1) Tell me how you got started in music...what was your inspiration or
motivation to start playing?
I'm not sure. I think I was just born with an affinity for it. I wanted a
guitar when I was 5 years
old. I heard someone strumming a guitar and was enthralled with the sound.
I strung rubber bands between the knobs of my dresser and plucked them. They
resonated and made a sound I could pretend was a guitar. When I was 8 my
parents let me take up violin. I tried building a guitar with scrap wood.
It wasn't until I was 12 that my parents finally let me have a guitar.
2) How long have you been teaching for?
I've been teaching since I was in high school. I started by teaching under
one of my teachers.
3) What instruments and styles does the studio teach?
My goal when I opened the studio was to have it be a place where people
could find lessons for just about every
instrument and style. There are still a few gaps to be filled, but if you
go to our website:
www.EagleRockMusicStudio.com I think you will find a
pretty comprehensive list from conventional to unconventional instruments.
4) What is the most rewarding thing about teaching and what do you enjoy
most about teaching?
Seeing the smile that lights up a student's face at their first lesson when
I play something that demonstrates that they might actually be able to learn
how to make the sounds that inspired them to pick up the instrument in the
first place. After that, helping them accomplish it.
5) Tell me about your the background of your instructors:
Our teachers have some pretty impressive backgrounds from the standpoint of
education, teaching and performance experience. If you visit our website
staff page:
http://www.eaglerockmusicstudio.com/Staff.htm and click on the
different names you will find some very interesting information.
6) What advice would you give someone just starting out on an instrument?
Make sure you are studying with a teacher who has been down the road you are
hoping to travel so they can truly be your guide (whether you have a serious
or "just for fun" attitude about lessons). There are too many students and
parents who are paying for lessons from teachers who really can't deliver
"the goods". There is so much that can be missing from lessons that is not
obvious to the student or the parent.
7) What led you to start your own Music school/studio?
I wanted to address the issues (for students and teachers) that I have seen
during my years of teaching at various music stores and studios in the Los
Angeles area. Students should be assured that they are receiving the quality
instruction they are paying for. Professional musicians/teachers should be
treated as such.
8) Why are lessons important to one's musical development?
What is the most efficient way to travel through unknown territory, by
yourself or with someone who has already traversed it?
9) How do you select your teaching staff?
They must be pro players and experienced teachers with a warm attitude
toward people. People who invest themselves in their students. I ask
myself: "would I feel good about working with or having my child work with
this person". At Eagle Rock Music Studio I hope to convey the message that
it is all about the lessons.
10) What are the future plans for the studio? Upcoming events, open house, additional teachers?
I would like to have more introductory classes for more instruments. There is a music theory course in the making. Maybe some parking lot band performances in the summer. I will always be expanding the instrument list and the staff to provide the instruction.
11) Please explain why music education is so important especially for today's youth, but also elaborate on the positive effects music has had on you personally and can have on anyone regardless of age or ability...
Music education can be a fun way for a student to develop concentration and learn to work on a long-term goal while experiencing gratification. Studies are demonstrating that music provides stimuli that enhances neurological development for people of all ages.
Playing music is a great way to step away from the stress of everyday life. It is a way of experiencing the inspiration felt at the moment a person heard the notes that made him or her think "I would really like to be able to do that".
My teacher has combined the rigors of music
fundamentals with my personal musical interests in a
way that has greatly increased my playing abilities.
Betsy, Arcadia
My teacher at Eagle Rock Music Studio teaches me what
I want to play.
Jerry, Glendale
My daughter has really excelled and learned various
techniques in violin during the last 6 months at Eagle
Rock Music Studio. More than in the last 3 years that
she has played in school.
Sandra, Eagle Rock
Now I'm learning how my favorite players get their
sound.
Eric, Altadena
My improvisation study here has unlocked the mystery
of utilizing my instrument.
Elizabeth, Pasadena
My son loves his piano teacher. He is having so much
fun! He has only been taking lesson for a few months
and can already play with both hands.
Mary, Eagle Rock
