Three Rivers Language Lessons

ve the gift of playing music, understanding music, and living musically. I have learned and played music since I was 8 years old.

Piano was not the first instrument I learned. I started off with playing drums which is my secondary. I decided to make piano as my primary instrument and loved playing the piano ever since. My parents noticed my gift of music and agreed to take me to private piano lessons weekly.

After multiple years of private piano lessons from age of 8 to 14 and taking music classes in High School, at the age of 16, I joined the full band in a local church as the lead keyboardist. Of 19 years - and counting - with experience of performing and playing piano with a band locally and out of towns, I've had the privilege for 2 years as the Director of Worship & Music Ministry at Victory Outreach Sacramento (Spanish). Victory Outreach International granted me an opportunity to perform the instrumental piano background at the 2011 Victory Outreach International/World Conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center, California.

In that same year, I enrolled into the full 2 1/2 year program at Life Music Institute (Instituto Vida Musik). The Director of Life Music Institute noticed my passion for music and the desire to create a Deaf Music some day; we became very close friends. He invited me to participate with 70 member choir at a local Sacramento Festival 2012. Saving the best for last, I was honored to lead in front of 3,800 people of the final special song "En Una Sola Voz" (In One Voice) in American Sign Language.

Currently, I am excited and honored to be the Worship Leader & Music Director at Elevate Life Church in Sacramento, CA.

Not only I play piano and drums, I play guitar as well! I loved acoustic guitar and decided to pick up a guitar and starting learning. Now, the guitar is my third instrument.

Besides living and playing music, I teach also! By numerous peers, families, and friends, I've been told that I have the gift of teaching. I love teaching!!

I felt compelled to start teaching piano in 2010 at home. Loud n Clear Musik was founded. I've been hired by Southgate Recreation & Park District in Sacramento, CA as a Special Interest Instructor and taught there too.

My teaching experience did not start there however. I first started teaching at the Sacramento City Unified School District as the Teacher Assistant from 2001 to 2004 at Sacramento High School and J F Kennedy High School. It was an unforgettable experience teaching the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Hearing, and disabled students. I returned to the Sacramento City Unified School District as an Instructional Assistant I & II in the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Special Education Program and worked there making a difference from 2012 to 2016.

While seeking a way to further serve the Deaf Community at a greater scale, I received a surprise message from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from a high reputation non-profit organization called Norcal Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She has heard about me and watched me volunteered and witnessed my ASL poetries in different events. In within 20 hours, I got hired on the interview. I am now serving the greater Northern California as a Deaf, Hard of Hearing & Deaf-Blind Client Advocate. In Fall 2016, I helped launch ASL Community Classes for the community with NorCal.

NorCal has me lead the ASL Community Classes for over a year now and I’ve taught over 100 students. It is still counting!! I've taught and teach students who are therapists, audiologists, government officials, teachers, educators, college and university alumni, families and members, elders, late deafened, dancers and performers, and fellow neighbors to help them better communicate, understand, and connect with the deaf community, Deaf culture, and their peers. I communicate in ASL non-stop with all Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind. I can teach ASL effectively, fitting the students and class level with ease, and with lots of fun!! I also communicate (and speak) very well in two other languages: English and Spanish.

From time to time, I participate, volunteer, or get invited to share my unique gift of performing poetry in ASL and dance. I also volunteer to interpret for any service as needed. I have performed the National Anthem at the Sacrament Kings game and at the Democrat vs Republican in Sacramento Rivercats stadium.

I've taught, communicated, and worked with infants, children, teenagers, adults, and seniors. I have even taught and worked with special needs students, co-workers, and clients who has cerebral palsy.

I volunteer my time and used my gifts in special and social events to share and inspire students, friends, families, and peers. Many times, I always encourage others to witness, support, and participate as well, especially at Deaf Camp Grizzly. I'm often asked to perform in different events.

I believe that music is not our life. Our life is music. You ARE a music. I'm looking forward to help you have a musical life!!

(Please note! It is important and required by law that licensed or professional services must provide an interpreter or a Certified Deaf Interpreter for their deaf clients' appointments or for deaf clients receiving professional services. Taking ASL lessons will and does help you communicate and connect with the deaf clients and culture, but by not being a fluent or native signer or are new in learning sign language - it does not excuse the requirements for obtaining professional and licensed interpreters for deaf clients. Please support, cooperate, and protect their rights for communication access. Thank you.)

