Private Piano & Flute Lessons

Have you always wanted to play piano or flute?
Did you play an instrument once, and you've been eager to start again?
Private lessons are the fastest way for you to learn!
Let's talk about taking the next step.

Why Music Matters

Studies have proven that students who play an instrument perform better at
comprehension, do generally better in school and taking tests.

My Philosophy

"I bring the music inside of you out and make it fun and easy for you to play!” We start with the basics of music and expand from there. I believe that lessons need to be tailored to individual needs. My emphasis is on giving each student a diverse musical experience from classical to jazz, popular to Broadway musicals. Students are encouraged to bring in favorite music which helps to keep motivation going. I believe that having a strong education of music fundamentals which includes proper technique and theory is essential in establishing good habits right from the start.

Materials I use include: Albert Series From Child to Adult, Bastien Series, Faber and Faber Adventures in Music, Finger Power Series for technical development. Music is chosen to suit the individual. Students also learn the chord approach to build understanding of how music is constructed.

My most recent experience was teaching at ABC Music Source and Academy in Benicia, CA under the ownership of Stan and Marianne Houston from 2007 - 2009. In that capacity I taught private lessons where I had a clientele of 30 students. I also taught private lessons for the after school program at the Wornick Jewish Day School. I produced several recitals from September 2004 - 2007.

My Background

Music has been my passion for the past twenty years.
My background includes a B.A. in Music Education and a California Teaching Credential for grades K-12, and at the college level. I have extensive experience as a private piano and flute teacher. As an elementary classroom teacher for 15 years, I've directed and produced many music recitals for my piano and flute students. In this capacity, I designed the classroom music programs for grades K-8, including directing children's choirs, choreographing stage productions, coaching voice and providing piano accompaniment for talent shows.

Education & Performance Experience

Education:

I began performing piano at the age of 8. I took private lessons at the college of Notre Dame with Thomas La Ratta, a world renowned teacher, performer and international speaker. In that venue I performed in numerous recitals. I also studied with professional jazz pianist and teacher Don Haas.

I was awarded a music scholarship to the University of Oregon. While at the University of Oregon I was accepted into the band open to Master Degree students in flute performance.

I began studying flute at the age of 12 with Robert Cecchini from the University of Michigan. After one year I became the principal flautist for the award-winning San Mateo High School Honor Band. I was selected to be the piccolo soloist in a televised bicentennial celebration. I studied with Rebecca Freidman, the principal flautist of the San Francisco Symphony and with Charlie McCarthy who played back-up for the Beach Boys.

Performance Highlights:

I sang with Galen Marshall, conductor of the world-renowned Masterworks Chorale. I was chosen to sing original choral works recorded at George Lucas Studios in Marin, California.

I attended the annual Bach Festival in Oregon, Master Classes in piano given by the USC faculty and Master Classes in piano given by Jean Philippe Collard from Europe.

All my students benefit from my diverse musical background.
I'd love to pass this on to you!
Thanks.
Let's get started having fun learning music!
Email me, Jennifer Guay, at: jenguay@pacbell.net