About
I am passionate about creating complete musicians, strong at performing, composing, arranging, and analyzing. I am your go-to for piano, composition, arranging, and theory online, in your home, or at my place! I look forward to serving you!
Reviews
Giovanni G.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
It is important that I get to know them and they get to know me, so that they realize I am a human just like them. I then want to help them with what they want to learn, and once I understand their language, I begin to provide more thorough suggestions.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
D. M. in Composition (with an unofficial minor in Theory) from Florida State University
M. M. in Composition/Theory (with an unofficial minor in Piano) from Texas Christian University
B. M. in Composition (with an unofficial minor in Piano) from Marylhurst university
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes; they are:
Piano lessons
$35-60/hour ($25-40 for a half-hour)
Composition lessons
$60-80/hour ($35-55 for a half-hour)
Theory lessons/Aural Skills lessons
$30-55/hour ($25-35 for a half-hour)
How did you get started teaching?
My father has been a teacher for over 20 years, and my mother was a teacher for 10. Thus, I grew up surrounded by teachers who love to teach, and I think I inhereted that same love to share knowledge.
What types of students have you worked with?
All, from amateurs to emerging artists, from age 4 to 40s, Classical to Pop, graduate and undergraduate, and everything in between.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of my graduate composition students whom I have taught over the past year has gone from writing fairly standard musical tunes to creating post-tonal works of impressive stature. He is also a poet. The other day to begin our lesson, he read a poem reflective of the times and inspired by my teaching and mentorship, and presented an impressive miniature showing tremendous maturity and control over pitch and harmony.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I advise every student to think about the deeper meaning behind their creative lives and inspirations. What is music? What makes music? What gives music vitality? Why does music matter?
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I think - with the exception of incredibly personal issues - students should be free to share their creative concerns and related issues with teachers. A good teacher is one who can keep confidential information confidential, and always encourage the student in the best possible way in answering any question.