Fresno Music Lessons

be opened up. I will help foster a student's ability to see music for what it really is and help them strive for whatever musician they wish to become, whether it be for personal fulfillment, just for fun and recreation, or even in the pursuit of becoming an effective classical musician.

My Education:

My mother took me took a classical concert when I was six and I sat in the front of the stringed section. After the concert I made my decision that would shape the rest of my life, I wanted to become like those musicians.

I eventually graduated from a local music school in the following years in piano and violin and immediately went to enter the Tchaikovsky Conservatory. I was among the 10 out of 40 applicants that were eventually chosen, along with being the youngest of them as well.

After four years of study, I graduated and received my Bachelor's Degree in Music. I then went on to study for another year and received my Master's Degree in Piano.

My Other Experience:

I was Church Music Director in Kiev for Living Water Church from 2002 - 2010. I directed the adult choir, directed and led church worship services, accompanied various musicians and managed all aspects of church music responsibilities, including budgeting, rehearsals, planning and library management.

I also have been a private music teacher for several years teaching adults and young students. I planned lessons with them and established their repertoire.

I am also fluent in the Russian language and have extensive computer literacy.

Notable Recitals

Tchaikovsky National Academy of Music Kiev, Ukraine
(Winter and Spring recitals throughout 2005 to 2010)
Performed works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, and Gershwin

Music School no. 9 Kiev, Ukraine (Spring 2005, Winter 2007)
Performed works by Bach, Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff

Revutzky Music College Chernihiv, Ukraine (Summer 2010)
Performed works by Beethoven and Gershwin

St. Sophia Orthodox Cathedral Kiev, Ukraine (Spring 2010)
Performed Chamber music works by Beethoven

I do look forward to meeting you and working together with you in learning music!

Blessings

*** Lesson Details ***
I pay close attention to the fundamentals of music especially throughout the early lessons. These include reading notes, measuring tempo and rhythm, sight reading, hand positioning, posture, and technique.

I believe in positive reinforcement for all my students. Building a kind and friendly atmosphere is paramount for encouraging students, especially children, to continue pursuing music. Everyone I believe has hidden music potential, and I believe the key to unlocking this is through inspiration. Music is a grand adventure of excitement and discovery for everyone.

I am very kind and honest with my students and am never too strict with them, but I do require and greatly encourage regularly that they make habitual practice a vital part of their musical education. As the old saying goes, "Practice makes Perfect." There is great truth to that saying especially when learning a musical instrument.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Student's to provide necessary instrument, piano or violin

*** Specialties ***
Russian School of Piano Playing, Beginner to Professional Piano Performance, Advanced Music Performance, Music Theory, and Intermediate Violin and Music Recording

tials of each different style of music. Learning piano skills is very important, but note-reading, theory, ear training and music history can't be neglected. I will include all these subjects consistently during the lessons to help the students build stronger and richer musicality. One or two recitals will be provided by me, all the students are encouraged to participate in the recitals.Students are also encouraged to take advanced performance opportunities, in church, school, and joint studio recitals. I must be notified at least one month in advance if the student desires to participate in the events.

Students responsibility:
-Daily practice is strongly recommended. It is important and necessary for steady progress.
-Students should have neat, clean, trimmed nails at every lesson.
-Students must be prepared for each lesson.

Parents responsibility:
-Parents should promptly pick up their children at the end of each lesson.
-Parents should regularly check and support the students practice routine.

*** Studio Equipment ***
One Yamaha piano, space for parents to sit and observe lessons.

*** Specialties ***
classical piano,music theory, ear-training

IMPORTANT NOTE: the studio space is inhabited by an energetic, adorable Jack Russel terrier. Do consider this when you plan to sign up for lessons.

approach to further and benefit the student playing.

