Piano with Fernando P.

Hello there! My name is Fernando, and I bring lots of profession playing and teaching experience to the table. I am an active musician in several local bands of various styles and genres, including jazz bands, Latin jazz bands, sax quartets, church groups, and musicals. I have played across southern California, several other states including Nevada (Reno Jazz Festival), Portugal, and Mexico. I have a Master of Music in Conducting from Messiah College, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education, from CSUF. I also hold a valid California Teaching Credential, which I completed through CSUF. I also hold an Associate of Arts degree in Music from Fullerton College. I am currently the director of bands at Savanna High School in Anaheim, CA. I teach 3 concert band groups, Jazz band, and marching band. Previously, I was the Instrumental and Choral Music Teacher at Buena Park Jr. High School, in the city of Buena Park, where I taught band, orchestra, percussion, and choir. I have also taught woodwinds for various high schools across southern California, as well as a marching/visual coach for marching bands. I front and lead my own Christian Contemporary Band. We've recorded two albums, of which I have composed the original music/lyrics, and produced both albums. We are currently working on our third album. I can teach everything from jazz, to classical, rock, blues, Latin genres (salsa, merengue, bolero, mambo, etc.), and even contemporary Christian music in both English and Spanish. I mix all of these experiences and knowledge into a big melting pot, and apply it very efficiently and wisely so that my students can positively benefit from a wonderful and exciting real-world musical journey! *** Lesson Details *** I base my lessons around the student's needs for musical growth, and their own likes and dislikes. If there is something specific that the student wants to learn, as far as a style/genre or piece of music, I foster that and I help encourage musical growth and enjoyment around that. I am constantly encouraging my students to listen to as much music as possible, or better yet, to watch and listen to as much live music as possible. I strongly believe that this nurtures musical growth and serves as a role model. I am very patient and laid back, but I do expect the student to have fun while staying constant with individual practice. There is no substitution for perseverance, consistency, and hard work, but it doesn't mean that we will not have fun while we make music! *** Studio Equipment *** An upright Yamaha acoustic piano is available, along with a Korg and Kurzweil digital keyboards, music stands, computer music software for studying repertoire (music), a large collection/library of books containing scales, exercises, music, etc. I also can make copies or print something for you if necessary. A sound system is available for listening to something is necessary. Flute, saxophone, and clarinet students must provide their own instrument, but I can point you in the right direction in terms of acquiring an instrument either for purchase or rental from a local music retail store. *** Travel Equipment *** Students must provide their own instrument, except piano if student comes to my home for lessons. Student must also provide books (as assigned), and metronome for practicing at home. I can carry with me things such as: saxophone, clarinet, flute, a portable music stand, metronome/tunes, pencil, paper, and any other book(s) or materials as needed.   *** Specialties *** I can teach classical, jazz/contemporary, funk, latin, blues, contemporary Christian, improvisation and music theory at very advanced levels.