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25 Years
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in San Mateo . 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 Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar
For beginner's in piano and guitar, I generally use the Alfred's and Mel Bay methods as starting places. In every situation, I tailor and personalize the curriculum to individual student needs; as students progress, I employ more and more personalized curriculum which reflects the research I have done into cognition and learning, and which maximizes the creative learning of the student. For more advanced students, I will challenge them in targeted domains, with customized exercises that focus upon their musical growth, with an emphasis on realizing their maximum potential. Read More
Instruments: Piano Keyboard
i individualize my teaching approach based on the unique needs of each student, whether they are children or adults. Each student learns differently and some learn by hearing and copying; others learn best with reading music. I don't use one approach for everyone. I change my method for each student and based on their schedule, we move at a pace appropriate to their needs. Everyone learns differently. Some rely on listening so with these students I show them how to do parts of music and they listen and copy. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
I approach teaching in a way that encourages students to learn at a pace that's comfortable for them. Since the lessons are one -on-one, there is no need to keep up with a herd like you're in school. So I try to give a healthy balance of goals that are attainable only if the student practices and reviewing material from the past to see what has been retained while also showing how certain musical material is not like riding a bike... you will forget without some upkeep. Read More
Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet
I was educated from age 7 in Clarinet, reaching the highest award offered by The Associated Board of the Royal School of Music at age 12. I was graded A* for my school music exam (GCSE) a year early, and also gained and A Grade in my college (A Level). Seeking to go to music college I then took ABRSM Grade 6 piano. I played in the Birmingham Schools Wind Orchestra (Principal Clarinet) and the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra (1st Alto Saxophone). Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Organ Ukulele Electric Violin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar
Music is something that takes time to understand. It clicks in some students, but most kids take a while to develop musically. Patience is the most pronounced characteristic in my teaching style. It's easy to tell the student what they're doing wrong and what to correct, but that doesn't mean it's the most effective practice. Some kids will get nervous and make the same mistake over and over again. This is where it's important to use positive reinforcement and give the student time and space to be able to understand their mistake and fix it. Read More
Instruments: Piano Drums Organ Synthesizer
Teaching has been a constant for me since college (around 2005). I helped tutor both aural theory and written theory, and also helped with beginner piano classes. Later on, I taught at the East Bay Jazz Workshop and offered private lessons part time both at my home studio and at Young World pre-school. I've taught students of all ages and skill levels for many years and also can provide some experience at arranging, theory, and improvisation. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice
For beginners I will start with a reputable system of books, such as Hal Leonard or Alfred's, supplemented by my own worksheets and song selections that are relevant to the student. For more advanced students I will use my own open method, finding songs that the student is eager to play and reinforcing the theory and techniques that will enable the student to advance quickly. Read More
Instruments: Violin Viola
Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Some of my students have won auditions for their regionals orchestra and also their all-state orchestra.
I have another student who is principal of her section in a music minor orchestra at her university.
Preparing for an audition will help the student even if they don't win it. The key is starting early enough before the deadline, having a game plan of how much to practice and then focusing in on the specific problems early on.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Break the problem down into small chunks. 1 to 2 measures of music. Work on it for 5-10 minutes and then move on. Practice your bow arm and left hand separately and then combine them later. Use a metronome! If you can't feel the pulse of the music you can't play it.
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
For students under the age of 11 or so, are you as the parent able to encourage them to practice? And is the student not only interested but willing to commit 15-20 minutes 5-6 days per week to practice? If not, they will not make progress.
When will I start to see results?
Assuming the teacher is giving guidance and the student is receptive, results will be directly correlated to the amount of time and effort the student puts into it.
This is also greatly dependent on the age of the student and if they have had music lessons or are taking orchestra class in school or other musical activities.
I'd say after 1-2 months of practicing 5-6 days per week you should start to see and hear progress. If you are consistent with practicing, progress will be steady.
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
In the 4th grade at my school students could start to learn a string instrument. I originally chose cello but had a bad experience with a teacher so then I switched to viola because a friend was doing it. I won a playing competition in the 4th grade playing Kookaburra and that was an encouragement to me to stick with it.
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
All my teachers have inspired me with their high level of playing and their knowledge as well as their passion for teaching. They have helped me learn how to teach myself as I've gotten older which is an invaluable skill.
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am proud that I've played principal viola in many orchestras, including the National Orchestral Institute Philharmonic and a music festival orchestra in Germany. I'm also proud of my students and my growth as a teacher. It is a great feeling when a student says they understand a concept, and when I hear them making progress in their playing!
25 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 San Mateo to students of all ages and abilities.
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