San Ramon Music Lessons

his passion with my students.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am familiar with the major piano methods, but rather than slavishly following one method, I prefer to adapt my teaching approach and pace to the needs and personality of each student, using whatever material is best suited for them. I ensure my students can read the notes they are playing, and thoroughly understand the rhythms, so they can become independent musicians. I also emphasize playing musically, even at beginning level, so they can enjoy and understand the music immediately. My students also have the opportunity to play in student recitals twice per year.

I can teach in English or French, using either letter name notes or the solfege method (do re mi).

*** Specialties ***
Classical piano (all periods) and chamber music
Broadway musicals and popular song music
I am specialized in preparing students for the internationally recognized ABRSM Grade exams.
I am familiar with most popular piano methods such as Faber and Faber, Alfred, Denes Agays, John Thompson and Bastien, and Dozen a Day for technique, and use them when I feel it is appropriate for the particular student.

y accomplishments on the guitar. In addition to guitar performance, I have studied music theory, jazz theory, and pedagogy. I am a native of San Francisco and have been teaching privately since 2007. No matter what a student's interests are, I can give them a rock solid foundation in technique, performance, reading, and theory.

*** Lesson Details ***
In my lessons I make it a priority to create an easy-going, non-intimidating environment, so that you, the student, can focus on your goals and learning, approach music at your own pace, and really look forward to coming in to lessons. Whether you are interested in electric, steel-string, or classical, Metallica, Mozart, or anything in between, I can teach you technique, musicianship skills, and songs that fit your personal interests.
For beginning students I like to teach a mixture of basic theory, music-reading, and chords/scales. Soon after, the student can begin to bring in songs that s/he is interested in, and I can start to build lessons around specific styles/pieces. I teach all levels and all ages, and I would love to share my passion and knowledge with you, and gain you skill and confidence on the guitar, as well as a deep understanding of music.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room w/ seating for parents

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical guitar, and am very familiar with the teachings of Aaron Shearer. His methods and practices provide the basis for how I teach technique and how i approach learning pieces. I also supplement his ideas with those of Pepe Romero, William Kanengiser, and Scott Tenant (particularly their views on the right-hand).
I also love teaching pop/rock guitar on steel-string or electric, and TAB-ing/teaching songs the student brings in. I use Troy Grady's method for developing right-hand picking/string-crossing technique. Whether the student prefers classical or popular s/he will get a great foundation in technique, music theory and music reading.

ch lesson. The latest educational DVD's and play-along/minus-drums CD's are also incorporated in the lessons.

Parents are encouraged to sit in on the lessons or they can relax or do some work in the internet ready waiting room. An annual recital is conducted for family and friends.

Prepare for school auditions, refine hand and foot technique, learn double bass grooves and fills improve reading and transcribing , sharpen your timing, incorporate linear playing, apply rudiments to the drum set.

Styles: Rock / Funk / Country / Blues / Jazz / Latin

*** Lesson Details ***
Sometimes the availability calendar is not updated in a timely manner.

Every student is different. Depending on their age and/or goals, this is the typical curriculum for a beginning (no experience) student.

Beginners (build the foundation)
Technique
- Hands: how to hold the sticks correctly
- Feet: heel up or heel down technique

Reading
- Explain note values
- Explain drum set notation

Coordination and Timing
- Learn basic beats to play music
- Understand how to practice with a metronome
- How to play along to music

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home room converted with sound absorbing materials with 2 drum sets, acoustic and electronic. Air conditioned living room seating for parents. Audio recordings are provided for every lesson and portions of each lesson are also video recorded.

ce and compose music for myself and other artists as well.

I look forward to getting to know you!

nk you!
Elaine
Suzuki and Royal Conservatory of Music Piano and cello teacher

as a scholarship student at the University of Kansas.

Every individual has different goals of learning piano. Some want their children to simply enjoy music, some want to ensure their children shine on the stage. I cultivate every student's interest in music and ability to learn music as their own teacher.

*Teaching in Chinese is available.

eve Vai Sam Ash Best in Shred competition.

I find a student's strengths and weaknesses using various ways to encourage each student. I am very patient, kind, flexible, and enthusiastic and I love working with children as much as adults. I strongly support basic skills: sight-reading, pitch and tone.

I have 25 years experience teaching kids and adults guitar. Also performing live and in the studio.

*** Lesson Details ***
My objectives: to help students powerfully communicate through the essence of music and aid the development of children and adults by finding their strengths and weaknesses and to develop their skills and show their musical talents. I emphasize basic skills, good sight-reading, guitar technique, and theory.

Lessons are held at either your home, or mine using composers from various time periods that speaks to the individual student.
Also,I do prefer to work weekly with my students.
A beginner lesson may be 10-15 min. for warm-ups and scales, 10-15 min. theory and rest playtime. In three to six months the student will be able to read sheet music and should be able to perform simple songs.

An intermediate lesson has more focus on music and technique from a specific genre. A specialty is preparation for guitar auditions or doing live or studio gigs.

I enjoy teaching children from age 5 up to adults.

*** Specialties ***
I teach the basic skills very strongly, and also encourage students and challenge them, as well.
I also have new techniques for teaching Electric, Acoustic & CLassical Guitar.
I do prefer to teach a weekly lesson.

in a live internet teaching business, something he has maintained consistently for the last 11 years going, since 2007.

Steve takes a direct approach to teaching one to one lessons, assessing a student’s goals and abilities, and designing a personalized program for them, as well as providing email correspondence between lessons and all material used during the lesson in pdf and audio/video format.

Former lead guitarist for Vicious Rumors (1995-1999), Testament (1999-2004), Dragonlord (2000-2005), Nevermore (2002-2007), and Forbidden (2009-2012), currently busy with his own band One Machine (2014-present), as well as progressive rock fusion duo The EssenEss Project (1993-present), and is STILL a member of the Bay Area’s longest running Black Sabbath/Ozzy Osbourne tribute, Sweet Leaf (1994-present)!

A former columnist for Guitar World Magazine (co-writer of Merchants Of Menace column with Jeff Loomis across 2006), Steve has occasionally written for GuitarWorld, amongst other sites, and also released an instructional series of lessons on JamPlay back in 2011, Steve has returned to the Bay Area to teach once again, and continues to expand his resume in both the performance/recording and educational areas.

od, and have written and premiered numerous works for orchestra and rock ensemble, trombone choirs, and even a duet for quarter tone trumpets!

I have an affinity for modern and avant garde music, but am well-versed in all genres and musical styles! I also like to play in and record rock and roll bands, I've amassed a quite a few years of recording experience as well. From gypsy bands to thrash metal groups, I've recorded a wide array of music.

I also taught in the classroom from grades k-12 for a few years before following my true passion of teaching privately. I love to reach you at your own level and work to grow with you from there.

My goal is simple: I simply want you to come to love music as much as I do, if not more! I strive to give you the tools to become a successful musician in your own right, and I work to keep my lessons fun and engaging.