
Piano, voice, and music lessons are fun, challenging, rewarding, and can be deeply personal for many. I design lessons to meet the unique needs of each individual person. As a music teacher, I strive to understand the goals, dreams, and ambitions of each student, and to help them achieve those goals. At the same time, I invite students to experience new things, to explore unchartered territory, and to break out of their comfort zones!… all at their own pace and with their own personal objectives, needs, and abilities in mind.
I enjoy helping students grow and achieve! Here's a quote that someone wrote about me that sums it up!
*Dennis Builds Relationships and Rapport*
I have been impressed with Dennis’ instructional instincts and his ability to make connections with his students. Dennis’ ability to form relationships and rapport with students is evident both in his teaching and in student performances. Dennis’ instruction has helped our students grow in their abilities and their confidence to perform on stage.
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Dennis has the skills, dedication, and personality to be one of those teachers that truly makes a difference. He provides motivation backed up by experience in music and theater, he works from a central core of kindness while challenging other to do their best, and he is organized, determined, and dedicated to his work.
I learn about your goals and objectives, what you want to achieve, and then I develop a plan to help you achieve your goals. I strive to make sure your lessons and activities are challenging, rewarding, and fun!
I have a Bachelors of Music, a Bachelors of Art in Theater, and a Master of Art in Teaching. I have California teaching credentials for music, theater arts, and performing arts, and entertainment. I have been teaching for many years, and studied in high school with Ruth Stevenson Alling, teacher and author of the Lo Kno Pla piano method series. And I have written my own method series: Pesto! It's Piano Magic!
Pricing is about $60-$75/hr, depending on your lesson format. Here are some examples:
Private Lessons are given weekly in 60 or 90 minute lengths. Private lessons focus on technique, repertoire, musicianship (sight reading and ear training), accompanying and collaborative skills, theory, and creative skills (including songwriting, arranging, and composing).
Group Lessons (great for siblings or close friends!) are offered weekly for beginning students in 60 minute lengths. Group lessons can offer a cost savings and also provide certain benefits in learning piano in the early stages. Students are assigned to a group of 2-4 based on age, ability level and scheduling availability. Group lessons provide an environment for students to develop individual performance as well as ensemble skills.
Lessons will include work at the instrument, as well as work away from the instrument, including rhythm, theory, ear training, score study, listening and analysis, etc. Even songwriting!
I started teaching piano in high school and have been teaching ever since!
All types and all ages!
We just finished our Spring concerts and recitals, and all my students performed wonderfully! I am always thrilled to see the results of my students' hard work, and the smiles on their faces (and their parents' faces!) when they finish their songs!
*Dennis is Creative and Detailed*
"Dennis’ creativity, preparation, and attention to detail positively set the stage for learning to occur. Dennis creates an atmosphere that motivates students to take risks and challenge themselves to advance. Dennis demonstrates the desire to see students succeed through his dedication, self-evaluation, and compassionate nature."
Find a teacher who strives to help you attain your goals!
Think about what your goals are. What do you want to study and learn?
Think about performing. How often do you want to perform? How much experience do you seek?
Think about costs (financial commitment).
Think about schedule and availability (time commitment).
Think about location. Do you have a place to play and to practice?
Think about equipment. Do you have a piano or the instrument you seek to study and learn? If not, will you be able to get one soon?
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