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Five Tips for Efficient Piano Practice in Costa Mesa
By Dustin C. - Costa Mesa Piano Teacher
Learning to play the piano can be a very rewarding experience. However, the ability to express and communicate effectively through music can be limited without proper piano technique and learning procedures. In order to make steady progress as a student taking piano lessons in Costa Mesa, it is important to know how to quickly acquire the necessary technique to conquer challenging musical passages. The following are five efficient learning procedures that can be applied to any new piano piece you begin to learn.
When you are first starting to learn a piece, listen to a recording. Don't be concerned about imitating the recording because playing styles are very individualistic. If possible, listen to many recordings. The idea is to assimilate and gather new ideas and possibilities of how to approach the new piece. In the end you will most likely choose your own playing over some of those in the recordings.
The key for acquiring technique rapidly lies in being aware of specific tricks for reducing difficult passages to not only playable but often surprisingly simple ones. Start by practicing the most difficult sections first. Many will start a new piece off by learning the easy sections and avoid spending as much time on the difficult ones because they are not as fun and enjoyable. However, the hard sections will take the longest time to learn, so they must be given the most practice time.
Our next practice tip is to choose a short practice segment. This tip can have the largest effect on reducing the practice time for many reasons. First, within a difficult section there are generally only a handful of notes that cause problems for you. It really is not necessary to practice anything other than those note combinations. Second, rehearsing short segments of music allows you to practice them several, even hundreds of times in very little time. This type of practicing can teach the hand new motions very efficiently. Third, the shorter the segment you practice is, the quicker you can play it without difficulty because the short segments are much easier to play.
When practicing one segment or passage, make an effort to include the start of the following segment. This continuity will allow you to connect two small chunks of music that have been isolated for practice and connect them as a complete musical idea. The general idea is that any larger musical passage may be broken up into short segments for practice; however, these segments must overlap.
Hands separate practice is one of the most important ways of developing technique. Many students attempt to develop finger/hand technique by playing hands together and that can be much more time consuming and difficult for a variety of reasons. It is important to note that hands separate practice should be used mainly for difficult passages that cannot be played otherwise. As a student becomes more technically proficient during their piano lessons in Costa Mesa, there will be less of a need to depend on hands separate practice. However, many students and even some professional pianists never completely give up on incorporating it as a strategy in their practice. Having said that, beginning students would do well to practice hands separately with everything they learn so as to instill this important learning procedure as quickly as possible.
Whether you're a beginner who has just started piano lessons in Costa Mesa or a seasoned pianist, I hope these practice tricks will assist you in getting through the technical aspects of the sometimes monotonous and tedious phase of learning new music. Now that you are armed with these practice strategies I hope you will have more confidence and freedom to express yourself as a musician!
About Fernando P.
CloseAll ages, all levels, various styles including: Jazz, classical, contemporary/commercial music
About Fernando
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 I
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.
Reviews
· Piano · In studio
· Saxophone · In home
· Piano · In studio
Fernando P.
About Alex P.
CloseLearn to play anything, from classical to pop classics to contemporary music! Also master proper technique and other foundational skills that can be carried into any kind of music-making.
About Alex
Since receiving my Bachelor's degree in Guitar Performance (with a minor in Music Recording) from USC, I have released three more albums of original music, produced four albums for other artists, and have toured nationally with my own band. I currently play in three Los Angeles area bands and am the live sound engineer for another. I have taught guitar at West Coast Music Academy 18 months, and have taught private lesso
With all of this experience and knowledge, I offer a student a very rich understanding of many styles of music. I can ensure that a student gets on the right track towards a bright musical future, whether they want to become a professional musician or whether they want guitar as a lifelong hobby.
*** Lesson Details ***
When you take lessons from me, you will be taking the fastest route to success: playing a lot of guitar! We will cover everything from music theory to technique to soloing to playing your favorite songs, but we won't be spending the lesson time talking. Everything you learn will be quickly put into a playable, practical context, so that you learn the most, and have the most fun!
I have high expectations for my students, and practicing every day is a requirement. But because my curriculum is personally tailored to each individual student, and involves a lot of the music that the student is most passionate about, I find my students often love to practice! I also use a variety of musical texts to enrich the students learning (including, but not limited to, Practical Theory for Guitar by Don Latarski, Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner, the Real Book series, and various Mel Bay books).
After about 6 months, a new student will have learned most basic chords and scales, the building blocks of playing solos, and a good handful of their favorite songs! More experienced students will have enriched their understanding of guitar and how it relates to the music they love, and music that is new to them!
*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons will happen in a studio room at the guest house, electric/acoustic guitars, bass and amps are available, it has instruments on the wall, computer with recording equipment, free street parking. In the event that a student in allergic to cats/dogs, the lessons can occur on the backyard at a roofed area.
