Folsom Music Lessons

fingers to do what you need them to do - so you will have finger exercises and scales to practice to enable to play pieces/songs you like. In order to accomplish all this we will use a piano method designed to teach you these things little by little so you won't get overwhelmed. One step at a time towards your goal - self enjoyment, being the life of the party, accompany the chorus, play the songs you hear on the radio or perhaps even become a renowned pianist on stage or in the theater. Whatever your goal you will need to practice and you must have a piano or at least a keyboard. The method we use will depend on the student's age, reading level, past experience with piano or other instruments and I will take into consideration your goals. If you are interested in popular music there will be a point (when you are ready) when you will be able to add this type of music to the lesson music. How quickly you grow musically depends greatly on the quality of your practice time - thus you will determine your rate of progress.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I like to purchase new materials myself for the student based on their needs at the time. They need a decent notebook for listing practice items. I usually have the method book, with note-speller for beginners, theory for more advanced, and additional pieces (non-method) as appropriate. Hanon is a staple. I use various other materials to remedy finger technique and rhythm issues as learned from my teachers and those devised by myself.

*** Specialties ***
I prefer to use a variety of materials. At the first lesson I assess reading ability, interest, physical ability and attention span to determine what materials are appropriate for the student. All students will learn scales, finger exercises, pieces and theory. I have used Thompson, Schaum, Pace, Fletcher and Alfred in my teaching - and frequently a combination there-of.

d freelance and record with many others...everyone from former members of Bon Jovi, to Marvin Hamlisch, and some completely unexpected names like Joe Frazier And The Knockouts. Yes, I know, that's pretty amusing, and Joe couldn't sing...but I wasn't going to tell him!

I have an extensive collection of books and videos that I draw from for my students, and to personally improve at my craft. This is not a sideline, or part-time job for me...this is my life, and my career!

*** Lesson Details ***
In my lessons I strive to make the maximum progress possible, while also having as much fun as possible. This is accomplished by imparting the most valuable, useful, and beneficial information in a fun and relaxed, low pressure environment, always with the students goals and priorities first and foremost. I also like to keep the student challenged at their current ability level.

For beginning students I stress basic fundamentals, just as you would in sports. It makes progress come at a much faster clip and avoids making time consuming corrections later. The longer you play with bad habits, the harder they are to break.

For more advanced students, I assess their current abilities, determine if any problems need to be addressed, and with their goals in mind, come up with the proper plan of action.

Having been self taught till entering college I understand all ends of the spectrum. In my career I have come across three separate groups of musicians:

1) Those who have good ears, but can't read.
2) Those who read well, but can't play without music in front of them.
3) Those with great ears who also read well.

Number 3 is obviously the best of all possible worlds and what I strive to achieve with all my students. Being accomplished in both areas enables them to be prepared for anything they will come across, and gives them a distinct advantage over their peers.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a state of the art drum studio, beyond anything else I have ever seen, with everything from a top of the line V-Drum kit (electronic drums) and several acoustic sets that I rotate occasionally to keep interest level high. As opposed to many stores, schools and homes...there are no sax players in the next studio, no guitars blaring, no kids running around, no distractions! We only hear what we want to hear! It's so much easier to maintain focus on the task at hand.

One of the pluses of the electronic set is when a student is playing along with music, we can just plug an iPod, Kindle, whatever, into the system, dial in the perfect matching volume between music and drums...and not go deaf. No muss, no fuss, no headphones needed, unless the student wants them...I have plenty.

I am in my own building, so unlike many of the shoebox sized studios i have worked in, I have a lot of space (17'x22'), a waiting area for parents, and since it's one open area, if parents come in the building they are sitting in on the lesson. There is ample parking and I am conveniently located near a major intersection, and right next to a major shopping center (Wal-Mart, Staples. Weiss Supermarket, Pep Boys, etc.). In fact many parents go shopping while their children are taking their lessons. Some even walk! I'm that close.

I am also a Certified Plus drum dealer, so if students need some equipment, we can usually handle that too.

*** Specialties ***
I adapt my style to each student and usually hand write everything for quite awhile. There's a lot to cover and it enables me to break from standard procedure when beneficial. I play and teach all styles and genres, so I feel comfortable with pretty much everything.
I use numerous books for many different purposes well beyond the scope of what's listed below.

students.
Through the lessons I help students on understanding the fundamentals of music theory, creating an ideal sound, and musical expression and coordination.
Whether they're trying to just have fun with music, improve their basic skills or prepare auditions such as School or District Orchestra, Youth Orchestra (PYO PYAO or many other local groups), I try to find the best for each students.
Every student is different. I work with students individually and use different approaches for each one of them. Such as methods, repertoire and lesson skills.
But most important of all, I always make sure that my student does not loose interest and have fun making music!

f the St.Petersburg state Conservatory
1995-present Private Instruction in Harp,Piano

nstructors really tapped into something beyond the mechanics of an instrument. While I could correctly play the notes written on a sheet of paper, I received little insight on how to really "feel" the music in a way that might resonate with me.

Fortunately, I picked up some new instruments in high school and began a journey of self-discovery that continues to this day. And along the way I found that the more music that I wanted to make, the more things I needed to learn how to do.

By age 20 or so I'd taught myself to do a lot - playing instruments, writing music, recording and producing, and a whole lot more. As this was all happening, people noticed that I could do things with music that they wanted to do and that I was pretty good at explaining how they could be done.

So that's how I got my first students. A few friends and acquaintances wanted to learn, and I was happy to help them. This continued for a while, and I found that I enjoyed it as much as the students seemed to.

The twists and turns of life eventually took over - my own musical pursuits, making my way in the real world, and ultimately marriage and fatherhood - but raising my own child and coaching youth sports has really inspired me to more actively teach music to new students under more formal arrangements. That's what's led me to TakeLessons.

It's amazing to see someone have a "light bulb" moment and go on to do things not previously imaginable. And it really can happen with anyone at any age and any level. That's what inspires me. Along my journey I've experienced some great things and worked with some amazing people. Now I'm bringing it back home in hopes that I can help you start your own rewarding journey.