Topanga, CA Piano Lessons

comes to have dinner and hang out. I named my son after the musical "Oliver" and the name suits him! I like that Oliver means " peace offering" I grew up in the Hollywood Hills, and love the history of Hollywoodland, I also love music and TV history. My uncle Sherwood co wrote 2 of the most iconic TV themes of all time in GIlligan's Island theme and the Brady Bunch. My mom, (Judithe) and I wrote songs together for 25 years. I named my first publishing company after my dog, Atso and he was the president and his legacy lives on in his name.

Employment History / Credits

Songwriting School of Los Angeles 2010- present
Musicians Institute 1992-present
Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA) 2013 - present
Neighborhood Rock School 2013- present
Dick Grove School of Music 1985-1992
LA Recording Workshop 1998-2005
The Baywatch Production Co / Fremantle Media 1989-1999

Education:

Dick Grove School of Music

Composition Program 1982-1983
Keyboard Program 1983-1984

Hollywood High School 1979
Honors in Music and History

ATAS member since 1997
Emmy judge for 15 years

Platinum Hit :" Tomorrow Doesn't Matter Tonight" Starship /RCA Records
"The Last Time" Agnetha Faltskog (ABBA) / WEA Records
Gold: "Where Are You Now" Roxus / Austrailia / Mushroom Records
Wrote numerous songs for TV show "Baywatch" 1989-1999
Songs /music in various TV movies, reality shows, films 1979-current
Collaborated with American Idol Top 5 finalist Brooke White
American Idol songwriting contest finalist 2007 / Jordin Sparks year
Co authored Music Book "The Lead Sheet Bible" A step by step guide to doing lead sheets and chord charts, published by Hal Leonard Publ. 1998

*** Lesson Details ***
To me every student is unique and special, therefore I design the lesson around what they need and or want to learn. With the younger students, I strongly suggest we work out of a book as well as me giving them handouts to work on too. There are many and various books by Faber and Faber I love to use. Hal Leonard and Alfred Publishing have some great books depending on the students needs. With kids, it's important to keep it fun and interesting, and get them on a practice schedule. I believe one must have much patience with the younger students and the level of communication must be high, keeping them engaged and focused. With teens and adults, it depends on where they are at, and I always ask what they want to concentrate on. A well rounded piano lesson would work on reading, technique, theory, songs. Again, depending on the type of student, the lesson would incorporate more /and or less of these components.
I've been coined the "Chord Queen" by many students because of my fascination with how theory plays a subconscious role in songwriters who write by ear and if I'm teaching songwriting, we are looking at how the song is structured, the lyrics,the music, and of course the harmony and arrangement and I'm here to guide the student to be able to finish the song, and them be happy when it comes to fruition.

The subjects I've taught:

Piano
Theory
Ear Training
Songwriting/ Artist Development
Music History
Transcribing/Chord Charts/Lead Sheets
Music Publishing/Copyright

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a piano I teach at in my home, I have a photo copy machine to make copies and Wifi access if the student needs to bring their computer.Ipad, etc in regards to songwriting

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can bring music/paper/pens/pencils/hand outs/sheet music
Students should have piano/keyboard/Access to computer, or ipad would be helpful for research,examples. Lots of people have their music on their cell phones.

*** Specialties ***
Mostly Contemporary music,but have taught in many styles
pop/Rock/Country/Jazz/Soul genres

r creativity.

Backed by an extensive musical background debuting with the Philadelphia Orchestra and continuing her career singing with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic, Jan L. went on to receive a Bachelor’s of Education in Opera at Temple University and two Master’s Degrees from Combs College of Music in Theatre Arts and Composition.

Jan is the author of the performance book called "Once More With Feeling."

There is exciting news with Jan. Jan has been teaching online on Zoom.us. It's like Skype but better because you can record the whole lesson. For those of you who want a world class teacher, you can learn from Jan who has 20 Grammy winners. No driving, Just sit yourself in front of your computer screen. You will love the intimacy without leaving your home. Give it a try.

Jan teaches vocal technique that connects the chest middle head voice with a gospel belt. Jan covers proper breathing, vocal technique, performance coaching and recording in her protools studio.

"Jan L. is an award winning songwriter, producer, actress, and artist developer. Her studio, Angel Diva Music, is designed to improve artist abilities on and off the stage as well as giving the clientele first-hand knowledge of the industry while increasing their creativity."

Writer of performance book called "Once More With Feeling:

hidden artistic desires. I am currently writing a musical which will be debuting in 2020. I'm currently the vocal coach/Trainer and choir director at Iglesia Elim Central.

I will make sure my students have fun and help them get in the right track to their musical goals.

Also, I constantly upload videos on Singing, The Spanish Language, and Japanese! So keep Checking in! It ranges on tips and answering the most common questions on those particular subjects!

