Teaches online
Teaches Elementary, Middle School, High School, College
Age: 5+
Speaks French
Teaching since 2008
Masters in Music Composition
About Matthew F.
4.2
(5)
Hello!
My name is Matthew, and I teach many people of different ages academic topics from arithmetic to algebra 2/trigonometry, science, reading/grammar, as well as all kinds of music and instruments!
I hold a Masters of Arts in Music Composition from Mills College in Oakland, CA and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from UC Santa Cruz.
Musically, I specialize in drum set and percussion, piano, voice, and guitar instruction (4 and 6 string) woodwinds, brass, and violin family strings. I have been teaching in Walnut Creek at my home studio/office for 10 years, worked with local schools such as Walnut Creek Intermediate, Meher School, Las Lomas High School, and Stanley Middle School.
Some basic pedagogical ideas:
I make sure each student learns the necessary techniques, rhythms as well as reading and performing skills that each player must posses on their instrument or voice to properly play the instrument. Alongside this crucial, ever-lasting quest to have a good sound and play the repertoire of the instrument I teach many other aspects of music that most students indulge in as they progress. These including but not limited to ear-training, improvising, composition, theory, music history and appreciation, transcribing, arranging and performing popular music, basic tracking and recording/computer compositions, as well as basic singing and drumming.
Each student has different goals and interests that draw them toward certain aspects of music. My goal is to supplement the basic music training while offering guidance in more complex areas of music that bring excitement and enjoyment to learning. I work with each student to find not only what aspects of music they are interested in but also what styles and groups they enjoy and aspire to play or just enjoying listening or singing along.
Balancing all of this during a 30-60 min lesson and then during your practice time in the week can be tough, so I work with each student to set priorities and goals based on their interest and skill and follow through with them!
Here are a few of my BASIC POLICIES; please read so you can know if we will be a good fit. If you have any questions about them feel free to ask, but I rarely make exceptions!
-I only accept students (usually) who have already started reading
-All students and parents must be on a fairly flexible schedule and reply to phone calls or texts on the day of lessons. With 30+ concurrent students and families, schedules are constantly changing to accommodate each other. If it works for everyone to help another student out by switching, then I will request that of you, but I ALWAYS GUARANTEE YOUR SCHEDULED LESSON TIME.
-I always guarantee your full lesson time. I ask that each student (unless previously noted) keeps 10-15 minutes before and after their lesson free in case of an unexpected delay or cancellation.
- I require AT LEAST 72 HOURS ADVANCED NOTICE FOR RESCHEDULES. If you need to reschedule then I prefer knowing a week in advance. IF YOU CANCEL WITHIN 72 HOURS I DO NOT GUARANTEE A MAKEUP SPOT.
If you are at all interested for yourself or your child please don't hesitate to call and ask questions.
Have a great day!
Instructor details
Location:
Teaches Online
Teaching Hours
Monday
12 AM-2:30 PM
7 PM-11:30 PM
Tuesday
12 AM-2 PM
7 PM-11:30 PM
Wednesday
12 AM-11:30 PM
Thursday
12 AM-11:30 PM
Friday
12 AM-11:30 PM
Saturday
12 AM-11:30 PM
Sunday
12 AM-11:30 PM
Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Pricing
30 minutes
$45
45 minutes
$50
60 minutes
$60
ReviewsWrite a review
5
80%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
20%
4.2
5 Reviews
Sam Maldonado
Teacher's studio
great time at my first lesson
Posted Jan 12, 2016
Denise Santoro
Teacher's studio
My daughter took lessons with Matthew for 5 months and we are severely disappointed. We originally switched because he was constantly changing the days/times of our lesson to accommodate his schedule or that of new clients, which is a terrible way to do business. However, after having one lesson with a new teacher, we realized that my daughter never learned the basics of viola playing - how to hold the instrument properly, how tightly the bow should be strung, the names of the parts of the instrument, etc. He also rented us an instrument that didn't tune properly at twice the cost of what local music stores were charging. She also was not properly measured for that instrument, which I learned was standard. Since I am not musically trained, I went on faith that she was being taught properly. After the first lesson with a teacher who actually knew what they were doing, my daughter was in tears over all the things she didn't know. I feel like all those basics should have been covered in the first month of instruction. In addition, his bio states that he has been teaching for 10 years. At his current age, that would mean he started teaching at the age of 13 or 14. I'm very disappointed in our experience with both this instructor and with Take Lessons for not vetting their instructors properly.
Posted Oct 31, 2015
Adriana
Student's home
It was excellent. He has the patience and the knowledge. I do recommend him.
Posted Sep 25, 2015
Experience
General Private Music Teacher
Dec, 2014 - PresentRight Start Music
Stage Tech and Lighting Tech
Aug, 2014 - PresentMills College
In charge of lighting as well as stage crew at Mills college music events
Education
Bachelors of Arts in Music
Sep, 2010 - Jun, 2012University of California Santa Cruz
Masters in Music Composition
Aug, 2013 - May, 2015Mills College
Certifications
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Feb, 2013University of California Santa Cruz
From performance and composition to theory and history, this comprehensive music degree prepares students for real world music jobs including teaching, performing, composing/producing, and conducting.
Languages
French
Professional Proficiency
Matthew's Gallery
Instructor details
Location:
Teaches Online
Teaching Hours
Monday
12 AM-2:30 PM
7 PM-11:30 PM
Tuesday
12 AM-2 PM
7 PM-11:30 PM
Wednesday
12 AM-11:30 PM
Thursday
12 AM-11:30 PM
Friday
12 AM-11:30 PM
Saturday
12 AM-11:30 PM
Sunday
12 AM-11:30 PM
Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Pricing
30 minutes
$45
45 minutes
$50
60 minutes
$60
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