whole life more often than not!
YOU can be an active musician. If you have the passion and desire. The first step though, is learning your instrument. Learning an instrument is something that stays with you for the rest of your life. It's an unfaltering companion that can benefit you in so many ways. I like to toss out the strict "teacher/student" regiment and create a laid back, fun, easy going atmosphere. I want to be buds and SHARE music with each other and introduce you into this world that I have grown to love so so much. There is nothing more rewarding. I promise. So let's get started!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am very laid back. Your progress is directly linked to you. I will give it my all to teach you and help you, but if you don't practice or soak it in, that's on you! I hate having a tense, seminar type lesson atmosphere. Lessons with me will be easy going and relaxed. I don't want to have to put on a sweater vest and wag my finger as a I scold you. That's just not me.
However, I DO expect you to get things done. Why waste your time with lessons if you're not going to take them seriously on any level? The curriculum will be totally personalized for YOU. After all, not everybody likes the same music and style. The first lesson or two will be getting a handle on exactly what YOU want to learn and what YOU want out of it. Finding out your favorite bands/artists, guitar players, bass players, etc. There's nothing worse than being taught something you have no desire for, but having it drilled into your head week after week! So whether that be blues, folk, metal, whatever, that's the first step. With that information I'll begin constructing and laying out the rest of your lesson plan.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Although I assume you have an instrument of your own (if not I recommend getting one, it sort of helps), if you're looking to just try things out at first I have more than a few extra that I'd be happy to let you use. My teaching studio doubles as a recording studio as well. This means 2 things: if ever you would like to record some of your music you know where to go! And also, I have the means to record the entire lesson if you'd like. You'll need to supply the blank CD(s) of course. It's not a requirement to record the lesson, just an option! Basically, I have everything you could ever possibly need for music lessons here. So you're set.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitars, amps, etc. anything that would be needed I've got!

*** Specialties ***
I am versed in blues, rock, metal, folk, hardcore, acoustic-finger-style and various other acoustic styles, and more. Through teaching and experience as a working musician I have mastered most genres and styles. When sitting at home jamming in my free time, I probably most frequently find myself playing acoustic finger-style, blues, folk, or rock, but love and appreciate most styles. So, bring it on!

oul, R&B, reggae, latin, rock, pop, metal, etc.

Another major focus in lessons is helping each student develop their own "voice" in their playing. This is the most rewarding part of being a musician, as learning how to develop your playing to channel your own mental, physical and emotional feelings and ideas leads to great self discovery, self confidence and awareness. It is also a great stress reliever and can be very therapeutic!

Lessons with Jonathan are highly engaging and educational, but they are also fun! Jonathan creates a lesson plan unique to each student's needs and skills to ensure maximum results and progression inside of a comfortable and fun atmosphere! All the educational material means nothing if you aren't finding the enjoyment and fun in the lesson to actually practice and learn the material outside of it! Jonathan approaches lessons with a professional and laid-back demeanor looking to keep a smile and interest on the student's face from the beginning of the lesson to the end!

Studio Gear:
TC Electronic BG250 12' Combo Amp
Fender USA Modified Jazz Bass
(Above 2 items are also used for travel lessons)

Acoustic 15' Combo Bass Amp
Ernie Ball Sterling 5 string Bass

Korg Krome 61 Keyboard
Behringer 12' speaker

Garda in Italy and concert halls in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and more. She was later admitted by University of Houston with scholarship and started to study with the harp principal of Houston Symphony and faculty of Rice University, Ms Paula Page, and graduated in 2011. Ms.Im has been served as the principal harpist at the Moores Opera House since season 2011 and has also played with Corpus Cristi Symphony, Texas Medical Center Orchestra and symphony orchestras of both University of Houston and Rice University. Besides winning the first place of Milligan Harp Competition in 2012, she also joined numerous music festivals such as Texas Music Festival, Marrowstone Music Festival, Eastern Music Festival and many others. She just finished her master's degree in music performance at Northwestern University with form harp principal of Chicago Lyric Opera, Ms Elizabeth Cifani, who has offered her the largest sum of scholarship ever among the harp studio there.

n my experience life and enriched my life and those around me.

I believe in the cultivation of a living musicality.

My approach emphasises the importance of process, exploration and discovery, as well as the study and analysis of traditional concepts. I propose, active listening to be the simplest form of composition. And as musicians an active ear is central, not only in practice, but generally, for creative evolution and innovation.

I've found the most effective methods effectively balance theory and practice.

I believe the biggest inhibitor to growth, musical or otherwise, is a lack of confidence. A lack that comes from too much pressure to produce idealized results-- fear of mistakes...

I embrace the developmental process,
I work with every student to make each lesson plan efficient, meaningful and inspiring.