Learning for Children and Adults-
Piano, Composition, Improvisation, Voice, Theory
"Brian is an exceptional teacher who has a great love and understanding of music. He is patient and understanding, encourages students but never pushes them beyond their capabilities. He also seems to understand children on their level and works with them according to their abilities. The studio in which Brian holds his lessons is bright and peaceful, and the atmosphere is great for learning.
My son's skills have grown steadily over the time he has worked with Brian, and his confidence has increased. I am very grateful to Brian for his excellent teaching, and would recommend him to anyone looking for a wonderful piano teacher."
-Penny
After completing my Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music in 1991, I began teaching piano, improvisation and composition to children and adults. I've been giving piano lessons in the East Bay now for twenty years. I aim to give students a strong musical foundation with which they will eventually be able to master any genre of music. I teach in your home in Berkeley or Oakland or in my North Oakland home. I look forward to working with you!
Teaching Style and Method
Students learn music both by ear and through reading. Learning by ear and understanding theory gives students the tools to compose and improvise. Reading music can lead to classical repertoire and other written forms.
The lessons are generally divided into three parts:
1. Theory and exercises
2. Playing by ear and improvisation (Jazz and other genres)
3. Written music (Classical and other genres).
I can also teach any music that the student wishes to learn. Many students have favorite songs or movie themes, which we can use to learn piano in a fun way.
Brian has been much more then a piano teacher to our son, Jacob. He has cultivated in him a strong, personal relationship with music! Brian's gentle, persistent, and attuned style has allowed our boy to feel completely comfortable with the process of learning - from playing to reading, improvising and composing. We are regularly surprised to find Jacob at the piano creating his own music or choosing his own pieces to learn. Brian's talent as a teacher is that he provides not only strong technique and extensive musical knowledge, but also confidence and feelings of 'ownership' in his students. We could not have asked for more! We are having a fantastic experience with Brian and highly recommend him.
-Rachel
My son's skills have grown steadily over the time he has worked with Brian, and his confidence has increased. I am very grateful to Brian for his excellent teaching, and would recommend him to anyone looking for a wonderful piano teacher."
-Penny
After completing my Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music in 1991, I began teaching piano, improvisation and composition to children and adults. I've been giving piano lessons in the East Bay now for twenty years. I aim to give students a strong musical foundation with which they will eventually be able to master any genre of music. I teach in your home in Berkeley or Oakland or in my North Oakland home. I look forward to working with you!
Teaching Style and Method
Students learn music both by ear and through reading. Learning by ear and understanding theory gives students the tools to compose and improvise. Reading music can lead to classical repertoire and other written forms.
The lessons are generally divided into three parts:
1. Theory and exercises
2. Playing by ear and improvisation (Jazz and other genres)
3. Written music (Classical and other genres).
I can also teach any music that the student wishes to learn. Many students have favorite songs or movie themes, which we can use to learn piano in a fun way.
Brian has been much more then a piano teacher to our son, Jacob. He has cultivated in him a strong, personal relationship with music! Brian's gentle, persistent, and attuned style has allowed our boy to feel completely comfortable with the process of learning - from playing to reading, improvising and composing. We are regularly surprised to find Jacob at the piano creating his own music or choosing his own pieces to learn. Brian's talent as a teacher is that he provides not only strong technique and extensive musical knowledge, but also confidence and feelings of 'ownership' in his students. We could not have asked for more! We are having a fantastic experience with Brian and highly recommend him.
-Rachel