Innovative
Innovative, multi-sensory approach in which students build a repertoire of 30-40 songs (normally in 1 year) in blues, classical, jazz, and popular styles, before learning to read music notation. Learn Für Elise and Ode to Joy in 3 weeks!
Innovative, multi-sensory approach in which students build a repertoire of 30-40 songs (normally in 1 year) in blues, classical, jazz, and popular styles, before learning to read music notation. Learn Für Elise and Ode to Joy in 3 weeks!
Those who prefer a more traditional approach in which they learn basic songs while learning to read music notation. Depending upon their ages, I have three books in addition to materials I create.
Lessons can include improvisation, song-writing, arranging, music theory, sight reading, and technique I’ve developed exercises based on Leschetitzky method, which accelerate a students.
From the day I was old enough to hoist myself onto a piano bench, I have been passionate about music. Studying it. Performing it. Composing it. And now teaching it.
While piano was my first and lasting passion, I spent my early years learning the violin, the trumpet, the drum set, the percussion (including timpani), the vibraphone, hand bells, and synthesizer.
By the time I was 18, I knew music would forever become an integral part of my life, so I studied history and classical music theory at Yale, graduating in 1991. The following year, I attended the highly regarded Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles, focusing on Jazz Piano, Theory, and Songwriting.
Since college, I have been a passionate live performer, showcasing my skills at diverse venues including the Chevron and SF Filipino Jazz Festival, and the Ritz Carlton, Fairmont, and Claremont hotels. Furthermore, I’ve written dozens of original compositions in the pop, R&B, jazz, gospel, blues, and latin genres. I have also written salsa arrangements for pop and jazz songs, including “I Shot the Sheriff,” “Dancing in the Streets,” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).”
These experiences have been immensely rewarding to me, only shadowed by my work as an educator. Over my thirty-year music career, I have taught piano privately–remotely and in-person––to children and adults, at the beginning and intermediate-levels. In addition, I have substituted as a teacher in academies and music, as well as directing high school jazz bands.
Nothing makes me happier than serving as a teacher, because I love helping students grow. I take great pleasure in watching younger students become creative, self-confident, and expressive performers, while cultivating discipline, resilience, critical thinking, and learning skills.
I also delight in watching adult and senior learners achieve lifelong goals and play their favorite songs. Finally, it fills me with satisfaction to see my most dedicated students compose, improvise, and play their own pieces.
If you are a music lover, or aspiring music lover, I’d love to connect with you. Contact me today to schedule your lesson and learn more!
I ask their parents and them what are their goals for working with me, what are their favorite subjects and activities, and how they enjoy learning (i.e. reading, working through questions, watching videos, computer games).
I also ask how much homework they have, in order to avoid overburdening them in an already challenging learning environment.
I hold a BA in History from Yale College, and an MS/MBA from Purdue. I have earned certificates in jazz piano and songwriting from the Dick Grove School of Music, along with a teaching certificate from Kaplan in Math and English.
To further enrich students’ learning experiences, I’ve completed 10 courses in Psychology, including Developmental Psychology.
Pricing is on a case-by-case basis, which depends primarily on frequency and location of sessions.
I began tutoring in high school when the academic dean asked me to help his daughter with Math. My Freshman year in college I taught underprivileged students at a public high school in New Haven, CT.
After graduating from music school, I began offering private piano lessons to grade and high school students, in addition to substitute teaching English and Music classes at a private school in Hillsborough.
I have worked with students of all diverse ages and proficiency with English– ranging from 7 to 75 years of age; ESL to native speakers in English.
Most of my piano students have ranged from beginner to intermediate levels.
Select a teacher whose personality meshes with yours (i.e. laid back, serious, or detail-oriented)
Try to figure out if the teacher seems interested in your progress, and isn’t just teaching to supplement their income.
How much time are they able to commit to practicing?
Why do they want to learn how to play the piano (to play for themselves or friends and family; play in a band; or, to keep busy)
Why are they choosing piano, as opposed to guitar, drums, violin, or singing?
What styles do they like to listen to and/or what style would they like to play?
If so, please share the details here.