Stevenson Ranch, CA Music Theory Lessons

a BA in Music Composition from UC Santa Barbara. I began piano at the age of 7 and composition at age 15. Teaching has always been important to me. I started providing lessons in high school and learned that giving musical knowledge is just as important as acquiring the skills it takes to be a musician. Studying with me will help you become a well-rounded musician with the ability to play the type of music you want to play.

Constantly composing, film scoring, and performing, I'm a very active musician that works with classical musicians, rock musicians, and everything in between. I teach a variety of instruments and will cater lessons to your styles and interests. I'm also a recording artist and work with music software such as Ableton Live, Native Instruments, and Sibelius. I would love to teach you how to compose and record your own music in whichever genre you prefer.

*** Lesson Details ***
Many of my students have studied music in the past, but weren't able to keep the passion. I pride myself as a very enthusiastic teacher that works hard at making lessons fun and interesting for any age and background. All of my students (from 3 years old to 60 years old) enjoy music and practice very hard. You will be provided with a solid foundation in theory, aural skills, technique, and creativity, giving you the ability to carve your own path in music. You will learn the correct way to play your instrument and develop the intuition to command it expressively.

om and Footloose, and was also the Vocal and Musical Director for their production of Once Upon A Mattress. She was the Vocal Director for productions of Into The Woods and Urinetown at Hart High School in Newhall, California. She has also lent her talents to Benefit The Leukemia Foundation, Project AIDS L.A., and The Compton Battered Women’s Shelter, as featured performer, Vocal and Musical Director.

Kris has been a professional performer since the age of 10, beginning her career in the world of sacred music. She had the privilege of being a televised singer of sacred music, in the cathedrals of St. Patrick's and St. John the Divine in New York City. Kris' live performances have included all styles of music, including Jazz, Pop, Country, Bluegrass, Broadway, Classical, and Rock. She has had an extensive career as a jingle singer, arranger, songwriter, flautist and backup vocalist, as well as having had her own weekly broadcast jazz show. Kris has appeared in several musicals, on stage and in the orchestra pit. Musical Theatre credits include: Frau Blucher (Young Frankenstein); Mother Abbess (The Sound of Music); Mrs. Beauregarde/Grandma Josephine (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory); Philia (A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum). She has also sung in the Ensembles of several other productions. She led and performed with the popular local jazz ensemble The Treblemakers, with whom she recorded a CD, It’s Not About The Coffee. Other CD credits include The Wedding Collection (Arista Records), Land of The Diamond Sun, A Wolf At My Door, The Same Road Twice (all on Melonball Records), Last Night At Europa, A Class Act, and Like Fine Wine (Canadian American/Caprice International/The Orchard). Commercial jingle credits include Barbie, Clorox, American Airlines, Keebler Cookies, Thomas' English Muffins, and many others. Original compositions used by international television and radio.

Training: BM Jazz Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. IU studies include Vocal Training with Eileen Farrell and Tim Noble; Applied Flute with Harry Houdeshel; Jazz Studies with David Baker and Dominic Spera. Ongoing vocal studies with Douglas Susu-Mago, Chicago and Los Angeles.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am pretty easygoing, because I realize that students probably have a lot of homework, jobs, children to raise, etc. I believe that music should be enjoyable as well as educational! I also know that when a student practices, it heightens their enjoyment of music because it is far more fulfilling. I can guarantee that if you work with me as hard as I work with a student, you will feel excellent about your progress and ability! I have experience teaching people on the autism spectrum and those with Down Syndrome.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Casio Privia, 88 keys. CD player, music stands. Bluetooth speaker.

*** Travel Equipment ***
N/A.

*** Specialties ***
Whole voice, patient teaching of all ages and personalities, jazz, musical theatre, classical, pop. I teach all levels of flute and voice, and beginning to intermediate piano

provide, but also to helpfully convey that knowledge-base and skill-set to my students.
My lessons are catered to the student and aim to develop the whole musician, technically and artistically, incorporating a broad musical understanding with the goals of the parent and/or student in mind. Let's make some true musicians!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I do not provide any travel equipment. The student should provide a piano/keyboard for lessons.

*** Specialties ***
Along with teaching traditional piano technique, I specialize in improvisation, arranging, songwriting, and composition.

etty much the gist about me and my teaching, but if you'd like to know what your lesson might look like feel free to ask me! I usually respond within a day.

, developing mastery of rock guitar and blues performance and improvisation. Brian went on to complete a Bachelor's Degree in Classical Guitar Performance from California State University, Los Angeles.

