Vallejo Music Lessons

wledge of playing music to my students, always vigilant for sharing shortcuts that will help the student to achieve their lesson goals faster. Some teachers teach only out of books. I am not such a teacher. Books solve the problem of learning music in generalizations and by their very nature, cannot take into consideration personal issues a student will encounter.

Most students are able to learn enough of the necessary mechanics at the first lesson to actually play something before they leave that lesson. This is important because they realize that playing music IS possible. I always enjoy the look on their face when they realize they have actually “played” their instrument at their first lesson.

I am not the sort of teacher who yells and screams if the student comes in unprepared. I realize that people come to me for a variety of reasons and I work with them with whatever they bring in. I am patient and if a student is not understanding a certain aspect, I bring into play alternate approaches. Not everyone assimilates information in the same way. Learning music should be an enjoyable adventure for the student and I venture to say that my students enjoy coming to their lessons. We have fun, and we learn.

My current rates are $40 per half hour, $60 per 45 minutes and $80 per hour, and believe me... you will get your money's worth! Also I should note that due to my current students, plus teaching at a private school in Sausalito and recording sessions, my time constraints only allow me to teach lessons out of my home studio in Alameda. Hopefully this will work for you as well!

berg.
I am a Method coach, I have also studied at HB Studio in NYC, as well as other studios, and feel an actor will lead me to what works for them.
I also work extensively with many people who are in other industries on key note presentations and communication skills using tools that actors use to communicate. It is extremely effective.
I am here to help you delve into your creativity in a supportive and joyful way.
I am a member of Sag-Aftra and Actors Equity and BMI and have been for many years.
My students are committed to exploring their craft of acting, singing performance, songwriting and screenwriting. Most are working professionally.
They have booked many roles, including but not limited to; Chance, HBO's, Thirteen Reasons Why, WestWorld, Looking, Blue Jasmine, Touching Home, Generations, productions at several Equity theatres throughout the country and countless National commercials. Most have landed agents. Most have joined SAG-AFTRA and Actors Equity.
When you study acting / singing performance w/ me you'll learn how to navigate the business.

Auditions!!
They are definitely the most difficult and nerve wracking part of being an actor or singer, right? Booking work means your audition has to be as good as opening night.
Auditioning is about preparation and preparation takes consistent support. Look, showbiz is not a business about being alone. Artists thrive when working together. We are a collaborative bunch and collaborating to make sure you're ready and organized for your auditions makes sense.
Stop trying to muscle through this necessary step alone. No one who works consistently does that! They ask for help. ASK FOR HELP!!
Solidify your acting choices so you don't have to worry about them the day before your audition. Know your prep so you can internally drop into it when the casting director says, "Whenever you're ready."
Have your music material and performance choices prepared ahead of time.
BE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.
Work with me when your agent sends you your sides so you show up READY. Know your lines. It's OK if your struggling with memorization.
Let's figure out How YOU memorize.
Let me coach you for online audition submissions.
If we are working virtually I will coach while you are taping yourself to submit your online audition. It works!
Let me collaborate with on script analysis in order for you to you understand your material before you audition.
Take your work seriously so you bring your most intelligent and inspiring work to the audition rooms.
You'll be bringing the agents, casting directors, directors, producers and writers the inspiration they crave regarding their beloved projects. Do that and you're gonna book.
I know you can work and I can't wait to make it happen with you.  
About Kathryn
Kathryn is a member of the Sag-Aftra and Actors Equity and BMI and is a Critics Circle Award Winner.
Kathryn has worked with such legends as Tennessee Ernie Ford, Ben Vereen, Word Baker, who directed the first a one-act version of “The Fantastics” and then the historic two-act show, Sandy Duncan, Loretta Lynn, Flip Wilson. She studied at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) and HB Studio in New York City.
For Parents of Minor:
I'm available to help you understand this somewhat confusing industry.
Vocal Coaching Available - Vocal Coaching
Music Performance - Technique and Performance- songwriting

