Westlake Village, CA Piano Lessons

industry working with top tier performers such as Chaka Khan, The Black Eyed Peas, Montell Jordan and Babyface to name a few. Accompanying her is a staff of accomplished performers and teachers who have credits throughout the entertainment industry. At the WHAA, her performing arts academy, she offers a conservatory-level curriculum focusing on the fundamental skills of technique, composition, artistry and performance in music, dance, drama and visual arts.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a very fun loving person and believe in creating a positive environment where students feel comfortable to be themselves. At the same time I am a stickler for details and do not allow laziness. I believe a balance of fun with excellence has allowed my students to excel far beyond their own expectations. Good results takes HARD WORK! Please do not come to lessons with the expectation to sing like Beyoncé or play piano at Carnegie Hall after 4 lessons. Mastering your voice and instrument takes equal parts of time, hard work, dedication and patience.

My teaching style is individually based.
For vocal clients, I asses their strengths and weaknesses and develop a plan to build up their weak areas while helping them find "their own voice". I focus on breathing, intonation and control which I believe are the foundation of great singing ability. I use a classical Italian based program along with pop, R&B, jazz, and rock. I have vocal coached in many languages including Spanish, Japanese and Chinese.

For piano clients I focus on strength, dexterity and precision in fingering. I also help students learn to feel the music and bring their personality and touch to each piece they are performing.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Tanisha currently teaches at her performing arts academy the White H Arts Academy. There are private instruction rooms and a lobby waiting area for parents and guests. Parents may also sit in the lesson room if desired. Private lesson rooms include a piano, speakers, and a music stand.

The White H Arts Academy also has two state of the art mirrored dance rooms with sound systems and wireless microphones for practicing stage performances or rehearsing for a big show.

*** Specialties ***
Vocals: beg to adv
Piano: beg to inter

Vocal genres are classical (opera), pop, R&B, gospel, rock, jazz, blues and musical theater. I studied voice at Berklee College of Music. Have also studied Seth Riggs SLS (Speech Level Singing) method independently, however, I am not certified. I also teach in languages other than English including Spanish, Japanese and Chinese.

Piano instruction levels I teach are basic to intermediary focusing on classical, and general accompaniment abilities.

, 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.

I've have the fortune of performing as a lead singer in bands across the country, and let me tell you there is no bigger thrill than getting in-front of a crowd full of cheering fans, performing music you love.

I've also been playing the guitar for just under 10 years. Playing the guitar has been both a complete joy, but also a fantastic learning experience. I have been learning songs of my favorite artists and even written my own material,and having the opportunity to immerse myself in my favorite music and create music of my own has taught me so much more about music and being a musician. I hope to impart this experience onto all of my students.

Whether it's trumpet, voice, or guitar, I love all things music and my #1 objective is to for my students to learn how it feels to experience what music REALLY has to offer, so to you reading this, let's make some noise!

*** Lesson Details ***
For starters, understand that you're going to have a blast! Within months of working together, I'll have you playing your favorite songs, or feeling prepared for that upcoming audition. I remember what it was like to have second thoughts about auditioning and performance, and I'll make sure those thoughts are a thing of the past for you!

During our lessons, I enjoy addressing the material you have to work on, whether in school or just for your own enjoyment. At the same time, I will present music and materials of my own, and I encourage you to do the same!

I have always enjoyed learning from my students as they have learned from myself, and I could only hope to express how rewarding it is when I see a student of mine progress from week to week and achieve their own goals.

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, you can be guaranteed we'll make steady progress and we will achieve your goals. Get ready to wow your friends and family!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Metronome
Post-it Notes
Music Stand(s)
Chairs
Computer/Internet
Keyboard
Guitar(s)

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would provide utilities including music stand, metronome, some external source of pitch.

I expect the student to bring any and all assigned music/material they wish to work on. The student will also begin the lesson prepared with basic necessities, including a pencil (please, no pens) and all music assigned from prior lesson (if this is a first-lesson, bring any/all music you currently have and/or are working on). Vocal students will bring a bottle of water. Trumpet students will have their own valve oil and mouthpiece (if not originally included with your horn).

*** Specialties ***
Trumpet methods include (not limited to) Arban's, Clarke, Sachs, Rubank, Getchell, Adam, Schlossberg, Colin, Bai Lin.

For instruments outside the trumpet, methods will address school curriculum, unless student has advanced beyond provided materials.

I strongly encourage students of voice, guitar, and piano to pick material of their choosing.

Classical and rock are the genres to which I am most attracted

icks that allowed me to impress the Hollywood composer that first invited me to Los Angeles to work on my first blockbuster. That opportunity led to many years of success in the industry and some notoriety.
I have always had a passion for teaching, sharing my knowledge with others and watching other people take immense pleasure in their own achievements. I have been told time and time again that I have a very special gift for teaching and I would very much like to share it with you, whether you want to learn an instrument, musicianship, ear training, composition, hone your vocal or mic skills or learn how to arrange an orchestral piece in just a few hours!
I look forward to talking to you about your specific needs and goals and having the opportunity to help you realize them in a fun friendly and authentic atmosphere.
Andrew

e. I have a routine I do, that I will start students with, but am very open to modification based on student needs/desires.

I perform jazz professionally in Los Angeles, and have spent time touring in playing in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Macedonia, Canada, and have performed or led groups internationally at the Umbria Jazz Festival, the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Tuscia Jazz Festival, the Angel City Jazz Festival and the Monterey Jazz Festival. You can hear my original compositions and playing on bandcamp or soundcloud.

ate long term constructive relationships. Worked as a Music coach with kids in the spectrum (Asperger Syndrome).

at joy it brings me with others and pass down what I have learned over the years. I have completed courses in music pedagogy and education alongside my degree, and believe in shaping my lessons around each individual's learning style so that each student may continue to grow while having fun. Helping each student develop their own unique musical identity is one of the main goals with these lessons.

ncerts, festivals, masterclasses, and workshops regularly. So I hope you do not mind skipping a week or two In November and January.