Also There are discounted rates for worship teams and church choirs. For more information please contact me through the "Ask a Question feature"

*** Lesson Details ***
I do my absolute best to create a positive atmosphere for my students. Even when the students feel frustrated or stressed, it is important to inspire them and give them the fuel that they need. Though I am strict when it comes to homework and their about their studies. Every lesson at the beginning I will review what we learned previously and test them.
then begin with proper breathing technique exercises, the cornerstone of all vocals. We move on to vocal exercises to condition the voice. Then we work on the songs that you are eager to sing!

I will use a piano when doing vocal warm ups and conditioning exercises. Students that play other instruments and accompany themselves when performing (such as a guitar) are encouraged to bring that instrument to their lessons. My goal is for them to gain the knowledge that they need to help reach their artistic goals.
With all my lessons every student will be taught a basic run down of Music Theory. My students will always progress in what they do. They will have the discipline that they need and yet have fun and be filled with inspiration. Which is the most important thing, to be Inspired to do better.

*** Studio Equipment ***
iMac, condensing mic...performing mic, keyboard, mixer...living room of apartment.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I do have a portable keyboard. Though I do expect the student to have their own recording device and karaoke tracks. At Home I do have a studio, and if the students has an iPod or an Mp3 player I can attach it to a device where all of us can hear the tracks. I do have a recording studio as well.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Musical Theatre, and Pop rock genres. When I teach my students I always have them learn a song of another language whether it's Spanish or Japanese. It helps with diction when they learn a song outside the English Language. Also It helps them to learn another Language at the same time. Also I give them a little anatomy class when they are learning how to sing. I give them a model of the vocal Chords and different areas of the Larynx and which part works for the chest voice and the head voice.

Special packages now Available (Not Available Online for purchase! Please call Takelessons for booking)

If you can Speak you can Sing- Always wanted to learn how to sing and learn a new language? In this package we will do both! With 4 singing lessons (30 minutes each for kids 60 minute each for adults) to learn the proper technique to improve the voice and 4-languages lessons (English, Spanish or Japanese, 30 minutes each for kids 60 minute each for adults) ) to learn the grammar structure and get you conversing with a native speaker! Plus you will learn how to sing a song in the language you chose! This will be 2 classes a week or 2 classes every other week. This means one singing lesson a week and one language lesson a week. If you have kids this is perfect for the summer!

$225 for 30 minute lessons.
$300 for 60 minute lessons.

Let's Sing Anime! Do you love singing to those openings and Ending theme songs when watching your favorite Anime? I do! What can I say I'm an Anime Nerd. With this package you'll get 4 Singing lessons (30 minutes each for kids 60 minute each for adults) and 4- hour Japanese lessons (30 minutes each for kids 60 minute each for adults) ! Let's learn how to sing those songs right and know what they mean without reading those subtitles!

$225 for 30 minute lessons.
$300 for 60 minute lessons.

If you will like more information Click "Ask a Question" and all questions will go directly to me!

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)

ust try something new for the first time, I will help you succeed and have fun along the way! I will help you build a technical foundation and let you help to determine the focus of the lessons based on what your goals are.

*** Studio Equipment ***
LivingRoom: electric piano, couch and chairs, dining room table and chairs, parents can sit in on lesson

*** Travel Equipment ***
Student must provide piano or keyboard if teaching in student's home

most incredible teachers growing up, they supported me and help shape me as a artist and musician, I strive to do the same with my students. I genuinely care about each individual student I teach and want to help them achieve their highest potential!

*** Lesson Details ***
I approach each lesson catered to the individual. We all have different ways of learning. I studied classically as a chlid and went on to study Opera in University but I professional years have been spent doing a range of pop, blues, indie, folk and Americana. I have had many years in the music business and use that experience to help my students discover what they want to do with their voice. Are you an Artist? Do you just want to sing for fun? Are you an actor preparing a particular song for an audition? etc..

In all lessons we will focus on the connection of your breath. Basic warm up techniques, pitch control and full connection to the words you are singing. All music is telling a story and in my opinion that is one of the most crucial elements to a good singer is being able to successfully convey the story. And enjoying the process... its FUN!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitars, keyboard, ukulele, latest protools, vocal booth

***Specialties ***
I primarily teach popular music styles. I do have a background in Opera but I most of my students have been children, artist and actors that want to learn the fundamentals of proper singing techniques.

nd help them to prepare for auditions. I can teach how to read music, to play classically on the piano, to read jazz charts, or help you figure out parts for a chord progression for a pop or rock song.

My acting training is equally many-faceted and I have an incredibly strong foundation based in the teachings of Sanford Meisner, Stanislavsky, Lee Strasberg and Larry Moss. I use the knowledge of these great teachers along with the wisdom I've accumulated from MY mentors over the years in my teaching and coaching.

onal radio play. I would love to share my musical expertise with you! Let me know if you think we would be a good match.