Piano with Bobby A.

I'm a piano & voice teacher, pianist, composer, songwriter, singer, and lifetime music lover in beautiful Los Angeles, California. I began playing piano at age 7 and was forever smitten with learning music! I progressed rapidly and by high school I was winning multiple competitions and talent shows and performed as a featured artist with local youth orchestras in Corpus Christi, Texas. When I was 16, I began teaching piano and music theory to my peers and to kids. Then it was off to Austin where at the University of Texas I studied composition (piano principal under Dr. Betty Mallard) and wrote and arranged for keys (of course) as well as voice, strings, and choral groups I sang in. I'm a fun, laid-back person and my teaching style reflects that. However I thrive on doing things the right way and reinforcing that in a positive way. This applies to both kids and adults! Being a musician is a tremendous feeling and my goal is help others become better musicians and have fun doing it! *** Lesson Details *** FIRST LESSON: We will about your experience with music, music theory, piano, any other instruments, and what kind of music you're interested in learning. Any style is OK! We'll talk about your practicing commitment and your space at home - do you have a piano or a keyboard? Once I've assessed these things, we can start some exercises then I can give you some fun assignments. If you have certain music in mind you'd like to learn, please bring those ideas or sheet music. WHAT ARE OTHER LESSONS LIKE? You and I discuss your progress or roadblocks since last time and any questions you had. No doubt you experienced a combination of inspirations and frustrations - that's normal. We'll warm up with scales and exercises if you have not already, then jump into the material. *** Studio Equipment *** A 1920's Hardman Grand Piano MIDI keyboard USB mic with Garage Band AC Restroom Waiting area with views *** Specialties *** I TEACH: Creative children and adults (actors, thinkers, tinkerers, hams) - all ages Beginners, intermediate, advanced players People coming back to music after forever! (it's OK). Piano classes are individually tailored to your needs. PIANO PERFORMANCE Proper form, tempo, dynamics, and reading music. Clefs! Italian! Oh my! STYLES: POP, ROCK, JAZZ, BROADWAY Lead sheets, rhythm, improvisation, style SONGWRITING & COMPOSITION How to pick the right chords and style; lyric and melody writing; song structure VOCAL & PERFORMANCE COACHING Singing (while playing!) and showmanship; proper vocal technique and support MUSIC THEORY Music theory is the study and science of music and how it's put together. Why do you only use the black keys sometimes? EAR TRAINING How to hear certain pitches in relation to others: intervals, chords, scales, and when and where to use them.