Eric R
Instruments: Piano, Trumpet, Saxophone, Euphonium
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Blues, Electronic, New Age, Marching Band
Eric R
Instruments: Piano, Trumpet, Saxophone, Euphonium
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Blues, Electronic, New Age, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
Ages Taught: 10-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
● University of California: Santa Barbara - (2011–2015) ♦ GPA: 3.60 ♦ Double Major B.S. in Chemistry and Biochemistry from the College of Creative Studies ● Internationally recognized Concord Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps (2011-2014) ● Private Piano Studies under: David Ruane, Pianist in Napa (August 2015 - June 2017) Kyle Landry, YouTube Pianist and Composer with 615,000 Subscribers (June 2016 - Present) Josh Wright, Youtube Piano Instructor and Associate Professor at University of Utah (June - December 2016)
Awards:
● Self-promoted, marketed, and performed 4 piano recitals in 2016-17 that seated 200 guests and raised total of 1800$ ● 2 time World-Champion Euphonium player with the Concord Blue Devils ● Awarded Outstanding Performer for Lead Alto Saxophone performance at Reno Jazz Festival (2009) ● 5 years of 1-on-1 teaching experience ● UCSB Phi Mu Upsilon graduate for top 10% of Chemistry department.
Overview:
I recently moved to Orange County from Napa, CA where a majority of my training in piano began. I got my bachelors in Biochemistry/Chemistry, and near the end decided that a change was needed! I immediately threw myself into piano and music and haven't looked back since. 4 recitals later, 20 students later, Chopin Etudes I never thought I would ever be able to play in my life later... here I am. I find piano such a wonderful tool for personal growth and I incorporate it into a healthy relaxing life. My number one priority with my teaching is to make sure the student first and foremost feels safe and has fun as they watch themselves grow to do things on the piano that translate on and off the bench. If you are student or parent with memories of the crabby old lady as a piano teacher that treated you horribly, I can assure you that one of my strengths is I cultivate very warm comforting relationships with my students!
EXPERIENCE
I first began the art of teaching when I was in college teaching Chemistry. I know it may sound like it is not related, but teaching one subject helps you teach another! I led group Chemistry classes and continue to this day teaching chemistry to the high school and college level. However, after a full year of intense piano studies practicing 3-4 hours daily and studying under my 3 teachers, I felt finally ready to take on students in April of 2016. Since that point, I have had 20 students of ages ranging from 6-82 and it is has been wonderful to learn more about teaching and how each student really is a customized project in the making. Finding out what makes each student motivated is a joy that is unparalleled. If you are a student/parent wanting to be understood by your difficulties with the piano, I am the teacher who will understand. I began piano late! Serious study at the age of 22. I know what it is like not to know how to play the piano, but I can assure you with hard work, anything can be accomplished! My playing is a testament to that fact.
METHODS USED
For beginning students, my primary resource is generally the purple Primer level Faber book, however I often use principles of teaching from Simply Music and Piano Safari that allow beginning students to get right into playing some very interesting songs without having to read them.
I think reading is important, don't get me wrong. However, I think that the ability to be versatile on the sounds of the piano without the abstraction of music notes can be very helpful for fostering a love for music early on. From the beginning phase, I figure out over the long-term what your student is motivated by and create a lesson plan around it. Some students like to compose their own songs and record them. Some like to write sheet music on the computer. Some love the enjoyment of the next challenging song on sheet music. I believe it is imperative a teacher has a malleable customizable approach for every student because we all have different personalities and preferences. Why wouldn't you shape your lessons for each student so that they can understand music better.
LESSON STYLE
I think it is absolutely important to develop a teaching style that is based around positive reinforcement. Praising when you like what the student did. When you can tell there is progress from week to week, telling Jonny that you can tell he practiced is a brilliant way to inspire Jonny to associate hard work with progress. I live by the mantra, 2 praises and a wish, meaning offering 2 words of REAL positivity followed by constructive criticism. This circumvents the brain's natural tendency towards negativity bias. I want my students to grow, but NOT at the cost of their life long love of music. I believe this philosophy ensures that result.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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