*** Music & ASL Lesson Details ***
(NOTE: ASL, Piano, and Guitar lessons are available now!)

My approach is play music or sign first, then read and write music or understand ASL structure along the way. Just like an infant would speak first, then read and write later. It is more effective and smarter. Lessons are for all ages and are started off with songs based on their familiarity and strengths. Then progressively, I build on their weaknesses and expand their instrument and performance or sign language skills. The finally, when students are ready, I clearly explain and reveal on the music theory or sign language structure and grammar. There, their ‘whys’ are answered and ‘oohhhh-that-makes-sense’ are uttered. Lessons are progressive and it's not strict on my plan, but on the students' progress. Through patience and encouragement, my students enjoy succeeding learning how to sign American Sign Language or play music on their choice of instrument.

During the first lesson, I care about my students and their parents first; I want to be a friend to both of them. At the same time, they'll have a strategical, knowledgeable, and wise teacher. I start off with lots of comfortable questions about my new students, parents, and their interest. I even encourage my students to ask me questions too!! I move on in empowering my students to feel more at ease, confident, and fearless - and to enjoy!! Can a student learn without believing in themselves? Can a student have interest and passion without having fun or with a smile on their face? I encourage those important factors.

After noting down key strengths and weakness, their culture and daily environments, goals, examples of lessons, their preference of topics, needs, styles and songs, and creating a song list together, through excellence rapport and communication, I'll get the feeling of the students’ expectations, needs, and what they enjoy.

My style of teaching is very interactive and for anyone to learn. I had a 6 year old student who learn her first song, "London Bridge" on her first day. One adult student, who supposedly could never be on tempo, finally achieved this from tempo #50 to tempo #150 in 3 lessons. Other students who can play 'well' now improve their flexibility playing Major Scales with two hands with up-beat rhythms. Others can now fully understand the theory and rules of Major Scales, Minor Scales, Major and Minor Chords, Diminished and Augmented Chords, and fill out the exercise charts without hesitation. Surprisingly, another student now performs comfortably in front of their friends and family just for fun!! For sign language, students are always enjoying in learning to sign and my humors. Plenty of ASL students would be so encouraged and wants to pursue in becoming a professional interpreter or get a degree in Deaf Studies. These are just few examples of techniques, lessons, skills, theories, success, and new endeavors that students experience through my passionate teaching. I love what I'm doing!!

Each student learns in different ways. I am flexible and have access to many outside resources to ensure that my students' lessons are effective. My personality is lovely, fun, patience, peaceful, funny, kind, and friendly. From time to time, shy and timid private and group students are now confident and courageous. One very young student came up to me on his second lesson and said, "I really like you, Mr. Eddie!! I always enjoy seeing my student smile and laughing learning how to play music or learning sign language.

***Requirements***
Strong internet is required. The stronger the internet, the smoother and clearer the lessons will be.
A quiet area is required for effective teaching and learning.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in contemporary, alternative, soft pop, pop-rock, R&B and uniquely gifted signing songs in American Sign Language with dance. But I am flexible in different genres. I enjoy all kinds of styles and genres. But more importantly, I study students' preference of genres to teach them basic fundamentals and go from there to more complicated fundamentals and techniques. I focus on teaching the students thoroughly of 3 elements of music: Melody, Harmony, and Rhythms - whichever is easier and more enjoyable for students to start with. Dynamics also are taught as well to add another important dimension to the music. Students do not have to sign songs if they just want to focus on communicating in sign language. Not a problem.

To achieve in understanding and performing or signing with all these elements, I highly implement them through visual, reading, writing, listening, and playing or signing. Lessons are hands on, active, thorough, and with common-sense examples and clarifications. Also, I enjoy teaching through many life examples to 'open their eyes' to the music language. I make sure that all their 'whys' are answered in a timely manner.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Looking forward to meet you!!

musical theater, jazz, pop, and R&B. I am so excited to share my knowledge and passion for singing with you, as well as any other subject we find to explore! As of February 2013, I am also available through TakeLessons' online instruction program! Please find more information below and I hope to hear from you soon!

