Hacienda Heights, CA Music Theory Lessons

so participating as a performer. In addition to her musical abilities, Jenny has received many academic honors as well. She is a member of the Agoura High Chapter of the California Scholarship and is also on the Dean’s List at the University of Southern California. She graduated from USC with a BA in Music and emphasis on Piano.

Jenny started teaching neighborhood kids while she was in high school and has continued to inspire her students throughout her academic studies. She strives to make every lesson different, tailored to individual student’s needs, whether he or she is a beginning toddler or in need of advanced technique.

Dance
Jenny has always had a passion for the performing arts. During her years at USC, she discovered Latin dancing. She has performed, choreographed, and taught for USC's Latin dance team Break On 2 and is still involved. She has participated and performed at numerous salsa and bachata festivals/congresses.

*** Lesson Details ***
Music
As a teacher, I try to make music learning as fun and well-rounded as possible. Every student is unique, and I try my best to accommodate every individual's needs. I encourage students to always ask questions, no matter how silly it might sound, and to trust me to help you achieve your goals. I encourage students to tell me their favorite songs and genre of music and use the knowledge to help keep them motivated, to remind them that learning is fun.

For all ages and levels, I prefer to incorporate music theory as part of the learning process. It allows the student to see the how and why, to not only feel music but also understand it. If your goal is primarily playing oriented, I will, of course, adjust my teaching style to fit your needs.

I learn something new from every student, love seeing my students improve and gain confidence in themselves. I ask that students come with an open mind and be prepared to make mistakes because no piece is perfect and neither are lessons. Lessons give you the opportunity to make mistakes without judgement. You can trust me to always have a positive attitude, it is OK to make mistakes, but practice to play better, and enjoy the feedback to see yourself improve! Learning piano does not happen in a few lessons and is a lifelong rewarding process. I hope to see you treat music with respect, so let's make beautiful music together!

Dance
I also provide choreography for wedding dances (couples, father/daughter). My main focus is on the social aspect of Latin dancing, such as salsa, bachata, merengue, and cha cha. Thus, I will only take students who are able to go out dancing to studios, restaurants, and clubs, meaning 18+ individuals or groups. Every week, I will provide new, cool, and stimulating choreography that supplements technique while developing your own unique style. I love to see my students out on the dance floor, implementing moves learned and having fun! Dancing is a healthy, joyful activity. Get ready for a confidence boost and let's get your heart pumping!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music - Upright piano and teaching/practice materials.
Dance - Music playing device, carpet.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Music - Student should have a keyboard or piano and practice related materials. Dance - Ladies should have secure, comfortable heels. Gentlemen should wear non-rubber soled shoes. Preferably wood or laminate floor. Carpet is ok but will have a harder time developing technique. Also should have some sort of stereo or speaker system, a computer is OK if it is loud.

*** Specialties ***
Piano: All Ages and All Levels. Classically trained. Encourage students to incorporate favorite songs/genres of music be it rock, pop, jazz, etc.

Dance: Wedding dances and Latin styles for social dancing, such as salsa, bachata, merengue, & cha-cha. Personal choreography based on routine moves augmented by current trends.

Tutoring: elementary to middle school subjects. study skills, hw help.

ialties ***
I specialize in jazz improvisation on piano and guitar.
I also teach recreational guitar and piano for adults, including classical and blues styles.
I coach bass players and drummers in playing stylistically correct grooves for jazz, rock and latin music.

erformance savvy.
She relishes the chance to put her skills to the test in a wide variety of musical genres. In addition to writing and performing, Jen keeps busy as a private instructor to dozens of aspiring guitarists. She also has done over 1000 online instructional videos totaling up to more than 40 million views for YouTube and Mahalo website. Her various Mahalo website "Learn Guitar" apps have over 300,000 downloads and has had an itunes #1 ibook on how to play guitar.

