Music Lessons in Whittier, CA. It's your time.

As an instrumentalist and composer, I have the privilege of an active and successful career in Music, performing across the country as well as internationally with world-class artists, and writing music for some of the most sought after performers in the country.

I believe Music is, most importantly, a tool for communication. As a teacher, my goal is to show students how to use this tool on their path towards clearer, more confident self-expression, and in so doing, further myself along the same path.

In lessons, I will teach students how to develop an embouchure and make sound, have proper technique, discuss equipment care, how to read music and develop note recognition, and ultimately, play music. All of this, while helping students to develop their

The goal is to get my students playing with proper technique, so that this will carry on throughout their career and playing of the instrument. After getting some sounds out of the instrument and having decent technique, students will be assigned 1-2 songs to work on each lesson. It is the learning of music on one's own, that I believe, truly challenges the student to continue to apply information given in lessons.

Much of my methods are derived from my doctoral dissertation studies in the field of Sports Psychology. I apply my teaching methods to develop and increase control of muscular and mental functions, accuracy, precision, discipline, mental awareness and overall coordination in violin performance. I am eager to share my knowledge and experience in sports psychology and to emphasize the general psychological benefits and contribution to human enrichment.

​My students earn numerous accolades, such as Concertmaster and title positions in the: Colburn Chamber and Los Angeles Youth Orchestras, Santa Monica High School Chamber Orchestra, Idyllwild Music Festival Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, Interlochen Music Festival, Honor Orchestra of America, and Santa Monica High School Symphony and Chamber Orchestra, Palisades High School Symphony; Grand Prize in the Fifth International Colibri Music Competition, Westside Committee of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Student Scholarships and ...

Hi, Tom Ratto here, I have taught hundreds of students (Children & Adults) how to play the piano. I work best with Beginners and Intermediate students. I have had great success teaching on Zoom/FT. I earned a Graduate Degree in Piano Performance from the University of the South Bay in CA. I have also taught Elementary Music and group piano lessons, in CA and NYC schools. I make learning to play the piano easy and fun, I look forward to being your teacher. Best, Tom

The voice is an instrument and, like any instrument, you need to understand how each part of your instrument works to create music. You also need to know the best way to take care of your instrument so that you don't permanently damage it.

I teach vocal techniques and exercises to help my students become a better singer. My students will learn how to use their diaphragm; how to use dynamics; how to project; how to build up their lung capacity; how to sing in a clear and articulate manner; how to sing various different types of music; how to control their voice; and how to develop their natural ear for music as well as showmanship.

I began learning the drums 20 years ago, and have spent the last 12 years sharing that knowledge with students. I’ve taught students from ages 7 - 50 +, all with various sets and and goals. Over the last 10 years, I've been fortunate to travel with world with various rock bands, and have learned from many experienced live players. My goal is to teach you the fundamentals of the instrument, while demonstrating how those fundamentals work in a real musical way.