Group Lessons: Students study music theory, singing, chamber music and have master-classes in the group.  We have a regular accompanist as well as playing varied musical styles (Classical, bluegrass, jazz etc).

Practicing at home is critical to progress.  Initially students and parents are given short manageable assignments like listening to a recording each day.  Parents and students are introduced to the daily routine and within a few years the student is expected to practice regularly without the parent.

    A beginning practicer would be expected to play about 10 minutes.  An advanced student will practice 1-2 hours.

    It is worth noting that I consider developing practice skills to be the most valuable skill for a musician. This area gets a lot of attention from me and has the greatest payoff for my students, not just in their musical studies but with academics and all aspects of learning.  Another name for practice skills is the ability to sustain delayed gratification.

Performing is an integral part of my teaching curriculum.  From the beginning students perform small tasks (like clapping a rhythm or singing a song) for the class.  They memorize all the pieces they play and perform them in small solo ‘recitals’.  These become longer recitals and when students graduate from a book (or collection) of pieces they have their own Solo Recital for friends and family.  Most students play in school Talent Shows and are encouraged to play outside this studio in plays, accompanying  choral groups or whatever comes up.  Many of my students are fine Singers use this skill as well.  Chamber music is taught from the beginning and students often play in String Quartets.  Students create their own Alternative Style Bands play in San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers and in San Francisco or Santa Rosa Youth Orchestras.

    We perform as a group at various venues.  Some of these have included: Sonoma July 4th Parade, Cloverdale Fiddle Festival, Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Concert Series, Ashland Shakespeare Festival and local TV 50.

Piano Lessons: David Ross teaches piano as well as doing piano accompaniment and chamber music coaching

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Listen Now  !!!!!