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23 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
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Teachers in Network
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in Walnut Creek . 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 Voice Violin Cello Viola Mandolin Recorder Orchestral Percussion Music
I use various methods, books that will fit the student's needs. For instrumental, I use theory book with written activity that helps the student understand the fundamentals of music. In addition, I use various exercise and performance books that will develop the student's skill and master the instrument. For voice, I teach various vocal exercises and vocal techniques that will develop the student's voice. I have been passionate guiding students across various musical genres, including classical and contemporary, and languages such as English, German, Italian, French, and more. Read More
Instruments: Piano Cello Keyboard
For beginner students I like to start them with basic principles such as how to properly hold the bow and how to properly sit with the cello. I like to use methods such as Suzuki to work on musicality, and Essential elements to work on basics. For intermediate I like to work with the Popper etudes and the Bach Cello Suites, I also add some of the more advanced Suzuki books. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Drums Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
I have studied and performed music for over 30 years. I graduated from California State University, East Bay in 2010, and have completed 1 year of my M.M. in Trombone Performance from the University of North Texas. I am currently based in the SF Bay Area and plan to continue my studies here. I have extensive experience playing in many ensembles in many different styles, such as: orchestra, brass quintet, jazz band, rock band, horn sections, chamber music, as well as numerous others. Read More
Instruments: Piano Trumpet
If you are beginning and are a child, then Hal Leonard's Essential Elements is a very general and safe place to start. I firmly believe that establishing a solid set of fundamentals is a great place to start. It is important to not lose motivation during this period, progress is rewarding and it gets even better! After a solid foundation is established fundamentally, the individual is opened into a musical world with limitless possibilities. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
I typically perform an assessment with every individual during the first lesson. Depending on goals, I will recommend curriculum to achieve the desired results. If a classical approach is desired, I use the Alfred's Basic Piano series and the Hal Leonard method for guitar, along with scale and chord theory literature depending on the level of the student. I also teach jazz/pop accompaniment style improv playing so I print music out from various sources. Read More
Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Keyboard
At the age of 23, I traveled to the U.S.A. and studied Afro-Beat rhythms along with other African beats. Back in Chile I became a member of many different bands such as Uruz, Trboles, Avioneta, The Zulus Casi Famosos, and began my career as a Musician, Event Producer. I develop a great interest in sounds and Synthesizers. In 2010 I starts Armando Jarana Production Company participating in more than 200 live shows. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
I think of two things as being central to my teaching style: Fun, and Growth. I think too many music lessons dry out the material, and suck the fun out of something that should be inherently joyful! I try to make every music lesson interesting, and keep my students engaged by giving them material that gets them hyped. Second, I think music is a great chance for people to experience the joy in Growth. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
4'33... no joke. I always remind myself to see everyday sounds as potential music/art. There is so much audio beauty around if we just see it in a different light.
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Audio/Video Production. I love the amazing tech that exists nowadays to do incredible things. I love to help artists achieve a vision or market their amazing works.
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Singer/Songwriter. I love honesty and storytelling. Good lyrics can take you to the moon, quite literally. And when the lyrics and music fit just right... Everyone wins.
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I started playing guitar, piano, and drums after bass because these instruments were in the house! Just having these tools around inspired me as a child to just try it out and now its my career.
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My father is a Billy Joel impersonator and great songwriter though it was only his hobby. My old brothers are great musicians as well though also as hobbies. It felt like my place to take up the mantle and make it my career.
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
The first time I experienced that you can "talk through your instruments" with another musician. There was no turning back after that, I needed to see what else was possible.
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I do not. While Simandl is great for upright bass, my guitar/electric bass teaching is ALL my own content geared directly towards the specific needs of my students.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
Start naturally without thinking. Then do all the nitty gritty things. Finish again with whatever songs I'm currently most inspired by. And of course - Improvise what ever comes to mind!
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 an undergrad in Jazz/Classical performance and am getting my Masters in Jazz Performance. I love learning classical to master my instrument and learning jazz to master MUSIC.
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
On the bass, I would say simplicity is the hardest thing to master. Less is always more on this amazing instrument - BUT finding that sweet spot takes mastery.
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Being hired to play at Smoke Jazz Club with Marc Carey and being hired by Hobart and William Smith colleges right out of my undergrad. Also, playing alot of gigs with Eastman professors Clay Jenkins and Rich Thompson.
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Neil Nicastro in Scranton was my first teacher and inspired me through his relaxed vibe and focus. He took me from "how to hold the instrument" to "Donna Lee" the challenging Jazz Tune... with ALOT of Red Hot Chile Peppers in the middle.
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
My dad is a great pianist of Billy Joel. My two older brothers as well - One played guitar, the other drums. So naturally I started on the bass and quickly took to guitar, piano, drums, and singing as well.
When will I start to see results?
Immediately you should feel engaged. You don't have to become a master, just become you. Stick with the flow. Don't stress, enjoy, and your immediate result is the enjoyment of music.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Stay Focused and Free. Start immediately playing whatever feels natural. Then dive into the nitty gritty stuff (scales). Finally, get deep into the songs you love so you can walk away with progress and a smile.
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If they have interest or an instrument - EITHER ONE can come first. Often a student needs just to have their first experience with a teacher or at a show to realize that guitar hanging around the house is VERY COOL.
23 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 Walnut Creek to students of all ages and abilities.
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