I'm a small town, Wyoming native and ventured to Boston, MA, where I received my bachelor of Fine Arts at the world renown Berklee College of Music. At Berklee, I studied vocal performance, songwriting and music business and became one of the premier vocalists on campus, regularly singing in the prestigious "Singer's Showcase" each year. Quickly after graduating, I was able to tour the United States and Canada in the national touring company of the Broadway smash musical, RENT. Since re-locating to the Southern California area, I've been sharing what I've learned during my career with students, performing in numerous musicals, venues and vocal groups, as well as honing my craft as a singer/songwriter. My song, "Drive", garnered honorable mention from the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2001. I have two full-length albums under my belt; "Haven't Had Enough" and "Finding Me," and I'm currently in the studio recording my third, which is due to be released in the Spring of...

Welcome to my Take Lessons Page:

I'm Jim, a concert pianist, vocalist, composer-arranger as well as California music industry artist developer and agent. As the founder of J. R. Spencer Music, coaching students of all ages/levels has been my passion for over twenty-five years. Teaching in college, high school, and private school settings have also allowed me the opportunity to perfect my teaching skills and be sensitive to the needs and learning styles of my students.

As a specialist and musicologist in a plethora of musical genres, I can help you quickly become a master of any style of music you are interested in. Pianists will have the opportunity to study traditional Classical repertoire, or study a more contemporary approach focusing on reading charts and playing by ear allowing students to perfect playing jazz, pop, rock, blues, New Age, and Latin. Vocalists may also study all genres including: Classical/Opera, Musical Theatre, Acting, American Idol/Glee Pop, Rock,...

Classically trained with years of performance and practical experience. I know how to help you make the music that you want to make. I am well-versed in nearly all music styles from classical to contemporary/pop. I am currently active in both piano accompaniment, vocal performance with the Pacific Chorale, and directing a very active north orange county community choir.

I recently completed my music credential and have graduate degrees in Education and Music.

I am especially gifted in teaching beginning piano, fundamental vocal production and dramatic presentation. I have extensive experience with the young and beginning acting student and can masterfully explain the dynamics of auditions and performing in the community.

Having fun while learning is my philosophy. Your math, reading, and comprehension skills improve greatly with the practice and skills of performing in music.

To those that wonder- if she is so great then why is she teaching?! Well, my goal in life has always been- to make my income as a musician. In my early years I DID IT-- I was successful as a back up singer with Rod Stewart, Julio Iglesias and others. Then I did receive a recording contract with 3 CDs out with the GEFFEN label and then I became a HAS BEEN that never really was;-) I wish I had someone like me- teaching the stage presence, how to hold a microphone!, how to confidence with my singing and playing EVERY day and build on it. And the music business itself! So I have a WEALTH of knowledge to share for YOUR benefit and maybe some current networks to get you to be successful with YOUR hopes and dreams in music too!
Dream, but ACT on those dreams so you have NO regrets. Those who can DID and NOW they...

Crystal brings a lifetime’s experience of professional musicianship to each of her lessons. Born into a family of musicians, she sang her first solo at age 2. She also benefits her students with an extraordinarily diverse musical background, having worked as a vocalist in gospel, country, musical theater, jazz, classical, rock, pop and soul styles. Her performing career has taken her from L.A. church meetings to London’s Houses of Parliament.

Crystal hails originally from Los Angeles, CA - where her musical parents gave her a head start by including her in the family business the moment she was able to contribute. She went on to study classical voice, piano and music theory at The Boston Conservatory of Music. After concluding her studies in London, she returned home and began working regularly as a theater performer, appearing in twenty world premiers and re-imagined classics. Most notably she played the lead role of Keely Smith in the big band jazz musical “Louis and...

Hi there, and I am glad you found my profile! My name is Elizabeth, and I truly believe in progressive education as a means to help you reach your ultimate goals through learning. I strongly believe in excellence and with that comes sacrifice in areas of discipline and practice; I have such a strong belief in these principles because I truly care about you and your success. I really do, and this is why I require so much from you!

I have been singing and playing both the piano and guitar for about 15 years now. Also, I am a savvy songwriter and instructor and have been honing the craft of songwriting and melody formation for over 5 years now. Also, with a strong background in Acting and presently a faculty member at one of the premier Performing Arts colleges in Los Angeles for acting and music, I am sure that we can reach whatever aspiring goals you have set for yourself.

