarinet player when she was younger. My grandfather was a saxophone player. My grandmother was a singer. My sister sings in musical theater. My other grandfather was a DJ. My aunt sings. My father performed musical poetry.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am most proud of when my students reach their goals. I am proud of being accepted to Berklee School of Music to finish my Interdisciplinary Music Studies BA. I am proud of the original music compositions I have made.

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