About
I've been teaching privately for about 10 years now. I've been a professional musician all my life. I've worked as a composer, arranger, organist and a teacher. I have my own record co. and have produced 4 cd's independently, as well as recordings I've made for others. I believe my best selling point is my professionalism. I believe I'm uniquely qualified to teach someone interested in making a career in music, because that's what I've been doing for over 40 years. I've been primarily interested in jazz down through the years. I've a book online that I use as a method to help someone to learn to play by ear and improvise. It's called "Essentials of Jazz and Contemporary Piano". It's available online. It is uniquely tailored to someone interested in contemporary keyboard styles and the demands that are made of the pro keyboardist in today's music. I also teach classical playing, and just recently produced a classical cd of my own of original contemporary chamber music. I'm an active member of the Mus. Teachers Assn. of CA. Thanks for your consideration. Steve Lockwood
Being passionate about music comes naturally for me. I believe this helps students grow in dedication and discipline; important aspects of being successful. As they learn about it and improve, their desire also grows. This is the one thing that is so essential, and seeing it grow in a student is the thing I enjoy most about teaching.
Please refer to my website, stevelockwoodmusic.com, for more info on my self-published book, and my career.
Highlights
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Reviews
ZhiHua Z.
ZhiHua Z.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
1) Asses the students goals.
2) Find out how much time the student is willing to practice per day.
3) Come to a good understanding of the students abilities, and level at the first lesson.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My training was achieved with 45 years as a professional musician. I'm a pianist, organist, accompanist, composer, and arranger. I've toured the U.S., Europe, and Asia, as well as free-lancing in New York and Los Angeles during that time.
I've been a member of the MTAC for 6 years. I've attended pedagogy workshops, and lectures given by the organization to improve teacher/student relationships.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $60 per hour for all students.
How did you get started teaching?
I was a composer in residence at the Buckley School in Sherman Oaks in 2002. I wrote original music for the middle school, and high school bands. After this, I felt I had a knack for teaching, and wrote a book "Essentials of Jazz and Contemporary Piano".
I use this book with all my students. It is a concise course for learning keyboard harmony especially as it relates to jazz.
What types of students have you worked with?
Mostly adults, serious amateurs, professionals who need more keyboard experience, and music hobbyists who just love jazz and contemporary sounds. Although classically trained, I feel my expertise in jazz and contemporary sounds, is the most important aspect of what I have to give the student.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of my students joined a lLatin-Jazz band recently, and started performing with them. When he first came to me, he had a love for the music, but not the technique. Our lessons and my book helped him.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
If you want to play jazz and contemporary music, you must hire someone who's been a professional in the field that you wish to pursue. I am uniquely qualified to do this.
Stay away from teachers who give tests and have students perform at recitals.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Most important: what are my goals? To be professional, to be a part-time musician, to play for your own self-interest? Then you can direct your search for a teacher more accurately.
How much time are you willing to spend?
Do you own a piano or keyboard?