About
I teach music as language, math, and sport.
A language of letters, words, concepts.
Math as rhythm.
Sport as the physical coordination of playing music.
Classical and improvisational styles.
Incorporating ear training and theory.
I've had students as young as 5 and as old as 92;
with goals from pleasurable hobby to professional musician.
Reviews
Martin B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I first want to find out your background and goals.
Then assess the level of your current musical abilities.
I will explain how my style of teaching can help you achieve your musical goals and what the benefits are that you may not have thought of yet.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelors of Music degree with double emphasis in classical and jazz and Masters degree in classical performance from San Jose State University.
Private lessons with a number of teachers including jazz musician and educator Warren Nunes and San Francisco Symphony musician Cathy Payne.
Years of teaching learning how to help students of many backgrounds, levels, and personalities.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$50 per half hour.
Lessons can be one-off or regularly scheduled.
In any amount of half hour increments.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching while still in high school at the request of family friends.
I discovered I enjoyed teaching and had a natural nack for it.
What types of students have you worked with?
Grade school students who want to learn faster than possible in a large school group or just want help with their school ensemble music.
College age – whether as a hobby or even a music major.
Adults looking to learn music for pleasure to pursuing more seriously.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
In general, I enjoy discovering new musicians playing styles of music from around the world.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
You need to be confident that the teacher has the expertise you are looking for, and can convey their knowledge to you clearly.
Beyond that you need to feel comfortable chemistry with the teacher.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do you feel your needs are.
Think about the "why" behind.
"Why" questions can reveal deeper levels of your goals.