Waimanalo Music Lessons

, and choir.

I have also taught woodwinds for various high schools across southern California, as well as a marching/visual coach for marching bands.

I front and lead my own Christian Contemporary Band. We've recorded two albums, of which I have composed the original music/lyrics, and produced both albums. We are currently working on our third album.

I can teach everything from jazz, to classical, rock, blues, Latin genres (salsa, merengue, bolero, mambo, etc.), and even contemporary Christian music in both English and Spanish.

I mix all of these experiences and knowledge into a big melting pot, and apply it very efficiently and wisely so that my students can positively benefit from a wonderful and exciting real-world musical journey!

*** Lesson Details ***
I base my lessons around the student's needs for musical growth, and their own likes and dislikes. If there is something specific that the student wants to learn, as far as a style/genre or piece of music, I foster that and I help encourage musical growth and enjoyment around that.
I am constantly encouraging my students to listen to as much music as possible, or better yet, to watch and listen to as much live music as possible. I strongly believe that this nurtures musical growth and serves as a role model.
I am very patient and laid back, but I do expect the student to have fun while staying constant with individual practice. There is no substitution for perseverance, consistency, and hard work, but it doesn't mean that we will not have fun while we make music!

*** Studio Equipment ***
An upright Yamaha acoustic piano is available, along with a Korg and Kurzweil digital keyboards, music stands, computer music software for studying repertoire (music), a large collection/library of books containing scales, exercises, music, etc. I also can make copies or print something for you if necessary. A sound system is available for listening to something is necessary. Flute, saxophone, and clarinet students must provide their own instrument, but I can point you in the right direction in terms of acquiring an instrument either for purchase or rental from a local music retail store.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students must provide their own instrument, except piano if student comes to my home for lessons. Student must also provide books (as assigned), and metronome for practicing at home. I can carry with me things such as: saxophone, clarinet, flute, a portable music stand, metronome/tunes, pencil, paper, and any other book(s) or materials as needed.  

*** Specialties ***
I can teach classical, jazz/contemporary, funk, latin, blues, contemporary Christian, improvisation and music theory at very advanced levels.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in helping students improve their tonal sound quality, breathing, and pitch matching capabilities along with many other things that we can accomplish in our times together. My goal is to help students improve their overall music abilities as well to become the best musicians they can be.

I also have a bit of experience in critiquing vocals for competitions and teaching vocal workshops. Songwriting has also been a part of my musical experience with two songwriting competition awards, so I can also help anyone aspiring to improve their songwriting capabilities.

as Narzerath House, Bay View, Bella Vista, Monte Vista Village, and La Mesa Health Care Center, as well as making In-Home visits. These include independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care facilities around SD! I also have experience playing for the actively dying for hospice and consider it an honor to be of musical assistance for people in transition.

I love to teach and can make my harp and voice lessons unique to each individual based on their current skill level. I love watching people expand and grow through music. Your lessons will be engaging, compassionate, fun, and organized! Each lesson will encourage you to become excited about your musical growth and inspire you to continue. I offer something unusual for a harp teacher in that I can teach both improvisation and music theory for the harp. This means that you will get the best of both worlds!

I also have obtained education from the Self-Heal School of Herbal Studies here in San Diego, where I have learned about herbal medicine. I am well versed in many alternative therapies (such as E.F.T., meditation, therapeutic music, Ayurvedic medicine, amino acid therapy, etc.) and can provide compassion, understanding, and strategies for alleviating suffering as a Life Coach. My education towards my Master's degree in Psychology also helps me increase my understanding of the human condition and offer additional support for anxiety, depression, addiction, and other stresses. I believe that everyone deserves to live a life of freedom, safety, comfort, and relaxation. I hope to provide loving assistance for anyone seeking someone who cares and will put in the time to truly listen and offer advice.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and please let me know how I can be of service to you!

sity of Illinois, specializing in Ethnomusicology (the study of music of different cultures). This education gave him a strong background in music theory and history in the Western tradition, but also opened him up to a vast experience of a diverse cross section of music from around the world. His insatiable love for learning new instruments started here, where he studied music from West Africa to Bali.

Currently Ryan is a co-lead singer, songwriter and stringed instrument player for the local band Distant Brothers, a folk rock band based out of Chicago. They play venues throughout the Midwest, with some of the notable venues being House of Blues, Metro and Cubby Bear in Chicago. Another highlight of his time with the band has been a collaboration with Oistrakh Symphony Orchestra, where he not only was able to play in collaboration with the orchestra, but joined in the arranging and conceptualization of some of the pieces played.

hed Service in Education Award, 1993 and Outstanding Middle School Teacher- Utah Rural Schools, 1990.

ctor of Music at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Honolulu.

WHAT DO I TEACH?
I teach piano, organ, and voice.
*Piano: All levels from beginning to professional
*Organ: All levels from beginning to professional
*Voice: Beginning and those working with music theater

WHERE DO I TEACH?
*Piano: At my home in Mililani, St Peter’s Episcopal, and online
*Organ: St. Peter’s Episcopal and possibly online
*Voice: St. Peter’s Episcopal and possibly online
NOTE: Parents are more than welcomed to attend the lessons!
In fact, I encourage that!!

WHAT IS MY STYLE OF TEACHING?
Every student is different and what works with one may not work with another. It's important for me to know my students so I can better shape the lesson. I love questions, reflection, and even humor. I'm also very patient and understanding. We are all very busy and accept that students may have weeks they can't practice a huge amount of time. As long as some progress is made at lessons, all is well!

AER THERE RECITALS? ... Absolutely. You work hard at your lessons and it’s great to show your talent! Recitals will be at St. Peter’s Episcopal. I’m going to have a recital for my online students soon to see how that goes.