Piano with Brian J.

Originally from Patterson, CA in the heart of the central valley Brian moved to San Diego to pursue an education in music-business at Point Loma Nazarene University. Prior to college Brian's passion for music started at the school band level at the age of 8 where he started on his first instrument, the saxophone. That foundation opened doors which took Brian on a South American tour playing bass at the age of 17, among other experiences. Brian was self-taught on both guitar and bass until he started studying bass under the direction of Bob Magnusson at Point Loma Nazarene University. While at Point Loma Brian had the opportunity of touring California and the southwest with Point Loma's Concert and Jazz bands playing both Sax and Bass Guitar. Since college Brian has been playing and teaching music in and around San Diego. Some Professional Live musical experiences include playing with Justin James (Avex/Tearbridge records), John Mark Seltzer (Warner Brothers), S.A.T.O.R.I., and a live jam with Katja Rieckermann, Saxophonist for Rod Stewart, among other opportunities. Teaching has been Brian's most rewarding gig as a musician. He has an excitement for music that is infectious and he can't help but nourish that excitement in his students. Believing that performance is one of the most rewarding and important aspects of learning an instrument Brian helps each student practice and prepare with performance in mind. Currently Brian has students that have plans of attending performance and music conservatories such as Berklee School of Music and Boston Conservatory. *** Lesson Details *** With each person being a unique individual with differing styles, tastes, and skill levels lessons are tailored for each student with their goals in mind. "I believe in building a good musical foundation so that each student can take what they learn during our lesson and explore new music outside of our lesson. Like all art forms music is up for interpretation and I strongly encourage my students to explore what they have learned. Whether the student wants to learn Rock, Pop, Jazz, Funk, or Classical I have curriculum for all styles. With performance being an important and rewarding aspect of learning an instrument I set my students up for success by teaching songs that allow the student to begin performing right away, and at the same time teaching techniques that apply to each song. Music is a great experience in itself and while learning an instrument can seem quite daunting I have fun the whole way and make everything easily digestible." *** Studio Equipment *** If the student's instrument is either Guitar, Bass, or Sax then the student needs to bring their own instrument with them. Students do not need to bring Amplifiers with them to the studio lessons. I have a Piano for piano lessons. All students should have what is needed to aid their practice at home. *** Travel Equipment *** I expect the student to have everything that would aid their practice time when I am not there. They should have their own instrument. I require that they have their own method books. Occasionally I bring in new sheet music. *** Specialties *** guitar, bass, sax, beginning to intermediate piano, songwriting, music theory, sight reading Progressive methods for Guitar and Bass. Bastien Methods for Piano. Rock, Pop, Punk, Reggae, Metal, Blues, and Classical. Some Funk, Jazz, and R&B.