About Kathryn and Music
KATHRYN K is a soulful singer and prolific songwriter.
You can find more about Kathryn's music and her life story, which has allowed her to be of service to many, in national and local media, including: The Oakland Tribune, the San Francisco Chronicle, the San Jose Mercury News, Broadway World, Reader's Digest, NPR, The Gil Gross Show, The Montel Williams Show, and The Mancow Muller Show, NPR and Woman Magazine, UK.
Kathryn has released a video and CD with Multi - Grammy winning producer and drummer, Narada Michael Walden, Tarpan Records in Marin County, Ca. Walden says, "Kat is bringing the message of hope, light, love and faith to people's lives." Walden says. "I am proud of her and her divine mission."
Gil Gross, Host The Gil Gross Show –Radio, ABC "I have loved Kathryn's music from the day I first heard her sing, but even being a fan of her recordings did not prepare me for seeing her perform live. She is a great live performer holding her audience willing captives to each turn of a melody and the drama of every lyric. She more than sings. She inhabits a song and involves each member of the audience in its drama, joy or sorrow. There are performers for whom a performance is a night out. When Kathryn performs it’s a lifetime shared with us in a single evening. If you want to merely hear some tunes, there are many people who will do. If you want a real experience in music, there is Kathryn.
Kathryn's latest show is being created with director David Ford (Marsh Theatre) and Kevin Gerzevitz and her concerts features a who’s who list of world-renowned musicians: Gerzevitz and Grammy-Nominated Bassist, Michael Manring; Album of the Year Winner, Trumpeter, Jeff Oster; Master Percussionist, Joe Venegoni; Guitar Virtuoso, Tom Lattanand; Critically Acclaimed Pianist, Kelly Park; Celebrated Flutist, Barbara Else; and from the Steve Winwood Band, Brazilian-born Drummer, Celso Alberti.
Kathryn has played a variety of venues, including the renowned Yoshi's Oakland Jazz Club, the Bitter End and Symphony Space in New York City, the Knitting Factory in Los Angeles, the Plush Room and the Fairmont in San Francisco, as well as Mill Valley's premier showcase, the Throckmorton Theatre, Theatre on the Square, the Beacon Theatre, Great American Music Hall,The Mint, The Fairmont, to name a few. She has Cd's at all outlets.

ler with the aid of the ideas and help of the teachers I have worked with in the past. Each lesson will begin with a warm up that address the student's specific needs. Once we address fundamental technique, we will apply these ideas to specific repertoire. This repertoire will be chosen by the student with my guidance, but students are welcome to bring Song, Opera, Oratorio, Jazz, and Broadway to any lesson.

Because of my extensive performing experience and education, I am also able to assist students with Italian, French, and German diction and translation. Music centers around communicating, and I am more than happy to help each student understand each word he or she sings. As we work towards performances, I can also assist with dramatic coachings using the techniques I learned at the Manhattan School of Music, Juilliard, and The Metropolitan Opera.

I am still an active performer, and I hope that my performing and teaching continue to positively affect one another. I have found that working on a multitude of styles from Opera to Jazz has helped me acclimate my voice to any situation, and I hope that my students find the same love and joy in singing as I have.

n explain musical theory and concepts many different ways, to make sure you understand them. I am very friendly and patient.

Sometimes I might inject humor into the learning process to make it an enjoyable learning experience, and to help you remember the important things.
I love the satisfaction of seeing my students grow musically proficient and and seeing the JOY that it brings them. Many of my students have gone on to become professional. I am well-versed and well-equipped to teach many styles: Rock (including all sub-genres...Tribal Ambient neo Punk, etc), Pop, Blues, Jazz, Alternative, Country, R&B, New Age, Ambient, Electronic, Metal (and a few plastics and wood as well).