*** Travel Equipment ***
guitar, amp, any effects if necessary. student must provide guitar (any kind)
*** Specialties ***
I specialize in rock, pop, folk, and jazz guitar styles. I focus on material that the individual student is excited about and wants to learn, and incorporate fundamentals and other pertinent skills necessary to maximize the students ability.
For bass guitar I specialize in rock and pop.
Contemporary songwriting technique is not genre-specific and I can teach any type of songwriting, from hip hop to country to rock. I have been a songwriter for 7 years, and have released 3 full length albums and one EP of my original material. I was also a student in the pilot classes which later became USC's Popular Music degree program. These classes focused on songwriting and were taught by industry veterans Chris Sampson and Richard Smith.
I was trained in advanced music theory as part of my degree from USC. I integrate theory into my other lessons but I can also teach theory alone.
I have advanced skills with ProTools and have extensive experience (5 years) in recording, from professional studios to personal home setups.
Reviews
· Piano · In home
· Guitar · In home
· Music Recording · In studio
Alex P.
About Sheila M.
CloseI have over 14 years of teaching experience with students of all ages and levels. Students will learn to read music, music terminology, music theory, technique, and a wide variety of piano repertoire (classical, pop, rock, international music etc.)
About Sheila
***I can currently only accommodate weekly lessons. Requests for lessons that occur other week will not be accepted.
————————————————————————
My interest in music began at the age of seven when I began private instruction in classical piano, and by the age of ten, I began playing the flute. I received my Bachelor of Music with a degree in Music Education from the University of Redlands, where I studied flute with Sara Andon. There, I performed in the university's Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and Orchestra. During my third year at university, I studied abroad a
In 2013, I graduated from California State University, Northridge with a Masters degree in Flute Performance where I studied flute with Sandra Kipp. At CSUN, I performed in the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Northridge Flute Quartet, and various chamber ensembles. I currently reside in Irvine where I teach private flute and piano lessons and perform with local ensembles.
*** Lesson Details ***
My goal as a music educator is to foster excellence in the art of music through private instruction. I have worked with students of all ages ranging from 5 to older adults.
In my studio, students will have a well rounded music education. This means that we will work on a variety of things such as sight reading, music theory, music history, and a wide range of repertoire (from Beethoven to the Beatles!) While I have high expectations for my students, I do my best to keep the lessons relaxed and lighthearted. My hope is that the student is always engaged and interested during lessons.
My three expectations:
1. Come prepared both mentally and physically (this is especially important for flutists-- make sure to warm up prior to the lesson!)
2. Don't be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes. This is non-threatening territory, I'm here to guide you and help you. Remember that mistakes happen, we're human. Just be sure to learn from those mistakes so that you can take something away from each experience.
3. For parents-- BE INVOLVED! I can't tell you how often I've seen younger students excel when their parents were proactive in the experience. This means encouraging them to practice, coming up with a rewards system, and even sitting in on the lesson to take notes. This way, you can reinforce what we accomplished during the lesson at home together. It's difficult for music teachers to compete with iPads, Playstations and television, so let's get creative together!
*** Required Materials ***
Flute students must own a well maintained flute, as an instrument that is out of adjustment causes frustration and can initiate bad habits. In addition, the student must also have a metronome and tuner, a music stand, flute repertoire, and an assignment book for me to write down each week's assignments.
Piano students must have a working acoustic piano or digital piano in their home for piano lessons. The student must also have a metronome, piano repertoire, and an assignment book for each week's assignments.
Reviews
· Piano · Online
· Flute · Online
· Piano · Online
Sheila M.
About Mauricio O.
CloseWhether you're just wanting to learn the piano as an absolute beginner, looking to review and start studying again, or you're a singer / songwriter who desires to learn the piano to write songs or accompany yourself on stage, let's get in contact and start with some lessons.
About Mauricio
Reviews
· Guitar · In studio
· Piano · In studio
· Piano · In studio
Mauricio O.
About Grace M.
CloseWith 10 years of teaching experience, I specialize in working with beginning students of all ages. In lessons I strive to build a strong foundation of reading music, rhythm and music theory. Students are placed in the appropriate level of Piano Adventures during their first lesson. They are required to have the books by their next lesson. I look forward to helping you reach your goals!
About Grace
Locally, Grace has performed with the Dana Point Symphony, Symphony Irvine, as well as other groups around Southern California. Previously, she was a long time member of the Cheshire Symphony.
Whether you choose to take lessons online or in your home, I strive to make each lesson engaging, informative, and fun! Students are expected to practice in-between lessons and come to lessons prepared with their instrument and music. I also encourage students to bring
**Every Other Week Lessons**
Due to current lesson demand, I'm not able to accept new students interested in every other week lessons. The only exception will be if you are able to fill the off week of a current every other week student. Please contact me before booking lessons for a current list of available spots. Spots are available on a first come, first come basis, and are subject to change at any time. This applies to requests for both online and in-person lessons.
