Piano with Marissa C.

I specialize in two instruments, piano and trumpet, because I just couldn’t choose one over the other! The piano was my first love. I started playing the piano at the age of 4, mostly by ear, but I studied for over 10 years, participating in various regional and national competitions, earning top marks. By the time Band was offered at school, I was playing piano in the jazz bands and marimba in the concert band. However, I was also lured toward the trumpet at this same time. So I began studying the trumpet and playing throughout high school. Both instruments inspired my decision to major in music at California State University, Northridge. I continued my studies in both piano and trumpet, majoring in both Music Education and Jazz Studies. I studied how to teach piano in a piano pedagogy class with Dr. Sandra Bostrom and also how to play jazz piano with Matt Harris. At the same time, I studied trumpet with top faculty musicians and played in various ensembles. The ensembles often participated in both regional and national competitions, and I even got a chance to record at Capitol Records with the top big band! Since my junior year in college, I have been teaching Band at local schools. I currently teach Band at two local elementary schools in Thousand Oaks, where I am solely responsible for the recruitment, management, and curriculum of the program. I also teach a jazz band at the Thousand Oaks Teen Center for local teenagers. You can find me playing at various venues throughout Southern California and around the country. Since college, I have performed with several renowned musicians such as Matt Harris, Gary Pratt, Howie Shear, Rob Lockhart, Gary Fukushima, Greg Bissonette, Neil Peart, Chad Smith, Barbara Morrison, Davis Gaines, and Arturo Sandoval. Playing and teaching music is such a rewarding experience for both the teacher and the student. Music not only taught me how to feel comfortable and confident with myself, but also inspired many lasting friendships along the way. Music is a journey, and I hope we can create one together! *** Lesson Details *** My philosophies as a teacher include making music enjoyable and meaningful, while also fostering analytical thinking and emotional growth. I believe that lessons are only effective if there is also a support system from parents and the community. I highly encourage parents to become involved in their child’s musical experience in order to contribute to the student’s growth. Each lesson is tailored to the individual student, creating a truly personalized experience. I may teach out of a book, or several, or I may incorporate self-made lesson-plans according to the student's abilities and goals. My lessons are comprehensive to include note-reading, theory, ear training, composition, and improvisation. Repertoire is based on the student’s goals, including anything from Beethoven to The Beatles! With all the tutorials that are easily accessible on the internet, I strive to make sure students learn to understand the correct technique along with the correct notes of their favorite song. *** Studio Equipment *** Unfortunately, I don't have my own studio at the moment, so lessons will be taught in the comfort of YOUR own home! *** Travel Equipment *** I can provide a music stand, sheet music, and mp3 recordings. (I may be able to provide a means to play those recordings through speakers.) The one thing I expect my students to have is their own instrument and books/materials in an organized fashion. *** Specialties *** I teach all styles, from classical to jazz to pop.