UPDATE March 15, 2020: Due to the need to slow down the spread of COVID-19, all music instruction for all students is being conducted online, with no in-person meetings, starting March 16th, 2020.
What does this mean?
Meet me ONLINE at your regular class or lesson time. Don't come in person.
I'll send you a link to join me in a Zoom meeting (group classes & private lessons). Or, for private lessons, we can arrange to meet on a different video calling platform (Facetime, Skype, Google Duo, etc.), depending on what works best for you.
I'm happy to spend extra time with you to help you get familiar with how to set up your tech for online learning.
In general, here are some tips for a better experience:
What does this mean?
Meet me ONLINE at your regular class or lesson time. Don't come in person.
I'll send you a link to join me in a Zoom meeting (group classes & private lessons). Or, for private lessons, we can arrange to meet on a different video calling platform (Facetime, Skype, Google Duo, etc.), depending on what works best for you.
I'm happy to spend extra time with you to help you get familiar with how to set up your tech for online learning.
In general, here are some tips for a better experience:
- use the device you have with the largest screen and the highest processing power.
- Best choice is usually a desktop computer (because of large screens and higher processing power)
- Consider using a wired adaptor - not a wireless/bluetooth connection - to mirror your screen to a large tv!
- use a high speed reliable internet connection.
- wired is better than wifi;
- limit or completely kick off other people on your network during your lessons or classes.
- close all windows or background apps other than the video calling app
- clean the smudges off your camera/webcam with a soft clean cloth (like what you'd use for cleaning eyeglasses)
- place bright sources of light (window, lamps) in front of you (and behind the camera) so I can see you
- an external mic, if you have one, will allow me to hear you better than the built in one on your device.
- headphones or earbuds, if you leave one ear uncovered, (or external speakers), may help you hear me better
Where do you teach? Will you come to my house?
As of March 15, 2020, I teach online only. When it is safe to meet in large groups again, I will return to teaching at a few set locations in Monrovia, Sierra Madre, San Juan Capistrano, and online. Please fill out the contact form for more detailed information. I do not travel to student's houses to teach.
How long does it take to learn to play? Do I have enough talent to play music?
All people have the ability to learn to play music to the same level of fluency as you use your native language. (Note that just as not everyone is a professional speaker or writer in their native language, being fluent on a musical instrument does not mean you will become a professional musician. It does mean that you can learn to play well enough to share and enjoy your music with friends and family).
How long it takes to learn depends on what you want to be able to play, how many days you practice, and how efficiently you practice. Everyone can learn to play well at a high level with about 10 years of diligent, efficient practicing while learning from good teachers. (Learning how to practice efficiently is one of the things I teach).
Many children can study for about 10 years and be quite satisfied with how they play, and can put down their instrument for years and will still be able to pick up their instrument as an adult and make beautiful music, for themselves and to share with others.
Many older students find that between 2 & 5 years of study allows them to play at a level that they can enjoy.
If you're interested in studying to be a (classically trained) professional musician, research (and much anecdotal evidence as well) suggests that it takes about 10,000 hours of "deliberate" practicing to reach this kind of high musical level (note that not all practice counts as "deliberate", and even if you reach this level, it does not guarantee being hired as a musician).
How much do music lessons cost?
Because the price of lessons and group classes vary by location, please fill out my contact form indicating your location so that I can give you an accurate quote.
In addition to paying tuition, you'll also need to purchase or rent an instrument, buy sheet music and recordings, periodically buy new strings or pay for other maintenance on your instrument, etc.
Can I just take private lessons? Can I just attend group classes?
No, my teaching philosophy includes both group instruction and private lessons.
If you're not already a part of a musical group class, orchestra, etc., you'll need to join my group classes or find an appropriate group for you to make music with when you sign up for lessons with me. If you're not already taking private lessons, you'll need to sign up for private lessons before joining my group classes.
As of March 15, 2020, I teach online only. When it is safe to meet in large groups again, I will return to teaching at a few set locations in Monrovia, Sierra Madre, San Juan Capistrano, and online. Please fill out the contact form for more detailed information. I do not travel to student's houses to teach.
How long does it take to learn to play? Do I have enough talent to play music?
All people have the ability to learn to play music to the same level of fluency as you use your native language. (Note that just as not everyone is a professional speaker or writer in their native language, being fluent on a musical instrument does not mean you will become a professional musician. It does mean that you can learn to play well enough to share and enjoy your music with friends and family).
How long it takes to learn depends on what you want to be able to play, how many days you practice, and how efficiently you practice. Everyone can learn to play well at a high level with about 10 years of diligent, efficient practicing while learning from good teachers. (Learning how to practice efficiently is one of the things I teach).
Many children can study for about 10 years and be quite satisfied with how they play, and can put down their instrument for years and will still be able to pick up their instrument as an adult and make beautiful music, for themselves and to share with others.
Many older students find that between 2 & 5 years of study allows them to play at a level that they can enjoy.
If you're interested in studying to be a (classically trained) professional musician, research (and much anecdotal evidence as well) suggests that it takes about 10,000 hours of "deliberate" practicing to reach this kind of high musical level (note that not all practice counts as "deliberate", and even if you reach this level, it does not guarantee being hired as a musician).
How much do music lessons cost?
Because the price of lessons and group classes vary by location, please fill out my contact form indicating your location so that I can give you an accurate quote.
In addition to paying tuition, you'll also need to purchase or rent an instrument, buy sheet music and recordings, periodically buy new strings or pay for other maintenance on your instrument, etc.
Can I just take private lessons? Can I just attend group classes?
No, my teaching philosophy includes both group instruction and private lessons.
If you're not already a part of a musical group class, orchestra, etc., you'll need to join my group classes or find an appropriate group for you to make music with when you sign up for lessons with me. If you're not already taking private lessons, you'll need to sign up for private lessons before joining my group classes.