Thanks!

Zachary B.

A native of Charlotte, NC, Zachary began his musical career as a tuba player and jazz bass guitarist. While attending The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Zachary began singing in various vocal groups on campus and developed his love for the singing voice. With encouragement from the music faculty, Zachary began training as an operatic baritone while at UNC. While attending UNC, Zachary was awarded both the Fischer Scholarship in Voice and the Tony McDowell Voice Scholarship. His singing brought him to Boston in the summer of 2010 to begin study at The Boston Conservatory. While performing various opera roles and attending summer programs, Zachary also opened his private studio and taught at a local music academy.

Baritone Zachary B. is quickly establishing himself as an active operatic performer. Equally at home on the recital stage, his versatile lyric baritone voice fits a wide range of repertoire and styles. A graduate of The Boston Conservatory, Zachary has performed roles like the titular role in Don Giovanni, Ramiro in L'Heure Espagnole, L'horloge comtoise in L'Enfant et les sortileges, Pooh-Bah in The Mikado, and Bob in The Old Maid and the Thief.

Starting in February 2013, Zachary will also be available through TakeLessons for online instruction. Lessons will still focus on energy, breath, and solid technique, so please contact him if you think this venue of instruction will be a good fit!

*** Lesson Details ***
Regardless of your background, I believe in making lessons fun, encouraging, and accessible. This means that my work with you will, by nature, be incredibly personal and always formulated for your specific musical goals. I will constantly strive to make sure you are comfortable in our work together as we explore singing, speaking, and music theory.

I believe every singing or speaking voice can benefit from a foundation in classical vocal technique. Whether you prefer to learn through singing songs or through various exercises, I can customize our lesson plan to fit your needs. Therefore, I provide a fun and engaging lesson atmosphere, but you need to bring your best as well! We will both be happier with the process if we are equally invested in your growth. We will start with something you already know (an aria, vocal exercise, or excerpt from a song) and work toward singing in your preferred vocal style. For example, classical singers will build their knowledge of English, German, Italian, and French diction and song styles. Additionally, I will always respect and include my student's musical interests.

Along the way, I am happy to address basic music theory ideas. If you prefer, we can also spend additional time reviewing and learning those principles to enrich your musical experience. I will always provide different exercises and ideas to keep your brain active in the singing process.

I believe in whole body, whole spirit singing. As a performer, I employ a variety of holistic exercises and theories to develop my own voice, such as basic Alexander Technique principles, voice therapy techniques, a variety of pedagogical palates, and energy work. If these sorts of things interest you, I am more than happy to incorporate them into our lessons. My personal results with those practices have been incredible, so I am always eager to share.

My personality is outgoing and energetic, so I bring that sort of atmosphere to a lesson. I expect preparedness and readiness on your part to maximize our work together. My greatest desire in teaching is to see you grow! So, if a challenging, yet comforting, work environment sounds like something you would like to try, consider scheduling a trial lesson with me. I am always happy to hear from new students!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Open area between the living room and the dining room, seating available, piano to accompany the voice lesson, garage/driveway/street parking.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I prefer for my students to have a keyboard or piano, and if possible, a music stand. We can always make a situation work if the student does not have access to these tools. I provide music, pencils, etc.

*** Specialties ***
I am an opera singer, and specialize in classical singing. However, I apply similar vocal technique to all genres of music, and focus on breathing technique, body and energy awareness, and discuss a holistic approach to singing with all students.

eacher including my grandmothers, grandfather, aunts, uncle, and my parents. My family inspired me to become an educator as well where I would have the chance to make a difference in students' educational, social, and emotional well-being. I earned my teaching credential from Kochi Women's University in Japan and a Master's in Intercultural communication from Kobe University, Japan.

During graduate school days, I worked as a tutor for international Master's and PhD students to assist them on their theses in Japanese. After I moved to Los Angeles, I started my career in the corporate world, and have worked in the US, Canada and Japan for last 15 years. In Canada, I taught Classic Japanese and Chinese Poetry at Toronto Japanese School as a high school teacher.

h-stakes environment, I hold an M.A. in Japanese and N1 (highest level) certification on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Native Japanese speakers have complimented me on my native-like pronunciation and syntax.

Contact me any time for more information or to set up your first lessons!