I look forward to working with you and being a part of your future success as a performing artist!...

I've been playing and teaching drums for over 15 years now and I'd be lying if I said that drumming hasn't been one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done in my life! I started drumming with a band before I even knew how to play, rocking covers, and even originals with my brother and best friend in the seventh grade. I received no formal training but instead learned my first beat from the drummer at my church, and picked up tips and tricks from friends and drummers in my community. I also watched every drummer I could fervently and studied every technique I could set my eyes on. Eventually I purchased an excellent book on rock drumming and before I knew it I was playing a weekly gig at my youth group and playing shows in town with my first band.
After that band broke-up in high school (we recorded one demo) my brother and I formed a new band, recorded an EP, and played tirelessly around the bay area creating an excellent fan base.
It was around this time...

Hi! I'm April L! I’m enthusiastic & caring, fun & friendly, and I want YOU to SUCCEED!

I’ve had a love for music since I can remember! My first expressions of music were singing in the car, shower, living room … anywhere I could! I took music lessons as a child, and it wasn’t until college that I really developed my skills. I have been teaching Piano, Music & the Arts for over 15 years and love it! I’ve taught hundreds of successful students, and the two things they (or their parents) have in common is consistency and a desire to learn! These students have continued their love of music and performance thru high school, college, and adulthood!

The most important gift I can give you? To inspire you to Believe You Can! With some focus, consistency, and guidance, you can accomplish a lot! If you Believe You Can, YOU CAN! It’s true! You can achieve anything your heart desires!

Congratulations on beginning this exciting journey! I look forward to...

Briana has studied various vocal genres under a wide variety of coaches: classical, chamber, and pop voice; musical theatre voice and jazz, soul, R&B, and gospel technique at McGill University in Montreal. Briana also spent 10 years studying the classical Suzuki method of piano under Phyllis Kranz (Dover, NH), which helped to develop her ear.

Briana is also a successful singer-songwriter. She developed the craft of songwriting while attending Phillips Exeter Academy, McGill University, and the University of New Hampshire, where Briana earned her Masters degree in English Literature. With a unique blend of blues, pop and soul, her immensely popular debut album GRANITE STATE (2009) led to a series of packed shows on the stages of the Sunset Strip, including House of Blues, Key Club and the Whiskey a Go Go. One night of Briana's successful GRANITE STATE tour was recorded and produced into a second full-length album entitled, LIVE AT THE DAKOTA LOUNGE (2010).

Briana has...

Becca is an all-around performer who recently moved to Los Angeles from New York City. She is classically trained, but loves to explore her interests in many different genres. She believes in pushing students to break out of their comfort zones while still maintaining a safe and supportive environment. She starts from what excites and motivates her students because, above all, she believes in having a great time on this journey to cultivating a higher skill and comfort level.

Music is my life's work. I am passionate about the art of drums and love to share that passion with my students. Whether you are a total beginner looking to get started or an advanced practitioner working on taking your career to the next level, I can help you develop the skills to become the musician you want to be.
A little about my career: I am a professional drummer, singer, and producer based in Los Angeles. My professional credits include Blue Man Group, The National Symphony Orchestra under Grammy winning conductor Leonard Slatkin, and the European tour of The Berlioz Requiem under Grammy winning conductor Robert Shafer. I have composed and tracked music for The Discovery Channel and Black Box TV, played in orchestras on and off Broadway, performed/recorded extensively in LA, NYC, and Nashville, and spent the last decade recording and touring internationally with artists and bands of many different styles.

After 10 years of teaching and performing in New York City, I moved to Los Angeles to be near family.
I can't wait to share the knowledge I've learned (from Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music faculty, Broadway musical directors, composers, casting directors and coaches) with my students.

My career is varied and special:
*I taught theater to elementary kids in Harlem
*I taught Voice and Piano at a performing arts school in Connecticut and with Little Maestros (NYC's premiere infant and toddler music classes)
*I performed regionally and internationally with major opera companies and regional theaters.
* I sing jazz and cabaret gigs in NYC and LA ans recently started a women's trio group which sings around Los Angeles for private functions, hotel lounges and wedding cocktail hours.

I studied Music Education at SDSU, Musical Theater at NYU and received a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice from the Manhattan School of Music. I teach beginning to intermediate...