About
Celeste has worked with the best in the music business:
Shel Silverstein, songwriter, cartoonist, author (A boy Named Sue, The Cover of the Rolling Stone, The Unicorn Song)
Stan "Doc" Penridge, songwriter, guitarist (Kiss, Beth)
Jay Dee Maness, pedal steel guitarist (Eric Clapton, Tears in Heaven, Buck Owens' Buckaroos, Vince Gill, The Byrds, Gram Parsons)
John Beland, guitarist, vocalist (Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton, The Bellamy Brothers, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Ricky Nelson, The Brady Bunch theme)
Steve Duncan, drummer (Emmy Lou Harris, Roger Miller, Carl Perkins, John Denver, The Byrds, Ricky Nelson, The Desert Rose Band)
Mandi Martin, producer, recording artist, singer-songwriter, pinball world record holder (Ricky Nelson, Brian Wilson, Jimmy Buffet, Jan & Dean, Ray Charles)
Andrea Robinson, vocalist (Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act, Queen Athena in The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning, Paul McCartney)
Laura Creamer, vocalist (Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Bruce Hornsby, Glenn Frye, Van Morrison, Kid Rock, Eric Clapton)
Darlene Koldenhoven, vocalist, arranger (Yanni, Sister Act, Clare Fischer)
Frank Willson, producer, BSW and Universal Records (Willie Nelson, Larry Butler, David Frizzell)
Maryann Price, vocalist (The Kinks, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, Asleep at the Wheel)
I LOVE music! I have the best job in the world! I get to work with wonderfully talented people of all ages doing something that is a pleasure.
Thanks to all of you who keep me playing!
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
Kim E.
Margie E.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Let's look at your goals and objectives. Let's make it happen!
Let's give you the skills you need to play and sing your favorite songs.
We can also prepare for auditions, performances, recordings, or even karaoke.
Please note that since lessons.com has gotten greedy and quintupled their prices for leads, I am not able to respond through this service. Yet I am still available to help you. Please contact me directly or through another service. Thanks.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Toured the world performing at 5 star hotels. Played the Ritz Carlton,
Queen Mary, Hotel La Jolla, etc.
- Produced 2 full length CD's and many demos (see song link to left for samples)
- Ivy league degree/30 years experience.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$55 per hour, $45 per half hour, payable in advance at time of booking. This is for students who pay for the month (4 sessions) up front -- $220 or $180. Single lessons (or trial lessons) are $60 per hour or $50 per half hour.
24 hour notice cancellation policy.
How did you get started teaching?
My students usually say we practice "to make perfect" or "to get better". I practice because it's fun! If I can make time to practice, then I have a life filled with music, and that's the life that I love!
What types of students have you worked with?
1. Performed for Madeleine Albright, the first woman US Secretary of State, John Howard, Prime Minister of Australia, and Kim Dae-Jung, S. Korean President.
2. Worked with Shel Silverstein, Paul Marshall of Strawberry Alarm Clock, Stan "Doc" Penridge of Kiss, John Beland of the Belamy Brothers, Louis Johnson, and many more...
3. Audition and performance preparation
4. Resume and cover letter writing
5. Recording and producing
6. Just having fun learning music!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was honored to play for the opening of Louise Hay's film "You Can Heal Your Life".
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for someone knowledgeable and experienced, but who can also put you at ease and help to open up your instrument. Someone who can evoke your best performance.