Oakland Music Lessons

tment, dedication and disciplined daily practicing.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Steinway piano

*** Specialties ***
I specialize classical music. I use different methods depends on the child.

almost equally important reason why I do what I do is because even though I am an educator I am forever a student as well. I am constantly learning new things and trying to improve my craft as a musician and a teacher, and this job makes it all possible. Now, lets make some music!!!

Sincerely,
VJ B.

*** Lesson Details ***
In my 7-plus years of professional teaching experience I have encountered students from all walks of life. All of them have come from very diverse musical backgrounds and interests. I have taught students from ages 5 to 75 styles of music ranging from Metallica to Michael Jackson, Miles Davis to Justin Timberlake, and everything in between. I construct my lessons based on the student's skill level, musical taste, and personal goals. Students will be encouraged to learn the music that is aesthetically pleasing to them, while gaining knowledge of how to build a solid foundation in guitar playing and overall musicianship.

P.S. (to parents of younger students)

Studying music and learning an instrument has been proven to increase levels of focus and overall attention span in many young children. Several parents whose children I work with, ages 5-10 or so, have noticed attention and concentration levels trending upward in their child's other school work and activities as a result of studying music and learning the guitar!

***Pricing***
My pricing shows only 30 minute and 60 minute rates. However, if you are interested in a 45 minute lesson or a lesson longer than 60 minutes we can certainly negotiate a price!

*** Specialties ***
Jazz, Rock n Roll, Blues, R&B, Funk, Pop, Hip Hop, Music Theory/Reading, Ear Training, Music Performance

able experiences and knowledge with my students.

ic dreams.

MORE INFO:
I have been singing since I was 3, anything and everything from Michael Jackson to Elvis Presley to Luciano Pavarotti. Originally from Colorado, I studied music/theatre, as well as vocal pedagogy at The University of Colorado at Boulder, where I graduated with highest honors. I made my Broadway debut in "The Phantom of the Opera" at age 24. I also performed in "Chess in concert" as a featured rock tenor soloist at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway with Josh Groban. I have understudied and performed lead roles in the first AEA National Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s "Whistle Down the Wind." Regionally, I have played many lead roles all over the United States in productions including "Les Miserables," "Miss Saigon," "The Wild Party," and "She Loves Me."

As an ASCAP recording artist, currently I am working in the studio with a full production team on my first pop/rock album. I also often sing on demos for producers and write songs for other artists in many different genres.

As a TV/Film actor, most recently I was on set with Marvel's TIARA 2 on Netflix. I have booked lead roles in 4 SAG-AFTRA short films, as well as the comedic lead in a SAG-AFTRA Web-series. I was called back for producers as a Series Regular for "The Knick," an episodic series produced and directed by Steven Soderbergh on Cinemax.

My audition prep will help you master your sides for any playing space; Broadway plays/musicals and especially on camera.

TIYA clients include (aspiring) Broadway performers, Film and TV actors, singer-songwriters, news anchors, dancers, comedians, CEO's all over the world, as well as karaoke enthusiasts, and songwriting hobbyists.

My TIYA members have performed on television in Smash, Glee, and venues around NYC ranging from The Underground, Le Poisson Rouge, Drom, Cornelia Street Cafe, Arlene’s Grocery, to the Broadway productions of Ghost, Sister Act, Evita, Wicked, West Side Story, South Pacific, The Phantom of the Opera, and Rent to name a few.

*** Lesson Details ***
We will always work on whatever you want.

For Singing, as a vocal technician/trainer I am like going to the gym for your voice. My exercises are safe, simple, and most importantly, I teach you how to practice correctly.

For ACTing, we can explore both the foundation itself with monologues and scenes, as well as the tricks of the trade mastering the camera frame and how to create memorable auditions for TV/Film.

For Songwriting, we can explore the fundamentals of both lyrics and music, as well as catchy hooks, production, and song structure.

You may use my time however you wish (Voice, Acting, Songwriting, or Artistic/Career guidance).

Most vocal sessions will usually be a combination of strengthening/ conditioning exercises, and then exploring/performing a song.

