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1. Graduated from San Jose High School. 2. Attended San Jose City College-Music Department/Early Childhood Education. 3. Attended San Jose State University-Music Department
1. 1973-Letter of Appreciation-Music Teacher 2. 2001-Performed with the 59th Army National Guard Band at the Hollywood Palladium in L.A. Ca. 3. 2003-Honorable Discharge-Army 4. 2008-Honorable Discharge-Army National guard. 5. 2008-Department of the Army-Commendation Medal.
I have been involved in piano performance since i was five years old. My passion for music has grown over the years in my life. I have studied music at San Jose City College, San Jose State University and with the 59th Army National Band. I have performed in jazz bands, concert bands, latin bands, choir, and solo piano performance. I have had the honor of performing at the palladium in hollywood, ca. with the 59th Army National Guard Band. I've played with many musical groups throughout my career. For twenty-two years i was the solo performer on piano in jazz band with the 59th Army National Guard Band. Most of all, i have taught many student's in my musical career piano.
My teaching experience actually started when i was a senior in high school. The music teacher had ask me if i wanted to be his assistant. I taught notation to the student's. Conducted the jazz band and the choir. In small groups i would teach them music theory and correct any problems the student's had with their music. This was a very challenging experience for me. Teaching a class in music to student's my age was scary not knowing if they would pay attention. The teacher was always present so it made my job easier. While station overseas in Stuttgart, West Germany, i assisted fifteen teachers at a elementary school starting their first music program at the school.
Depending on where my student's are at their piano studies, i would start them from that point . For beginners, i like to introduce them to the "Alfred's Basic Piano Series." I teach my student's from day one basic music theory along with their lesson. As they progress, so does the theory part progress. For intermediate to advance student's it would pretty much be the same as above. Except, now i will introduce chord structure, advance theory, and start to teach them melodies by ear so that they might be able to create their own melody.
My teaching style is very simple. Be creative and always involved humor. The student will know instantly if the instructor is eager to teach as the student to learn. For example, i would use a lot of metaphors and analogies to explain a musical concept. I would always tailor lessons to their level of skill. Nothing is more rewarding than to see one of my student's at a recital and i hear their parent's tell their friends,"that's my son", "he learned from the best". I personally believe teaching music can not be taught in a classroom. One must have a love of teaching and a love of teaching that particular instrument.