El Dorado Hills, CA Songwriting Lessons

ns, I will know. If a student does practice, I will know that as well. My lessons stress not only what to practice, but how. In 3-6 months, the beginning student can expect to be able to make a pleasing sound on the instrument, and be able to play beginning repertoire. Most importantly, the student will be able to play well enough to enjoy the instrument, which inevitably leads to more productive practice and continued improvement. This continued improvement is what lessons are all about.

*** Travel Equipment ***
If I travel to a student's home, I will bring my instrument only. I expect the student to provide all other equipment necessary for the lesson.

*** Specialties ***
Folk guitar, rock and roll and blues bass, classical flute, analog and digital recording, music theory

, orchestra, and band. I also have organized, wrote/arranged for, and performed with a variety of bands in my home state of New Mexico, as well as Japan, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Since 2006 I have been an active teacher. This profession has taken me everywhere from working with classical guitar classes in New Mexico high schools to Elementary students in Japan to a variety of private students of various musical instruments and genres everywhere I've been. Since relocating to the Bay Area in 2010, I've had the pleasure of working with lots of great students from kids to adults with a wide range of ambitions. Since 2012 I've been running my own full time studio.

Philosophy of Learning

Lessons are generally designed to work towards giving students the tools to accomplish their goals and become increasingly independent over time. While all students will study similar fundamentals regarding technique, theory, and performance, every lesson is as different as every person. What kind of music do you want to make? I'll tell you what you need to do to get there, and help you take the steps to achieve your aspirations.

I also love to help students put together a song, record, and produce it for them so that they can have a recording to share with their friends and family.

I also hold events for my students. (Check out our pictures and videos below!)
Younger students have opportunities to perform for friends and family at my studio every few months. Once or twice a year we'll also stage a larger event off site for more individual students and bands classes to perform.
Adult students also occasionally have events where they get a chance to get together and play music as well.

Aside from in-studio lessons, students also have the option to sign up for online lessons via Skype.
(*Online lessons offered during different times than in-studio lessons.)

*Unfortunately due to scheduling issues, I'm not currently accepting students for bi-weekly lessons. I can do regular weekly lessons, or occasional drop-in lessons, but bi-weekly appointments make it really hard for me to give the best scheduled times to my existing weekly students. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.

My studio is equipped with:

*Music Stands

*A P.A. System

*Vocal and instrument microphones

*Guitars, Basses, Ukulele, Banjos, etc

*Two guitar amps and a bass amp

*Various percussion including a fully equipped acoustic drum set

*A Roland V-Drums electronic drum set

*An electric piano console and Yamaha organ

*A MicroKorg Synthesizer

*A Tuba, Trombone, Cornet, Saxophone, and Flute

*An extensive physical and virtual music library

*A recording system that students are not only welcome to use but encouraged to

*HD Webcam and condenser microphone for high fidelity online lessons via Skype

so spread my abilities to work with Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Piano, ukulele, and voice. I have many experiences with different genres such as American Folk Music, Jazz (Early to Fusion), and contemporary Rock/Pop, World Music, Christian/Worship/Catholic Liturgy, Rn'B, and Country music.

As an Music Educator, I have the strengths of being a distinguished musician and Professional educator which provides me with advanced knowledge in my field of study and interest, teaching for every age group from pre-school to Adult as well as influencing the fun, creativity, and expression of music no matter what the instrument.

*** Lesson Details ***
The music lessons will consist of a concise and strong education of their instrument as well as essential theory and history. I develop individual lesson plans for each student and subject, working on formative goals and objectives to work towards for every lesson and throughout the year. I look forward to being able to help students accomplish and enjoy their instrument, utilizing their interests and genres with a variety of texts and literature at many levels, looking to always expand my own collection to meet the needs of the students. I am comfortable with providing digital and paper materials as well as providing recordings and video studying resources. I know in my heart and mind that I have something to offer to any student at any level in my studio, and, I am equally as passionate about providing an honest atmosphere for evaluation and positive criticism. With every lesson I always encourage brief reflection over the practice, study, and instruction, responding to every critical juncture that comes along the way. Being a certified educator and music instructor, I know that respect, understanding, honesty, human emotion, communication, and professionalism are the most critical components of a healthy Teacher-Student relationship.

Over 3000 Lessons taught with Takelessons since 2010

*** Studio and Resources ***
I have the necessary tools to operate in and out of my studio. Within my workplace I always have my electric keyboard, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, music library, printer/scanner, recording equipment, full sound system with mixer amp, guitar amp, microphone and stand, tuner, music stands, iPad stand, and comfortable space and seating. I also have expanded my studio capabilities that is an entirely digitized database and curriculum.
I expect for the students to provide their own instrument so that they are able to practice at home. I operate on MAC OS and IPad systems that maximize the technological uses of my in home studio.
Be prepared to learn more than you ever anticipated as I provide many resources. I also push for supplemental music instruction within the lessons, adding basic training and music learning skills needed for accompaniment instruments such as the acoustic guitar, ukulele, and piano which allow for students to have a stronger understanding of their music.

ceed in something they really work hard for. I believe that every student has their own unique way of learning music. I am patient and understanding, so my lesson plans will be based on the student's ability, personal interests, and goals. We can work on songs that range from Bach to Ella Fitzgerald, Rolling Stones to Adele and Taylor Swift. Music is fun and rewarding. With me, students will develop a strong music education to help them succeed while having fun."

chnique, (right and left hand patterns), it's all covered. It's fun and legitimate education.

*** Specialties ***
Lessons in piano or guitar cover all popular music styles including country, rock, and classical.

studied voice from Jacqueline Victorino 2012-Present

 Vocal/Performing Arts Instructor for Capital Innovations Academy 2016-Present

Vocal Instructor for The Silver Orange (Teen Center) 2017-Present

 Extensive educational and professional background in music performance (voice, piano, upright bass, guitar, bass guitar), production (pro audio, recording, live sound engineer, producer), songwriting, and composing.

 Classes and performances in musical theater, choir, theater movement, advanced acting theory and techniques, stagecraft, dance and choreography.