Music Lessons
Music lessons for you or your child...
I am a professional piano player, studio singer, performer, songwriter, and former member of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, who has had the pleasure of giving private voice, piano, and songwriting lessons since 2003. I have sung on about a dozen major motion pictures, and I have several bands/ groups with whom I perform regularly. Rather than being “a performer who teaches to pay the bills,” I am a working musician who finds teaching to be just as much if not more rewarding than anything else I do. For this reason, I am exceedingly grateful and feel very lucky to have a job that I truly love.
My philosophy is that any effective musical education must involve lots of creativity, sensitivity, improvisation, and, most importantly, fun! I have been blessed with many great teachers myself, and incorporate only the strategies and tools that were (and still are) the most effective for me. I also try to be the type of teacher that I wish I had had when I was young. This philosophy has led me to develop a highly flexible and creative teaching approach. I try to be extremely sensitive and responsive to my students’ musical needs—to encourage them to explore their interests in a supportive and nurturing atmosphere so that, through music, they experience pride, fearlessness, joy, and a real sense of ease. After all, music is, I feel, the truest and most precious form of communication we know, and I have watched it take root and blossom in my students in ways I could never have imagined. I have tremendous gratitude on a daily basis because I see how music has transformed shyness and self-doubt into self-love and self-actualization. Here are a few things that you might elect to expect from me:
1) Frequent interaction with parents regarding their child’s goals for the upcoming season: their progress, their strengths, challenges we face, and a distinct plan that we come up with to confront and overcome these challenges. I encourage a dialogue with parents and welcome suggestions for ways in which I can more effectively meet your child’s needs. I am not a believer in dogma or protecting my ego—your child’s lessons are meant to enhance their musical experience, and I as their teacher need to honor that and adapt, period.
2) An annual “musical soiree” that involves 2 to 3 families, takes place on a date that is convenient for all, provides an impetus for more serious practice, and, most importantly, builds confidence and healthy self-esteem by creating a safe and nurturing space where your child can share their favorite musical pieces with you and garner a sense of accomplishment such that performing allows.
- 1/2 hour lessons are $45
- 45 minute lessons are $55
- 1 hour lessons are $65
*Please also note that these aforementioned services are mere offerings, and are completely optional. Every child and parent has different desires when it comes to music, so if you’d rather not take me up on one or all of them, or if you have suggestions of your own, please don’t hesitate to talk to me about them. As those who know me can vouch, I am always looking for ways to improve my teaching and tailor my approach to my students’ individual needs. I really believe my job is, first and foremost, to facilitate in your child a love for making music. It matters less to me how we get there, so long as we do!
You will receive invoices at the end of the month, or weekly, according to your preference. Feel free to pay by cash or by check, either in person or by mail. If you need to cancel a lesson, I ask that you please do so within 24 hours of the lesson. If not, I will have to charge you for the lesson. This policy is meant to keep us both accountable, and to help things run as smoothly as possible. Thank you in advance for your support. I hope we get to work together soon!