Introduction: My 30 years of teaching experience combined with a lifelong love of piano inform my customized approach to each and every student. Music Theory and History are a part of each lesson to some extent. If are If you have always wanted to learn to improvise or just want a greater understanding and facility with Pop, Blues, Jazz or Funk/r & b, let me be your guide. I can save you time by showing you ways of conceiving melody, rhythm and harmony that will allow you to explore on your own and find the sounds and grooves you like. I can help you to find the right "prescription" for your practicing and listening by focusing in on problems, but also by exposing you to a broad range of styles and influences.
My own background is rather broad. I have played in many bands of many kinds, composed scores for theatre and dance, directed plays and taught at Universities. Currently I am playing with the Ace Plata Quintet in which my wife is the vocalist. We moved to West Covina in LA County in 2015. I am currently taking on a limited number of students in the greater Los Angeles area. Get in touch to discuss rates and availability. I look forward to hearing from you.
I enjoy helping musicians learn to improvise and make their own musical choices.