Piano with Alex A.

I have played in jazz, rock, and blues bands since college. I graduated San Francisco State with my Masters in Music Ed. with a concentration in Jazz Piano & Theory. I give my students a solid foundation in classical technique but I also stress music theory and ear training. As a pianist and keyboardist in a variety of bands I can offer training in improvisation, focusing on blues, gospel or jazz. Having studied classical piano since I was five, I teach good piano technique first, but I also let students focus on ear training, theory, and improvisation if they desire it. I stress self-expression as the main goal of being a well-rounded musician and I make sure students take an active role in directing their own musical exploration. *** Lesson Details *** In order to ensure that the student has a good experience I ask that have students two 2 to 5 pieces that they work on at any one time for 15-30 minutes a day. For beginners I give flash cards because I feel that the ability to recognize notes quickly and accurately is the pianist's critical skill. Since music helps with reasoning and concentration skills the 15 minutes spent practicing won't affect children's grades. For kids twelve and under I ask parents to help them learn the notes using flash cards for ten minutes a day for the first month. I carry a pocket recorder and make MP3s of practice pieces available so that students know what the pieces should sound like. Students dabble in theory and improvisation to see if they enjoy it but ultimate control of how the time is spent is up to the student. For children lessons we focus mainly on the varieties of music they most, but during each lesson we will spend at least some time doing ear training for intervals and chords chords. Because I have a degree in music theory and I can improvise I make up my own accompaniments to the practice pieces; I believe that actually playing music with another person dramatically improves timing, confidence, musicianship, and love of music. For the first three months most students play simple one note melodies. The next step is two-handed pieces. At around six months (depending on the student's age) they begin to sightread, improvise (if they wish), and start to become proficient enough to choose their own favorite pieces. . *** Studio Equipment *** Synthesizers, pianos, harmony and rhythm software. *** Travel Equipment *** I have tons of songbooks. I use a pocket recorder with a USB adapter and leave students with recordings of the pieces they are learning. They can either download the recording at home or I can email them. *** Specialties *** I know jazz theory but I start out with the rudiments of classical theory and technique. I teach students about the circle of fifths, secondary dominants and sub-dominants, and I encourage all of my students to play small improvised jams which I accompany with them. I believe that knowing at least some theory is the key to becoming a good musician. I can teach blues, rock, gospel and jazz theory if students are interested.