Kevin Thomas
Lesson Feesfrom $30.00 / 30 Minutes
Promotions Available
About
My name is Kevin Thomas, and I love teaching anything that has to do with the piano. Music is my passion, and I want nothing more than to share this amazing world of music with my students. I have experience teaching all ages. I received my Bachelors in Music from California State University Northridge. I have experience in many different styles and love to make advanced concepts very simple to understand. I have played in many different musical settings including jazz, pop, and rock. I have performed in orchestral settings and conducted my own music. My experiences have shaped who I am as a teacher, whether it is performing orchestral music at the Soraya Hall, or Progressive Rock music at the Whiskey a Go Go. Some of my greatest memories are my performances at various coffee shops throughout Los Angeles as a young musician. I think there is something to learn from all styles of music and I take pride in being able to pass this knowledge to others.
I have been an educator the past decade and was a teacher at the first location that Guitar Center Studios started their music lesson program. Teaching at these studios gave me the experience of teaching many children as young as three years old. Teaching is a passion of mine, and it is an art in itself. I was fortunate enough to have grown up in a musical family, but I know this not the case for everyone. That is one of the many reasons I love teaching, and I look forward to helping you reach your musical goals!
My teaching philosophy is to encourage, inspire, and challenge. Also, It is my belief that teaching effectively is learning to adapt to the needs of every student. I know that all students have different goals and it is my job to give you the tools needed to reach those goals. I have a good knack for knowing what my students are capable of. This gives me the ability to challenge students to try things they may of thought they were not capable of doing. I do believe that learning music theory is the key to unlocking musical freedom, and I encourage my students to learn if they are interested. Students of mine have gone on to pursue music in college and have made music an integral part of their life.
-Piano Lessons are geneally started with learning how to read musical notation and perform some of the classical repretorie. Learning Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach is a great way to ensure proper technique and understanding of the instrument.
-Jazz and Blues piano lessons are started with a standard method book, and an introduction to improvisation. This is done by learning the scales, rhythms, and chords needed to create effective improvisations.
-Composition lessons are cultivated to each student individually based on what style of music they would like to compose. These lessons typically start with learning the basics of Diatonic Harmony and which chords go together well.
At the end of the day, music is extremely fun and the process of learning music should be as well! I bring enthusiasm to music lessons because I love what I do and want other people experience the joy of playing and creating music.
Bachelors in Commercial and Media Music from California State University of Northridge
10 years of teaching experience
I always recommend a standard method book depending on the instrument and style the student wants to learn. My educational process and curriculum is adapted to each student individually.