Voice Lessons in El Cerrito, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Conga Latin Percussion

Jake has been playing guitar and percussion for over 20 years. He teaches all levels of guitar and congas, as well as beginning piano, voice and drum set. He went to Berkeley High School where he played guitar in the BHS Jazz Ensemble. He then attended the New School in New York City, majoring in jazz guitar studies. He has studied jazz guitar with Steve Erquiaga, Dave Creamer and Jack Wilkins, and congas with Josh Jones, Sandy Perez and other Cuban percussionists. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Ukulele Acoustic Guitar

I firmly believe that, as the Latin derivation of the word "Educate" would demonstrate, the key to teaching is NOT in the pouring of information into a student, but in the "Drawing Out" (E Ducere) of the student's interest and instincts... While lesson plans are very helpful as tools, I prefer to PERSONALIZE my instruction by first assessing the innate desires of the student and their initial acumen--and THEN devising a plan that COMBINES what THEY want with what i know as an educator will lead them to THEIR goals... Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Clarinet

Sometimes, my students will spend a couple weeks on a song, and sometimes they will spend five months on a song. It is all dependent on what they need to succeed. Practicing is a major concept that I focus on and therefore provide every student with weekly practice sheets as well as written monthly progress reports to their parents. In lessons with me, there is nothing we can't do and that is what I strive to show my students every week. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice

I like to teach lessons that move step-by-step, with each lesson building on the one before, so that the student can see the improvement as they move ahead. If they are children beginners, they can begin with simple chords, a strum and a C scale. Over time more chords, fuller strumming rhythms and understanding how chords come from scales is introduced. With more advanced players, depending on the style that they want to play, they can learn more advanced chords and progressions, licks and fills, and creating intros and endings and generally sculpting the songs. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I believe EVERYONE has the ability to sing.  Some voices will go on to do big things, and some will help to build confidence in their everyday lives. I grew up with loving and compassionate teachers and family members.  It's my job as a human being to offer that same level of respect and compassion. Students are encouraged to set their own goals.  I do NOT believe it demanding students to practice on a schedule I create.  Types of students that have represented my studio in the past: * Classical Singers * Musical Theatre Performers (professional) * Community Theatre Performers * Pageant Contestants * KARAOKE Singers (MANY contest winners) * High School Students preparing for college programs and auditions (CAP-22, USC, NYU, Boston Conservatory, Carnegie Mellon, among others) * Retirees I feel that what makes me a fantastic option as a teacher is my equal love for the art of singing and performance AND for teaching, as well. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I love teaching, learning, and singing, but sometimes doing the things we love can still affect our nerves! I start first from a grounding and emotional center where we learn to access our own joy and take up our own space. From that point forward, we sing our hearts out! We will learn that vocal techniques that start out feeling tricky can become easier by incorporating mindfulness and full-body movement, and we master some techniques that are most relevant to your style of singing. 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