M. Nakamura Piano & Guitar Lessons
About
Years of teaching experience in aural skills, piano guitar, bass, and theory. Whether you're a parent who's looking for a qualified instructor for their little one(s), or someone who decided after retiring that it'd be neat to learn an instrument, I know I can help. I cover topics from the basics to the intricacies of music theory.
After a few months, beginning students should expect to have gained a firm grasp of the basics of understanding music notation and should be able to play at least basic pieces.
*** Education ***
Bachelor of Music Professional Studies (Classical Piano) - San Diego State University.
Associate of Arts - Music. Santa Barbara City College.
*** Courses ***
Classical Piano
Jazz band and combos (guitar)
Recording with Pro Tools
Choir
Opera
*** Experience ***
Church accompanist - 4 years at current location.
Rehearsal Pianist for vocal trio.
Volunteer (singing/piano/guitar/keys) church musician.
College Music Tutor (theory and aural skills)
*** Specialties ***
Classical, rock/pop, jazz.
Guitar/bass - I prefer to start students with classical when possible as a means of getting hands to start finger-picking early.
One of the most gratifying parts of teaching is watching students reach aha moments and seeing them progress from not being able to read any notation to being able to discern complex chords. As with anything, growth is a process, and it's wonderful to see the results.
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Frequently asked questions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Education
San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Bachelor of Music in Piano - Professional Studies (cum laude)
Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara, CA
Associate of Arts in Music and Liberal Studies (Honors)
Courses included but not limited to:
Private piano tuition
Performing - jazz combos, jazz band, choir, piano ensemble, opera
Recording Technology (Pro Tools)
Music Theory
Music History
Introduction to all musical instrument types
Work experience includes
Guitarist for Musical (9 to 5)
Teaching piano/guitar/bass privately
Rehearsal Pianist for Vocal Trio
Officially the Pianist at a church, but also singing, playing guitar, bass.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$30/30 minutes
$40/45 minutes
$50/60 minutes
The lower per minute rate is also available to single clients signing up multiple students.
How did you get started teaching?
I got started teaching after a professor who liked my progress in her class asked if I would be around for the following year; as a result, I tutored for aural skills and music theory. My work in educating has been a natural extension of that interaction.
What types of students have you worked with?
A variety: 5-year-olds signed up by their parents to a 70-year-old retired engineer. Music is something for all ages