Piano with Jay Jay W.

From the moment my fingers touched the keys, my passion for the piano never ceased. Starting as a self-taught player, I received formal training in the instrument at the University of California, Davis under the instruction of Marilyn Swan. There I played in several chamber ensembles, including a performance of Schubert's Trout Quintet. I have also accompanied recitals for fellow musicians of various instruments, including a double bass and a cello. I have also had the opportunity to work with American Bach Soloists director Jeffrey Thomas who conducted the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra in conjunction with the University chorus where I played both piano and celesta parts. It was a frightening and exhilarating experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat. As a soloist, I have performed several piano works of many of the great classical composers ranging from Beethoven piano sonatas, Bach prelude and fugues to Chopin nocturnes, Brahms intermezzos, and many, many others. Besides piano, my other emphasis is composition. My senior project was a song cycle using texts from poems by Robert Frost and was scored for soprano, mezzo-soprano and piano. I received my Bachelor’s degree from UC Davis in Music and Psychology in 2009. I became a member of the Music Teacher’s Association of California (MTAC) in 2010 and has held many positions in the organization for the Yolo County Branch, including Chair of the Composer’s Today program (a program that holds an annual recital for students who compose their own music), Recording Secretary, and currently finishing his tenure as Branch President. As a member of MTAC, my students also participate in the Certificate of Merit program that holds an annual student evaluation in the Spring. I am is also a member of the American College of Musicians and has students participate in the National Piano Guild Auditions sponsored by ACM. But my real passion is teaching. I love to watch as a young piano student matures into a truly exceptional musician. I love watching children experience that "Aha!" moment when they realize "This is fun!" I've been teaching for the past 5 years at a studio, in charge of, at one point, over 50 piano students, of all ages and skill levels. And I absolutely loved it. From the youngest beginners to advanced adults, every student I've taught has developed a love for the instrument, the same love that I feel. I believe that anyone can learn music and to play this beautiful instrument. If I can do it, so can you! I am very patient and have a great sense of humor! I get along great with children and adults alike. *** Lesson Details *** Never had a music lesson in your life? No problem! Have you taken lessons for years and are looking for a different perspective? I welcome you with open arms and ears! I teach students of all ages and skill levels. Lessons with me will focus on your individuals needs as a student. If you're having problems in a certain area, I make it my mission to address this issue and guide you to a solution. I believe that practice is an important part of learning music and I expect students to do so regularly. I teach all types of musical genres, from classical to pop, so there's always something to keep you interested! *** Travel Equipment *** I expect students to have their own pianos. Books and other lesson materials will be negotiated prior to the first lesson. *** Specialties *** classical training, technique training, musical theory/composition, wide variety of genres