**Group Lessons**
I don't offer traditional group lessons, as I've found they slow down the progress of both students and therefore aren't cost effective. Arrangements can be made for back to back lessons instead. Please contact me before booking lessons.
Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have, and I can't wait to meet you!
Reviews
· Oboe · Online
· Piano · In home
· Piano · Online
Grace M.
About Anna K.
CloseI started playing piano when I was 5 years old, and my musical basics were built up through learning piano. I minored in piano at undergraduate School, Han-Yang university in Korea.
I have been teaching piano students of level between beginner and Intermediate. In order to make better progress learning piano, I focus on what students need because each student has different learning style and goal.
About Anna
Anna's Bio:
Anna K. performs extensively as soloist, chamber and orchestral musician. Ms K. has served as a director of the Orange County Chamber Ensemble from 2003 to 2012, and has appeared as a soloist with numerous orchestras in Korea, Europe, Japan, and more recently in US. She has pe
Reviews
· Violin · In studio
· Violin · In studio
· Piano · In studio
Anna K.
About Belinda C.
CloseDuring lessons I will provide constant feedback and adjust lessons depending on your needs and level of understanding. Students have different learning styles so I will teach lessons that incorporate visual, verbal, and written teaching methods. Students can expect a professional, enthusiastic, and patient teacher that is serious about students learning the subject’s material and also makes learning fun.
About Belinda
I am a strong believer in self expression and visual literacy which gets stronger with the formulation of concepts one builds through inspiration for each painting. I enjoy teaching and learning what my students' interests are and what motivates them. I can help you learn specific skills for abstract paintings to detailed portraits.
Through research I have also learned that individua
If you are looking to work with someone who loves what they do, who is patient, motivational, and can teach you basic to advanced skills in painting, drawing, music, and Spanish send me a message and we start your learning journey!
Reviews
· Piano · In home
· Drawing · In home
Belinda C.
About Gihae H.
CloseExperienced teacher of 7 years in piano and 15 in singing, specializing in the beginner piano student! All ages welcome. Lessons are customized and catered to the needs/goals of each student. Not only will you be playing songs in no time, but you will be building a strong foundation of note reading, music theory, ear training, sight reading, technique, and more. Let's get started!
About Gihae
I am an experienced singer, songwriter, and musician.
I have been teaching singing and music for a very long while(5 Years)!
I would love to take the opportunity to grow your voice and confidence in your own ability to be musical! Can’t wait to help you grow your strengths as well on this amazing journey! Feel free to give me a message about rates and availability! Thank you
Reviews
· Singing · In home
Gihae H.
About Natsumi O.
CloseDo you want to start learning piano/keys in a proper and fun way? Want to play your favorite songs better? Well, I am here for you!!!
I have been playing piano since I was 3 years old and I have learned many genres, including pop, rock, jazz, blues, and classical. I teach keys and piano with entry levels in any genre. I am currently in bands where I perform as a pianist and keyboardist.
In my lessons, we will start with the right warmups and learn basic knowledge about reading sheet music and lead sheet as well. As we will have fun and learn together, you will build your confidence as well, and I will make sure that my students will achieve their goals and needs!
About Natsumi
I have 6 years of vocal training with my professional vocal coaches, including a vocal coach, who taught Adam Levine, Sara Bareilles and more, and a vocal coach, who is working for The Voice right now. I also had taken piano lessons for years.
I have done some projects with music producers and recetly did a backing vocal for a record for G'Day USA Awards Gala. I am also working as a singer and keyboardist in three bands in Los Angeles.
Music has always been my biggest passion and it inspires me in so many ways. I believe that learning music is supposed to be fun and good education will grow our musicality. And I would love to
Reviews
· Singing · In studio
Natsumi O.
About Charlene
ClosePutting a smile at the end of each lesson is my teaching goal!
I have been teaching classical piano for more than 20 years. My education background includes Master degree from UCLA. Currently I am a piano judge for Music Teacher's Association of California (MTAC).
My students regularly share their music at school, recitals and senior homes. Students also have the opportunity to take the Certificate of Merit (CM) or National Guild piano evaluations.
About Charlene
I have a Bachelor degree from Eastman School of Music and a Master degree form UCLA. Currently, I am a piano judge for MTAC
Being members of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC) and National Piano Guild, I prepare students for Certificate of Merit (CM) and National Guild piano evaluations.
My students share their music at schools, recitals and senior home.
I look forward to meet you!
Reviews
· Classical Piano · In home
· Classical Piano · In studio
Charlene
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