Our rigorous hiring process requires a completed application; an interview with
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Background Check Complete
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In order to ensure the safety of our students, all teachers undergo a thorough
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Levels: Beginner to Advanced
Ages: 5 & up
In-Home Lessons: Yes
In-Studio Lessons: Yes
Online Lessons: No
Subjects Taught In Person
Piano, Music Theory
Education
Las Positas College - piano teaching - Certificate of Merit program - 1/2010-present Foothill Community College - music - 1968-1970, 1978-1979
Specialties
My specialty is contemporary music styles - rock, pop, R&B, blues, country, standards. I teach music and chart reading and preparation, ear training, theory and improvisation appropriate to the styles of music. The method will be tailored to these students' needs. I also want to familiarize students with musical group dynamics.
I also teach beginning to intermediate classical piano. Although not adhering to the strict guidelines of the Certificate of Merit program, I use it as a
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foundation for teaching.
Piano lessons have to be fun and interesting. The method I use will be based on each student's area of interest -- classical, popular, or a combination -- regardless of age, and taking into account previous studies. Technique and applicable theory and history will be covered from the start. Sight reading and ear training will be incorporated as lessons progress.
For those students interested primarily in popular music, lessons will include fundamentals
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of chart reading and preparation, ear training, improvisation, technique building, and theory and history appropriate to the styles.
I also welcome those musicians who are already proficient on other instruments, who would like to expand their horizons to keyboard instruments; and songwriters as well, who wish to learn to better accompany themselves.
Hi. I'm Don. I’ve been playing the piano for over 40 years, and B-3 organ and synthesizer for over 30 years. My early training was in classical piano, but then I saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, and there was no turning back. After a couple of years of teaching myself guitar, I returned to the piano, and later, organ and synthesizer. I’ve been playing professionally in rock, R&B, blues, country, light jazz, and lounge bands for over 30 years. I did continue to study classical music in
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college -- piano, theory, composition, and history -- but by then I was committed to popular music. I've always loved teaching -- even while I was in college, I tutored my fellow students in piano and music theory.
Along with performing, I have done much recording session work, and have worked with songwriters to help them better arrange their songs. I’m currently working in three classic rock bands, and in an eclectic duo with my wife, a singer / guitarist / bass player. I still play guitar, and also recorders.
While I'm equally at home teaching beginning through intermediate classical piano, my background gives me a lot to offer to people playing in bands, or hoping to play in bands. I can teach not only playing technique and music theory, but also band dynamics, chart reading and writing, improvisation, and fundamentals of composition.
My personal style is easygoing, and my approach to teaching music is also easygoing. If it's not fun, as well as rewarding, why do it? The love of music is what draws us in.
In-Studio: Living Room, digital piano, also organ and synthesizer options, no room for parents to wait at this time
In-Home: At the student's home, there should be a piano or digital piano / electronic keyboard that has preferably at least a 76-note keyboard, with adequate piano patches, touch sensitivity, a damper / hold pedal, and a bench that can be raised to a suitable height. I can provide music books needed, to be purchased by student or
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parents, at my cost. Student may want to keep a 3-ring binder and notepad for note-taking and keeping of any other materials that I may add.
Rated 5 out of 5 by AntoineR Great
Great instructor, works on tailoring the lesson to what it is you want to accomplish.
January 25, 2012
Getting Started
Excited about jumping into music lessons? Before you can get to the
guitar tabs, violin concertos, and vocal riffs, take a moment to think
about the logistics of your lessons.
Lesson Length
There are a few things to consider when choosing between 30-, 45- or
60-minute lessons. First and foremost, take your age and experience
level into account. You'll also want to think about your long- and
short-term goals, and the time you'll need to reach them. Most
importantly, consider how long you or your child is able to stay
focused.
Lesson Location
Teachers have the option to display availability for in-home,
in-studio, and online music lessons. In-home lessons take place at
your house, in-studio lessons are conducted at the teacher's home or
professional studio, and online lessons are taught over the internet
via live video chat.
Book Your Lessons Online
Scheduling your lessons is simple and quick! The prompts will guide you
through each step, from securing your lesson time to selecting the
payment plan that works best for you.
Scheduling Lessons
After you've selected your teacher, click on the Availability tab to
see which time slots and days are open.
Booking Options
Click the "Book Online" button to get started. Enter in your contact
information, and the prompts will guide you through payments, program
options, and confirming your schedule. Learn more about our booking policies.
Payment and Billing
We make paying for your lessons convenient and hassle-free! Prices
vary based on several factors, including the city you live in, the
length of your lessons, and whether you're taking them at home, in
your teacher's studio, or online. Lessons are paid for in advance,
which locks in your time slot.
Signing Your Customer Agreement
Signing your Customer Agreement and completing your Student
Questionnaire is the last step! The questionnaire will give your
instructor valuable information about your goals and experience level,
and give him or her time to create a customized lesson plan right
from the start.
Start Your Lessons
Now the excitement can really begin! Consider the following to ensure an
exceptional first lesson...
Prepare for Your First Lesson
Once you've completed the last step, your teacher will call you within
the next couple of days to confirm your first lesson time and provide
you with directions to their studio, if needed. We also encourage you
to discuss your goals and any other questions you may have.
What To Expect
Every teacher is different, but most first lessons begin with an
assessment of where you are in your studies. At a beginner level, you
might review the basics of your instrument, such as the different
parts, how to hold it correctly, and proper care and maintenance. For
voice, this may be the time you learn about breathing and posture.
Reach the Goals You Set
Every TakeLessons student is unique, and so is your lesson plan!
You'll work with your instructor to develop a plan suited to meet your
specific goals. Most TakeLessons instructors will also keep track of
your progress with a lesson journal.
Programs & Pricing
The billing management tools in your online account help you keep track
of your upcoming payments. And with several lesson programs available,
you can select the one that fits your individual needs.
100% Money Back Guarantee
If you're not completely satisfied with your first lesson, we'll
gladly find you another instructor or refund your entire lesson
purchase.
Can I pay when I get to the lesson?
In order to reserve your time slot, we require payment at the time of
booking, which must be at least seven days before your first lesson
takes place.
How does billing work?
Lessons are paid for in advance, which reserves your time slot and the
teacher that you want. Your specific billing date will depend on the
lesson program you select.
What forms of payment do you accept?
At this time, we accept payments via Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and
American Express. You also have the option to pay with a debit card.
We do not accept payment via cash, check, or money order.
Do you offer a free trial lesson?
We don't offer a free trial lesson; however, we're so confident that
you'll love your lessons that we offer new customers a 100% Money Back
Guarantee. If you take your first lesson and decide that you don't
want to continue, we'll refund the amount you paid INCLUDING the
lesson you've already taken. To request the Money Back Guarantee,
simply notify us within 72 hours of your first lesson.
Do you offer any discounts?
At this time, we don't offer any discounts. However, if you are
booking two students for consecutive in-home lessons, you'll only be
charged one travel fee, instead of one fee per lesson.