*** Lesson Details ***
Students can expect a very patient supportive atmosphere. Lessons are catered to each students individual needs. The lessons are laid back but also with the understanding that if you work hard you can accomplish any goal that is set.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Apartment extra guitars, computers, music stands

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect that the student has his/her own guitar. Any other specifics can be decided on after the first lesson.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in teaching blues, rock, and folk.

ty world premiers and re-imagined classics. Most notably she played the lead role of Keely Smith in the big band jazz musical “Louis and Keely: Live At The Sahara” during its eight-month run at Westwood’s Geffen Playhouse. She also formed her own rock band, The Honeysuckle Jones Revival, with whom she performed her own songs all over Los Angeles. And she began working as a studio session vocalist, providing demo vocals for other songwriters, as well as arranging and performing back-up vocals for original artists, including Laura Roppe (currently in the Top Ten on Billboard’s Uncharted list of emerging artists.) Crystal played the lead role of Brooke in the new operatic rock musical “The Burning Opera LA” during its Los Angeles run in 2011 as well as providing ensemble vocals and playing piano and bass. She also performs holiday tunes from the Golden Age of American songwriting with musical quartet The Sleigh Belles.

Crystal believes that music is serious business but that it should be fun. She encourages her students to play music they love, as well as expanding their musical knowledge. She is a firm believer in basics first and emphasizes theory and technique as the tools to support creativity and provide freedom, power and control. She believes effort beats talent every time and the student who practices consistently will see results, whatever their level of ability. Most of all, she believes we were all born to make music.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lesson structure varies depending on the student's instrument, age, level of experience and musical style. However, all lessons focus on:

Technique
Music theory
Performance style

After 3 or 6 months of consistent lesson attendance and practice, students will have a clear understanding of how their instrument works and how to care for it. They will be able to read basic music notation. They will be working toward clearly defined musical goals and they will have at least three performance pieces learned.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Loft Space: full size electric piano with weighted keys, small digital recorder, microphone, Garage Band, parents can sit in on lessons

*** Travel Equipment ***
I bring a small keyboard for vocal students with no piano, karaoke tracks and a digital recorder. I also bring a selection of games. Students are expected to purchase all necessary books and sheet music.

*** Specialties ***
Young beginners (piano)

ts. Basically I've done a little of everything and I believe that it is this diversity of experiences that makes me a better teacher. Having worked in so many settings gives me a broad understanding that I use to help you reach whatever goals you might have.

I have also become adept at writing, recording and producing music, studying under Frank Wright of the legendary rock band Chicago. If you have an interest in creating and/or recording music I can definitely help you get there! Check out my chill/downtempo instrumental album 'Night Music'.

*** Lesson Details ***
I can teach you about playing several different instruments, how to write, how to record your own music, and how to get your music career off the ground! As a youth, I was largely self-taught so my inspiration was always to have fun. I never had to deal with the 'homework' style of practicing so I've naturally incorporated that approach to my lessons. My goal is to keep you (the student) inspired and having fun. When that happens you will become good at your instrument and feel as though you 'played' your way to success! As your teacher I will also provide almost all of the materials for free and show you great free apps to help you along with your learning and keep costs to a minimum! I know we will have fun together while you learn and I look forward to meeting you!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitars, piano/keyboard, drums, bass, banjo, mandolin, ukulele and a ProTools recording studio.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide the learning materials but I expect the student to have their own instrument, be that a guitar, drum set, etc.

*** Specialties ***
Commercial music is definitely my specialty, but I am also capable of doing various styles such as classical, bluegrass, traditional/folk. Just focus on what you want to learn and I can teach it to you.

ns for the last 6 years.

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.

is the perfect lesson time for most purposes. Options include piano, voice, ukulele, beginning guitar, music reading/theory, and preparation for auditions. Teresa also conducts early childhood music sessions for 3 to 5 year-olds and is available to do group sessions.

45-minute and 60-minute sessions are also available as needed. Teresa recommends 45 minutes to an hour for audition preparation.