Most ACTing sessions will be theatre monologues, TV/Film sides and/or On camera auditioning craft.

Career consultations usually include how to get an agent, headshots, branding, and marketing to align your artistic dreams with a strategy for success.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Yamaha PSR 950 61-key arranger keyboard
Sony Handycam DCR-SR 100
Fovitec Studio PRO - 5' x 6.5' Gray/Blue screen
MacBook Pro 13-inch: 2.4GHz
with Retina display
Yamaha FG700S Acoustic Guitar
Bose Wave Music System
iPhone 6S plus

*** Specialties ***
SINGING, ACTING, SONGWRITING, CONSULTING

The TIYA vocal training method is uniquely my own as it combines both Bel Canto and Speech Level Singing. Emphasis is on developing a relaxed, released, authentic vocal timbre to sing in any style. Concepts explored include: Coordination, Registration, and Intonation. Chest, Head, Edge, and Pharyngel registration, 2 instruments in 1, posture, breath management, vocal cord adduction, trigger phrases, ring, consistency, and more. 

at each lesson was an opportunity to influence each of my students in a positive way, however small or large. To be granted that opportunity was truly thrilling.

I teach guitar from beginner to advanced levels of performance, in many styles. I teach piano up to an intermediate level. I specialize in Jazz, Folk, Blues, Rock, Funk, and pretty much any contemporary style a student might be interested in learning. Although not my specialty, I am capable of teaching classical styles as well.

I am very excited to teach anyone interested in learning about the wonders of music, and I work with all ages.

*** Lesson Details ***
In my lessons, students can expect to have fun while learning. I am friendly, warm, personable, caring, patient, and fun. I strive to find the perfect balance between learning the important fundamentals of music, and just plain enjoying music. Music takes hard work, but music is supposed to be fun!

I am a laid back person, and I do not expect any strict formalities when interacting with students. I feel that the more comfortable a student is, the more easily that student can learn and have fun doing so. However, I do expect my students to thoroughly practice, to focus, and to strive to improve.

I tailor each lesson to a student's particular needs. Everyone learns and interprets music in different ways, so I strive to serve each of my students uniquely. From basic fundamentals to advanced techniques, I cover everything. I also give each student an opportunity to choose some music that they will enjoy learning.

My curriculum changes depending on the student's ability level, age, and instrument of choice. I typically use a method book for reinforcement of musical fundamentals, and a supplementary "project" piece of music that the student enjoys playing and learning. I do this so that my students can see direct connections between music fundamentals and playing music that they enjoy. My own personal knowledge and experience as a musician is always added to each lesson as well.

*** Travel Equipment ***
For guitar lessons, I provide my guitar and any equipment that the student may not have initially, like for example, their own guitar, or music stand. Piano students will need their own keyboard for the very first lesson. The student should eventually provide their own instrument and equipment, such as their own guitar, music stand, and copy of the selected method book; all of which are things that they will need in order to pursue practicing on their own time.

*** Specialties ***
I am capable of teaching using many methods, styles, and genres, depending on the student and their particular needs. However, I specialize in jazz, folk, and rock styles, as well as improvisation.

unconventional rhythms and harmony. Her music has been described as "...hyper-detailed...designed to spur multi-faceted improvisation". Her most recently formed trio with pianist Matt Mitchell deals with a new book of compositions containing varied forms and harmonic and rhythmic structures that demand a spectrum of improvisational creativity.

Kate holds a dual degree in Jazz Performance and Music Education from the Eastman School of Music. Kate has also studied independently with a host of great drummers, improvisers, and composers, including Dan Weiss, Tim Berne, Tony Malaby, Marc Ducret, Miles Okazaki, and John Riley.

Kate has enjoyed teaching drum lessons independently for 10 years and has taught at the NYSMF summer jazz program and several schools.

for the ear-training and musicianship courses in the music department, which covered music theory, keyboard harmony, and sight-singing.

For TakeLessons, he provides piano lessons from beginning to advanced levels, as well as intermediate-level vocal instruction for singers primarily interested in musical theater and "show tunes". Music theory lessons are also available. He looks forward to working with you!