Piano Lessons in El Cajon

I wanted to play music from the first time I heard Bookends by Simon and Garfunkel when I was tiny. I tried guitar and trombone at school, but was always trying to teach myself piano whenever I had a chance to play one at someone's house or at church.

I got my own piano for my 14th birthday, and it became my best friend.

I started taking lessons immediately, and put in some hours most days, wanting to play songs I loved as soon as possible. I eventually became a music major in college and got to take lessons from some great pianists, including Mary Barranger the amazing pianist for the San Diego Symphony. I've been performing ever since, both classical music, in jazz and rock bands, at churches, for dance classes and performances, and other events. I've directed choirs, busked on boardwalks, and led worship teams.

I started teaching piano in 1984.and have been doing that ever since, both private and sometimes class lessons, everywhere from schools to churches to studios to homes. My students have ranged from age 4 to 80something. I also taught piano, guitar and ukulele for 4 years at the local juvenile detention facilities.

Some of my students have gone on to perform classical, jazz, and rock in bands, at churches, and as solo performers. One of my students went on to open his own record label just to handle all the music he writes and performs in several bands.

My students usually learn to read music, play from jazz charts, play by ear, and get the type of music theory that makes piano easier. If the student has pieces or styles they want to learn, we spend part of our time on getting the basics solid, and a lot of time on the music they love. We usually do some basic warm ups, work on songs, and do some music games to make learning skills fun - like "Kerplunk" to make learning the keyboard a game, or using wooden rhythm blocks to make learning rhythms exciting.

From time to time we do recitals to give the students an opportunity to play in front of other students and their family and friends in a low-pressure way. Each student has at least two pieces. We all sit and listen to the first round, and then we have a potluck. While everyone is eating and talking at the party, the students play their other piece or pieces as background music, with nothing to be nervous about. It's helped a lot of students to get over stage fright.

I love teaching and am always seeking out more ways to help students learn. I love to listen Ted talks and podcasts about how people learn, and I attended a seminar about keeping students engaged this morning. Each new student teaches me more about music and learning music even while I'm teaching them. I look forward to learning together with you! Book your first lesson today!