Music Theory with Michael C.

Playing the piano is supposed to be fun, and I teach it that way! Music is not magic, it is accessible and often seems much more complicated than it truly is. The piano can be therapeutic, it activates parts of your brain you're not already using, and once you start seeing progress and being able to play the songs you want to learn, it is totally addictive - let's get started! I teach students of all levels, ALL AGES -- my students now include a 45 year old entertainment lawyer who's learning to play Brahms, and a 7 year old who loves The Beatles. My 4 year old son is special needs and he's starting to play now too, very fun! I have students learning to play Mozart, Adele, Scott Joplin, Rachmaninoff, Beethoven, Billy Joel, Coldplay, Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea, Andrew Lloyd Weber, George Gershwin, the list goes on. I hold a degree in Piano Performance from the University of Iowa and have been performing in concert halls and recording studios since 1998, and teaching privately since 2001. I have had the great pleasure of watching many of my students in Los Angeles grow to be excellent piano players, most of them starting from scratch! I will help you find the time and energy it takes to learn this new musical language, and be your guide on the path to reaching your goal - be it playing your favorite songs for your friends, serenading loved ones, or just playing for relaxation and fun. One word of caution: if you do not set aside time to practice outside of our lessons, it will be very difficult to make progress. It does take work and time - but hey, if it were effortless, everyone you know would be able to do it. Treat yourself! Learn an impressive skill! *** Lesson Details *** Lessons are tailored to the goals of the individual - current focuses include: classical repertoire, pop standards, improvisation, reading chord changes, ear training, songwriting, how to accompany a singer, music theory/composition, and others available upon request. Looking forward to hearing from you. - Michael *** Studio Equipment *** Acoustic upright piano, keyboards with Pro Tools/Zoom interface, KORG organ and keyboard. Students can buy method/song books from me directly or on their own, students must provide a keyboard (for them to practice on), ideally a full 88-key instrument for us to play on Full acoustic piano preferred, electric keyboard will work too. *** Specialties *** Though classically trained, I have played jazz, pop and other styles for many years - I can teach you or your child to improvise, read chord symbols, and play by ear! I have a well trained ear and in addition to teaching piano performance and theory am available to teach ear training, and music transcription services.