Cliff R.

General Info

• Certified Music Teacher

  Certified Music Teacher

  Our rigorous hiring process requires a completed application; an interview with our professional recruiting specialists; personal and professional reference checks; and annual criminal background checks for the duration of each teacher's employment with us.

  
• Background Check Complete

  Criminal Background Check

  In order to ensure the safety of our students, all teachers undergo a thorough criminal background check, which includes: Social Security number trace, multi-state criminal search and a nationwide sex offender registry search.

  
• Levels: Beginner to Advanced

• In-Home Lessons: Yes
• In-Studio Lessons: Yes
• Ages: 5 & up

Subjects Taught

Drums, Guitar, Music Theory, Songwriting

Education

St. Ignatius College Prep - - 09/2000-06/2004 (High School diploma received)
Gonzaga University - Education, English, Music - 09/2004-05/2006
Santa Clara University - Music, English - 09/2006-06/2009 (Bachelor's degree received)
Walden School - Music Education - 8/2009 (Degree received)

Specialties

I'm trained in the Walden School method of music education, which is used at the Peabody Conservatory and Santa Clara University. The method utilizes sight singing, aural dictation, and piano fluency. Not only was I trained in this method, but I also attended the Walden School in August to learn how to instruct students in this method.

As a guitarist, I specialize in metal, rock, blues, and other pop styles. My education has also provided me aptitude in jazz and classical. I have ... been playing for 11 years.

As a drummer, I specialize in metal, rock, and funk, but I also have experience in jazz and world music. I am a exceptional double bass drum player, but I also think it is important to be proficient with single bass/high-hat playing.

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Lesson Details

As an experienced educator, Cliff believes that music should be FUN! As a result, Cliff divides his lessons into three sections: Technique, Theory, and Repertoire. If a student wants to be the next great virtuoso, we will focus on playing techniques that foster speed, improvisational skills, and facility with the instrument.

Would you rather learn more about how music works? Then lessons can focus on sight reading, exploring groove, harmony and, melody, and examining how different ... rhythms and scales function in real musical situations.

Rather learn how to play some songs? Bring in any music, either notated on sheet music, or on an iPod or CD, and we'll learn how to play like your favorite musicians, or how to make the songs your own!

All students get exposure to all three of these elements, but how much is up to the student. I want to help you to become the musician that YOU want to be!

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About

Cliff started his musical career as a young boy, taking classical piano lessons from the age of 4 until the age of 12. Discouraged by the strict format of his musical education, he picked up the guitar, and vowed never to take another music lesson. However, upon entering college, Cliff enrolled in drum lessons on a whim, and he has never looked back.

After discovering this new found love for music, Cliff earned not only a degree in English, but also a BA in Music from Santa Clara ... University, with a concentration in both guitar and drums. While this exposed Cliff to a strong classical background that included piano proficiency, conducting, and sight-singing, he also continued to foster a love for rock, funk, blues, and other popular music. As a result, Cliff has given performances in a variety of contexts -- including jazz, classical, and popular music. Cliff currently plays lead guitar in a San Francisco metal band that is recording an EP to be released later this year.

More than a music lover, Cliff is also very passionate about education. In addition to teaching Collegiate-level aural skills classes, Cliff teaches music several different schools throughout the Bay Area, with students ranging from Kindergarten to 8th Grade. Additionally, Cliff augmented his ability to teach music at the highly regarded Walden School TTI in New Hampshire earlier this year. Whether you are a beginner drummer or guitarist, or a seasoned shredder, Cliff shares your enthusiasm, and will design a lesson plan that will take you where you want to go on your musical journey (and maybe to places you never even considered before!)

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