Salida Music Lessons

, orchestras, chamber ensembles, jazz bands and combos, and many many more. He loves sharing this diverse musical background with his students.

As a timpanist and percussionist, Aaron has been an extra member of the Stockton Chorale Society Orchestra. As a drummer, Aaron has worked professionally in the pit at Magic Circle Theater company in Roseville, CA. As a bass guitarist, Aaron performed professionally with Sacramento area jazz guitarist Greg Perkins. As a guitarist, Aaron has led worship and played on worship teams.

Aaron also taught middle school English and Computer Applications in Stockton, CA, and has worked as a private tutor and substitute teacher of all subjects, K-12.

*** Lesson Details ***
More lesson times may be available. Please call if other arrangements are needed.**

-- The most important thing to know about lessons with Aaron is that you will receive a customized experience tailored to fit your musical desires and goals. He will work to understand your desires in music, and will use existing materials and generate new materials to challenge you and help them you reach your goals.

Some common goals Aaron has worked with are:
- Preparing for an Audition
- Starting a band with friends
- Learning music for a school band/percussion ensemble
- Personal enrichment/ better understanding of music
- Exploring career possibilities
- Improving technical ability

**** Aaron's guiding principles are: 1. Music is vitally useful and Important in society! Music brings joy to the multitude, and enhances expression for its artists.

2. Anyone can be a musician! Every student has unlimited potential, and it is Aaron's desire to unlock that potential, allowing my students to succeed in music.

3. Music should be fun! Too many instructors stick to the gritty business of method books. While this has its place, Aaron knows that it is only a small part of music. Music is meant to be fun, and Aaron makes the learning process fun and exciting at every stage by incorporating the interests of his students.

4. Hard work should always be rewarded! Aaron is always positive with his students and celebrates their accomplishments continually.

5. Music is what you make it! Whatever your desires and goals in music, Aaron will help you to achieve them. All musical aspirations are valid and valuable. Whether you want to be a rock star, a concert timpanist or just to make music with friends and family, he will equip you with the tools you need to get there.

6. Proper technique and musical knowledge empower musicians! Whatever your goals, starting with good technique and understanding the music you play will keep you from injury and promote your success.

7. Listening is vital to understanding music! Aaron's students listen to and analyze recordings of music they like to gain insight and understanding to how the music works. Aaron encourages his students to play along with recordings to work on the organic elements of music which cannot be gained from dry academic study. Guitarists will start with either an acoustic guitar or electric guitar & practice amp. They will also need a metronome, tuner, and notebook. They will learn to read music, tablature, and chord symbols, and they will learn to play melodies, riffs, and chords in the style(s) they prefer.

-- Bass Guitarists will start with a bass guitar and an amp. They will also need a metronome, tuner, and notebook. They will learn to read music and tablature and play bass grooves and solos in the style(s) they prefer. Drummers and percussionist will generally start with a pair of sticks and a practice pad, learning the basic techniques of drumming for the first 6-12 weeks, and will move on to drum set or percussion instruments as they demonstrate proper technique. They will also need a metronome and notebook. They will learn to read and play music in the style(s) they prefer.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Drums/Percussion: Drum Sets, Practice Pad, Vibraphone, Percussion Instruments, Music Stands.

Guitar: Practice Amp, Music Stands.

Bass: Bass Guitar Amp, Music Stands.

Recording: Microphones, Mic Stands, Clips and Cables, M-Audio Multitrack Interface, GarageBand 11, Studio Accessories.

*** Specialties ***
Jazz, Rock, Popular, Funk, Classical, Chamber Music, Gospel & Worship Music; Extended Cross Grip, Burton Grip, Stevens Grip, French Grip, German Grip; Drum Set, Timpani, Vibraphone, Marimba, Marching Snare Drum, Marching Tenor Drums, Cymbals, Triangle, Tambourine, Shakers, Congas, Cajon, Djembe.

cital.

I am a classical and traditional music teacher with many new contemporary styles of teaching music.

My atmosphere of teaching is fun and nurturing!

*** Lesson Details ***
For online lessons, I am currently only teaching Guitar, Voice, Ukulele, Trumpet, and Clarinet.

Lessons are weekly or bi-weekly with a structure lesson, musical games to teach reinforcement and new concepts. I structure my music lessons according to the learning style of each of my students. Patience and understanding my students helps them in their success!
So, there is a lot of praise and encouragement in each lesson. Once a month there is music history that is taught with the lesson and music theory is included in each music lesson.

With each lesson book, there are weekly practice sheets to document daily and weekly practice. Practice is one of the most important keys to learning music. Each student is encouraged to learn one song or musical concept at their own pace.

Every week, I assess each student as they play for me their musical work. I don't expect perfection, but strive for excellence!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Great room w/ baby grand piano and seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide assorted music books for piano, guitar, and band.
I have a great number of recorders with books.
Two music stands, one snare drum with sticks, CD player
I prefer, if I should travel, for my piano students to have their own piano/electric piano or guitar for guitar lessons.
Band: to have their own instrument to learn on and practice at home
Orchestral instruments: the same.

*** Specialties ***
Classical, Christian and contemporary choir, band, and orchestra. Specialize in vocal coaching/voice lessons. Specialize in musical productions in both Christian and contemporary styles.

erience has been playing in the worship band at my church for the past several years. I enjoy teaching guitar and sharing what I’ve learned over the years of playing. We all never stop being students and learning new things on our instrument.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons are provided in a comfortable, fun environment and are private and on a weekly basis. Initially the student will complete a questionnaire before the first lesson to allow me to better understand what experiences the student has had with the guitar and with music in general. Additionally, I try to find out what groups and guitarists he or she likes. Finally, discuss what goals the student has or put another way, what he or she wants to do with the guitar. When we have completed the first lesson, I will better understand what the student’s playing level is and be able to provide a lesson plan based on that level and current experience. The lessons are tailored to each student’s capability and desire to play/practice. The lessons will be challenging but not “out of reach”. The student will feel successful and see the difference in playing within a relatively short time.

I will assess the student’s progress each week, by reviewing the previous week’s work. Based on the student’s progress, I will advance to new material or stay within the same material. The student and I will agree on how much time the student will devote to practicing each week. The student will keep a three ring notebook for adding handouts as they are given. I usually use a guitar book, to have structure, along with supplementary material that fills in the gaps. It is vital to practice on a regular basis in order to improve.
I provide teaching with patience and motivation. Being a parent of a child with ADHD (I homeschooled for one year), I incorporate learning from my parental experiences into lessons as needed. There have been several studies done that show how early music lessons have longtime benefits.

*** Studio Equipment ***
The studio lessons are taught in a music room upstairs with large windows facing the street with guitars, amps, a computer, stereo and seating. The house has 3 cats which are kept separate from lessons. Street parking and/or driveway if needed.

*** Specialties ***
I've taught rock, blues, jazz, classical, contemporary Christian, and music theory. I try to get my students to play along with CD's and listen to others playing what they want to learn. I draw material from the hundreds of books I have collected over the years.

r. The student will know instantly if the instructor is eager to teach as the student is also eager to learn. For example, i would use a lot of metaphors and analogies to explain a musical concept. I would always tailor lessons to their level of skill. Nothing is more rewarding than to see one of my students at a recital and i hear their parents tell their friends,"that's my son, he learned from the best". I personally believe "teaching music" can not be taught in a classroom. One must have a love of teaching and a love of teaching that particular instrument to my students. For my beginning students, i use the the "Alfred's basic music series". For my intermediate to advance students, i start at their level of piano playing. Focusing on the type of music they want to learn.