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.
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
Ages: 5 & up
In-Home Lessons: Yes
In-Studio Lessons: No
Online Lessons: No
Subjects Taught In Person
Piano, Music Performance, Music Theory, Trumpet
Education
California State University, Northridge - Music Education, Jazz Studies - Fall 2004 - Spring 2009 (Bachelor's degree received)
California State University, Northridge - Single-Subject Teaching Credential in Music - Fall 2009 - Spring 2010 (Degree received)
Specialties
I teach all styles, from classical to jazz to pop.
Lesson Details
My philosophies as a teacher include making music enjoyable and meaningful, while also fostering analytical thinking and emotional growth. I believe that lessons are only effective if there is also a support system from parents and the community. I highly encourage parents to become involved in their child’s musical experience in order to contribute to the student’s growth.
Each lesson is tailored to the individual student, creating a truly personalized experience. I may teach out of a
...
book, or several, or I may incorporate self-made lesson-plans according to the student's abilities and goals. My lessons are comprehensive to include note-reading, theory, ear training, composition, and improvisation. Repertoire is based on the student’s goals, including anything from Beethoven to The Beatles! With all the tutorials that are easily accessible on the internet, I strive to make sure students learn to understand the correct technique along with the correct notes of their favorite song.
I specialize in two instruments, piano and trumpet, because I just couldn’t choose one over the other!
The piano was my first love. I started playing the piano at the age of 4, mostly by ear, but I studied for over 10 years, participating in various regional and national competitions, earning top marks. By the time Band was offered at school, I was playing piano in the jazz bands and marimba in the concert band. However, I was also lured toward the trumpet at this same time. So I began
...
studying the trumpet and playing throughout high school. Both instruments inspired my decision to major in music at California State University, Northridge. I continued my studies in both piano and trumpet, majoring in both Music Education and Jazz Studies. I studied how to teach piano in a piano pedagogy class with Dr. Sandra Bostrom and also how to play jazz piano with Matt Harris. At the same time, I studied trumpet with top faculty musicians and played in various ensembles. The ensembles often participated in both regional and national competitions, and I even got a chance to record at Capitol Records with the top big band!
Since my junior year in college, I have been teaching Band at local schools. I currently teach Band at two local elementary schools in Thousand Oaks, where I am solely responsible for the recruitment, management, and curriculum of the program. I also teach a jazz band at the Thousand Oaks Teen Center for local teenagers.
You can find me playing at various venues throughout Southern California and around the country. Since college, I have performed with several renowned musicians such as Matt Harris, Gary Pratt, Howie Shear, Rob Lockhart, Gary Fukushima, Greg Bissonette, Neil Peart, Chad Smith, Barbara Morrison, Davis Gaines, and Arturo Sandoval.
Playing and teaching music is such a rewarding experience for both the teacher and the student. Music not only taught me how to feel comfortable and confident with myself, but also inspired many lasting friendships along the way. Music is a journey, and I hope we can create one together!
In-Studio: Unfortunately, I don't have my own studio at the moment, so lessons will be taught in the comfort of YOUR own home!
In-Home: I can provide a music stand, sheet music, and mp3 recordings. (I may be able to provide a means to play those recordings through speakers.) The one thing I expect my students to have is their own instrument and books/materials in an organized fashion.
Rated 5 out of 5 by SamiE M.D.
EXCELLENT,ORGANIZED,CHIC(as in French),GREAT Music Teacher,Highly highly RECOMMENDED...
July 11, 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.