Passionate about all kinds of music, Brian's studies include choral music and conducting, Gregorian chant (at the Monastery of St. Pierre de Solesmes, France), and Master Classes with Andrés Segovia and Christopher Parkening. In 1984, he participated as a member of the Honor Choir for the ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, which included recording of original music by Philip Glass for the Olympic Games under the direction of David L. Wolper and Mr. Glass.

As a jazz guitarist, Brian continues to grow musically in association with his colleagues of the Naomi Jazz Group, and other close musical friends who include students of the late, great Ted Greene.

*** Lesson Details ***
METHOD BOOKS:
FOR PIANO: Faber & Faber Method Series
Dozen A Day Technique series
FOR GUITAR:
STEEL STRINGS: Mel Bay, Alfreds Method Book
CLASSICAL: Fredric Noad
Julio Segraras Method
JAZZ: Stanford Jazz Workshop
The National Guitar Workshop's Jazz Guitar Method Series
Real Easy Books: Beginning & Intermediate Levels

MY APPROACH:
I focus on four areas that I think are essential to being a good music teacher:

• the uniqueness of each student;
• the fact that enjoyment (fun!) maximizes learning;
• the importance of proper technique and an understanding of music theory to build self-confidence;
• the development of musicianship through performance.

EACH STUDENT IS UNIQUE:
My first interest with each new student is to discover how he or she learns, and then to apply appropriate teaching techniques to maximize their potential. I gear my lesson plans to the individual and strive to optimize the learning potential of the student.

ENJOYMENT MAXIMIZES LEARNING:
In a lesson with me you can expect to never be bored, to laugh a lot, learn a lot, be positively engaged emotionally and challenged intellectually. I believe that learning is maximized when the student is enjoying the experience, and is faced with challenges appropriate to their skill level. I aim to make learning music fun, choosing musical selections to learn in the style and genre that relate to the student's interests and aspiration.

TECHNIQUE & UNDERSTANDING OF MUSIC THEORY TO BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE:
When my students perform in concerts, recitals, juries, auditions, recording sessions or simply for friends and family, they have self-confidence because they know precisely the "how" and "why" of everything required to perform well. My goal with students is to build a solid foundation in instrumental technique and thorough understanding of Music Theory at their appropriate level.

PERFORMANCE:
On a monthly basis, all my students practice performing pieces they are working on during the lesson time, with family/friends as an audience if desired and appropriate, and/or using digital recording to help the student develop a critical ear for their own playing.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music stands, guitar/s and guitar stands, Dynarelle cushion, footrests, Korg 88 fully--weighted digital keyboard, Zoom H4 digital recorder.

As well, I have guitars and equipment both for teaching and performance of various styles, as below. Students will have the opportunity to learn about, play and become familiar with any of these instruments/equipment according to their interests and skill levels.

GUITARS:

CLASSICAL: Ramirez Model 1A Classical (professional concert level instrument)
Cordoba (teaching/practice instrument)
Hohner Acoustic (electric)

ROCK: Fender Stratocaster (pre-CBS)
Shechter Omen6
Shechter Elite Series C1

FOLK: Martin (steel string)
Dobro

JAZZ: Oscar Schmidt by Washburn (hollow body electric)
Gibson SG (electric)

OTHER EQUIPMENT:

AMPS: Fender Twin reverb
Pevey practice amp
Rock amp

Boss GT8 Effects Pedal

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitar stands, guitar/s, Zoom H4 digital recorder. Generally I do not transport my Korg 88 keyboard to the student's home for lessons, but I can if necessary. However, I do require that piano students have their own piano/keyboard or at least reliable access to one for practice between lessons.

Guitar students should also have their own guitar. I can advise on appropriate instruments and can help students find a suitable guitar for their learning level and price range.

ND ADULTS
It’s never too soon or too late to build up your musical abilities. If you have zero experience but want to learn, I can teach you how to use your voice or play the piano.
- Match pitch and carry a tune
- Keep a steady beat
- Play melodies and chords on the piano
- Understand how your instrument works
- Read music
- Learn to play or sing a song by ear
- Get comfortable performing in front of others

PIANISTS WITH 3+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Have you been studying with another teacher who taught you the basics and you’re ready to advance to a higher level? Are you self-taught and interested in refining your skills? I will help you take your piano playing to the next level.
- Build more advanced technical skills
- Play with emotion and finesse
- Find new and challenging repertoire
- Learn to accompany a soloist
- Perform in front of audiences
- Understand music theory
- Write your own music

EXPERIENCED SOLO SINGERS
Are you ready to audition for a high school or community musical or opera? Have you performed covers or your own music at an open mic? Would you like to major in vocal performance in college or possibly become an opera singer? Do you really rock at karaoke? Are you already proficient on an instrument and want to branch out into singing? I can help you build on the foundation you’ve already developed.
- Stretch your vocal range
- Improve your tone and projection
- Develop advanced technical skills
- Work on challenging songs
- Explore a variety of genres and styles
- Develop a strong stage presence and charismatic performing style
*- Learn classical/Bel Canto technique - I specialize in classical singing, although I work with singers in many genres