*** Lesson Details ***
I will develop a personal lesson plan for each individual student. During your lessons, I might cover topics ranging from learning how to play, starting from the basics (if you are a beginner), to choosing music that will inspire you on your level, to improving your technique, ear-training, music reading (if that's what you'd like), reading and understanding tabs (if that's what you'd like), knowing what it is that makes certain chords and notes sound good together for writing your own music, as well as guitar maintenance and adjustments, getting a good tone, amplifier settings, effect pedals (settings & placing them in the most effective order), recording tips, and where to get a decent pizza.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living Room or Studio, both very comfortable. Amplifiers, guitars, effects pedals, bass, ukulele, balalaika, drum set, PA system and recording equipment.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide guitar, bass, or ukulele and amplifier when necessary, teaching tools. The student provides their guitar and paperwork I give them.

*** Specialties ***
Teach note reading using Alfred's New Guitar course. Ear Training, Genres: Rock, Pop, Blues, Jazz, Alternative, Punk, Metal, Folk, Country, Hip Hop, Funk, R& B, New Age, Ambient.

I currently have 5 albums out under my name. My music is on a major new age compilation, and has been played on the radio in several countries, and several internet radio programs. I have played on other people's albums...some of which have received major radio airplay in Europe, and gone to #1!

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.

room w/ seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide my own guitar for examples, and i bring a pencil. Student provides guitar, and if they want to they provide a book. Otherwise I create a custom curriculum from scratch and they provide staff paper.

*** Specialties ***
I have studied classical guitar, jazz, and have played mostly rock and pop gigs.

ing in each of my students.

In teaching piano, I teach rigorous foundational piano technique from the beginning, along with general musicianship. I like to incorporate teaching of general musical concepts, while encouraging creativity and imagination with the younger pupils that I teach. I also incorporate adaptations of popular music that children like to hear and play and try to stay responsive to the musical tastes of the student- while maintaining high standards in technique from beginners to advanced. I also address postural awareness and incorporate elements of the alexander technique into my teaching.

For those interested in singing lessons, I will first and foremost find out what kind of sound you personally wish to produce. Styles vary greatly across different genres. I will then help to diagnose your voice type and what difficulties you may be encountering and which may be preventing you from creating the sound you are aiming for.

I then show you ways in which the voice can be strengthened and balanced across the whole range and help my students achieve a healthy mix of head and chest resonance. This is achieved through exercises and vocal cues, enabling you to recognize the sensations that lead to good use of the voice.

My credentials:
- Alexander Technique Training- current.
- BA Music degree, Middlesex University, June 2004. Piano Performance Major and Music History
- 2 year piano scholarship at Conservatoire de Paris du Vème, with training on my second
instrument (violin), a member of conservatoire orchestra
- Music Diploma, Paris

ed a lot of music by contemporary composers, in groups like Network for New Music and Orchestra 2001 in Philadelphia, as well as Left Coast Chamber Ensemble in the Bay area. Some special tours I went on were with the Philip Glass Ensemble and with Tan Dun, the composer of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

My own compositional adventures started in the the late 1990's when I started improvising with a DJ mix in a small club. Since then I have experimented a lot with pickups and electric violin. I've created surround sound collages, improvised music for modern dance, and learned digital audio editing skills. I am knowledgable about Pro Tools and Ableton Live. If you are interested in electric violin, looping or using MIDI effects, I can share what I've learned about these things.

I have two solo CDs of original music - one violin, one viola - you can find on CDbaby and bandcamp.com.

You can make music and be creative no matter what playing level you are on. I believe in having fun as you learn, and I stress learning by example and by ear. Reading music is good, too, but often that gets in the way of listening. We will build a foundation step by step and add on elements when you are ready. Also - I can help you be relaxed as you play. I have never had tendonitis or another occupational injury, thanks to good posture and technique. Body awareness is part of the process. Let's have fun- - you can do this!

NOTE: for students age 7 to 12, I require the parent to be present at the lesson and take an active interest in the student's progress. Also, the child must want to play this instrument.

his book, Voyages to Ancestral Islands, and the published poems in four anthologies, one of which earned a Pushcart Prize nomination. Dave has done community service work in the American Indian community for several years.