Voice Lessons in El Cerrito, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice

For Piano: I usually start with the Alfred's Basic books and work my students through those lessons until they reach a point where I can begin to use other repertoire books with them to give them supplemental work. I always use scales as warm ups for the hands, even if they are very basic for new students. If someone is more experienced, I gauge their level of experience and interests to help determine exercises and repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

For every piano student they will learn theory/ ear training, technique (scales, finger exercises etc..)reading (Sight reading and reading music), and then fun part. Fun part is different for each student and depends on what kind of music they like and also what skills they want to strengthen. It could be learning to sing and play a song at the same time. Or how to jam with others. Or writing their own song. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I also believe that I am not the teacher for everyone. I should not be the teacher for everyone. I am not in the studio to judge a student by telling them they made a good or bad sound. How would I know? How would anyone know? The way I see it, whatever sound we make just happens to be the one the Universe wanted us to make at that moment of our existence. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Conga Latin Percussion

He has also studied voice with Jane Sharp and piano with Ellen Wasserman.  Jake has been teaching music since 2001. He was Music Program Director at Mission Hills Middle School, in Union City, for 3 years. He was also the guitar and percussion teacher at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Oakland. Jake has also been a music instructor with COVA, Art and Soul Music Studios, Hayward Music Center and ALMA. Over the years he has performed with musicians such as Josh Jones, Michael Aaberg, Dayna Stephens, Ambrose Akinmusere, Jonathan Finlayson, Geoff Brennan, and Ray Brown. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience is primarily with private voice and piano lessons. I began teaching as a private instructor in 2010, and have taught privately since. I've had the pleasure of working with a diverse age group from Pre-k to Seniors, and from Beginners to Advanced. I teach fundamentals and technique, but my primary focus in teaching is to inspire the student to explore their instrument, and what it's capable of. I am much more inclined toward cultivating Artists than I am in cultivating immaculate performers. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I couldn't imagine my life without teaching. To nurture a love for music in another, especially a child, is a gift I would not give up. I strive to find the correct balance of technique and performance, practice and play, focus and fun for each of my students. Every one of them comes to me with different skills, ambitions, and needs; building honest, open relationships with student, parent, and teacher is essential to meeting those needs. Read More