CHORAL SINGERS
Are you, or would you like to be, a choir member at your school, church, temple, or community choir? I’ve been singing in choirs for almost thirty years! I can teach you any skill you need to know, from basic skills for beginners, to advanced skills for aspiring or working professionals.
- Expand your vocal range
- Learn controlled vocal technique and how to “blend” your sound
- Read music
- Practice basic to advanced sight-singing
- Sing harmony
- Understand conductor’s directions
- Learn techniques for different styles of music

ABOUT ME:
I'm college educated in both classical music performance and English literature. In addition to teaching, I perform professionally as a singer, organist, and pianist with musical groups all over the greater L.A. area, including the Pacific Chorale, the Charles Dickens Carolers, Nova Vocal Ensemble, and many others.

I'm happy to meet my students at any location near either Pacific Palisades or North Hollywood - I can teach music at any location with a piano. Contact me for more information. I look forward to meeting you!

If you’re ready to start, click the green “Book With Me” button on my profile!

*A note about availability - I keep this updated as accurately as possible, but because I travel over a wide area, your preferred time slot may not be possible for me, depending on the location of the lesson. Please contact me to discuss scheduling before you request a specific time slot.

If you choose to take lessons at my home location, please be aware that I have cats. If you have a phobia or allergy, this location won't be suitable for you.

ery patient with students and want to see you reach your goals. Let's start today!!!

as well as French from Beginner's through Advanced levels.

He is a graduate with a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in EDUCATION in the fields of Music, Spanish and German Literature, with a minor in Linguistics, French, and Italian Studies from UNSW (University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia).

He is fluent (native speaker fluency) to teach Music in language immersion programs in these languages: English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Tagalog, Cebuano (Visaya).

He also has advanced students with an Associate Degree (A Mus TCL) and B Mus candidates teaching at much lesser rates.

5+ years. I am also the head vocal coach for Hollywood Performers Academy at LA Center Studios, a K-12 program for gifted students working in the entertainment industry while simultaneously completing academic requirements.

In 2016 I founded the Prep Performs program at Prep Academy, a renowned after-school program in beautiful Hancock Park. Here I teach students age 6-18 in voice, acting, public speaking, personal development and debate.

I can't wait to share my skills with you enabling you to tap into your talent and share it with the world!!!

ng sound which invites listeners of all audiences to groove to and connect with on a deeper and instinctual level. 

           She has performed at major venues such as the Valley Performing Arts Center, where she conducted a full orchestra for the premiere of her orchestral piece “A Path Unfolds,” and sang with the CSUN Jazz A Band. She has also performed at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, the Colts Stadium in Indianapolis, the Alamodome, the Georgia Dome, the Hall of Liberty and at Los Angeles Community College where she premiered her latest piece “Emerge” with a jazz combo, which featured legendary drummer Gene Coye, and a six-piece horn section.

        Active as a collaborative artist, Sophia performs as a pianist with different ensembles professionally, including the Westlake Village Symphony Orchestra, and the New Valley Symphony Orchestra. In 2014 she was a featured soloist and won the Fred Sanford Gold Medal in Percussion with the world famous Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps, and was a featured soloist in the Winter Drumline group POW Percussion. 

            While mastering her craft in classical music, jazz, film scoring and composing original music, Ms. Sophia is going to graduate from Cal State Northridge with a Bachelor’s of Music in Media Compostion this May 2018. She is a recognized student at Cal State Northridge and received the Igor Paltsev Memorial Composition Scholarship in 2015 for three of her original works entitled Forward Motion, Drifting, and Contemplation. Since then she has been studying with the phenomenal jazz pianists Matt Harris, and Gary Fukishima, and the renown Dr. Elizabeth Sellers, who is the head and founder of the Film and Commercial Writing department. 

            Sophia has been playing the piano since the age of three, and acquired her Grade 8 Certificate in Piano from the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (ABRSM) when she was 14.  Upon graduating high school, she was awarded the United States Marine Corps “Semper Fidelis” Award for Music Excellence, and under the instruction of acclaimed pianist Lou Touman, she auditioned and was accepted as a Piano Performance major at CSUN, at that time studying with the world renowned pianist and CSUN faculty member, Dr. Salas. 

            While currently working on composing for her ensemble which she is the pianist for, performing with several groups professionally, securing an internship, and teaching lessons, she says that being so involved with Music "is only possible because I am passionate about everything about Music, and I plan to be a part of Music and share this fondness with others for the rest of my life."