photo of peninsula school of music sign  

Bringing music to the world one student at a time
 
   
 

Guitar    Piano    Bass    Drums    Voice    Woodwinds    Flute    Saxophone    Trumpet                       

Proud sponsor of the Palos Verdes Street & Music Fair 2007 & 2008  

                      

FEATURED STUDENTS
 

Testimonials

—students & parents

Welcome to Peninsula School of Music
Voted "Best New Business 2006" by the
Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce click here

Message From School Co-founders

Lisa Kato and Mark Fitchett

At our schools of music, we are dedicated to providing our students with the best possible learning environment.

Our highly knowledgeable teachers are committed to finding the approach that works best for each individual.

Whether a student just wants to learn enough to have fun playing a few favorite songs, or is an aspiring professional, our instructors will develop a customized music lesson plan especially tailored to fit their specific musical needs and interests.

Our instructors include university graduates, as well as working professionals with many years of performing, recording and teaching experience.

Students performing Jazz & Blues at the Palos Verdes Library December 2008

GUITAR       PIANO      BASS      VIOLIN      VOICE

WOODWINDS       BRASS       DRUMS

SCHOOL BAND INSTRUCTION


Jazz Band   
Orchestra    Marching Band

Rancho Palos Verdes—Palos Verdes Estates—Rolling Hills—Rolling Hills Estates

 

Guitar Lessons  http://theguitarschool.com

These are some of the guitar styles our instructors teach at Peninsula School of Music's Guitar School.

Modern Rock — R & B — Campfire Guitar — Country — Pop — Folk — Blues — Gospel — Swing — Rockabilly Funk — Punk — Classic Rock — Metal — Reggae —  Ska—  Classical — Jazz — Fingerstyle Guitar

We believe that the majority of students get more out of their lessons, and progress at a much faster rate if they can learn the styles of music that they love. Every student is taught the same fundamentals in regards to music theory. The only difference is, is that one person may be taught their "do re mi's" with their favorite rock band while another may learn the same basic theory, but with Mozart.

For The Intermediate to Advanced Student:

Beyond the basics, many guitarists feel that they aren't progressing fast enough in their knowledge and playing abilities; or that what they've learned seems scattered and unrelated.

With special emphasis toward the self-taught guitarist, our more advanced instruction is designed to "fill in the gaps."

Blues, rock and jazz improvisation; performance skills, and practical music theory are the order of the day.

Topics include improvisational techniques, scales beyond the pentatonic/blues scales, phrasing, chord progressions, progressive scale techniques, left and right hand technique, triads, arpeggios, intervals, advanced chord forms, rhythm, scale and chord theory, definitions, transposition and musical styles.

 

Bass Lessons

All of the guitar styles are also taught on the bass. Everything in the "For The More Experienced" applies equally to the more advanced bass student.

Slap bass, Funk, Jazz/Blues walking bass are popular styles among bass students. Our bass students are taught to interact with drummers and guitarists.

Emphasis is placed on the ability to create bass lines and grooves.

 

 

Peninsula School of Music, South Bay School of Music and Long Beach School of Music Piano Programs


All piano students at the Redondo Beach location South Bay School of Music, Long Beach School of Music and Peninsula Music are assisted in developing and working towards musical goals.  Following are programs which are available for students in the piano program at the school:

Peninsula Music, South Bay School of Music and Long Beach School of Music Piano Recitals

Quarterly recitals in front of a warm and receptive audience of other students and their families provide a non-threatening

opportunity for piano students of all ages and ability levels to perform.  Regular recitals (held in both Redondo Beach and Long Beach locations) are wonderful opportunities which keep even the most timid students on track towards their musical goals.  All students are given thorough instruction on memorization of piano pieces, practice routines at home, recital dress, behavior and performance practices before giving their first "public" performance.

Music Teachers Association of California - Long Beach and South Bay Branches

Eligible classical and jazz piano students may compete for scholarships and other honors offered by the Music Teachers Association of California's South Bay / Redondo Beach and Long Beach branches.  Music Teachers Association -South Bay and Long Beach branches offer a range of competitive and non-competitive opportunities for student growth. Following are just some of the programs which are available:

Certificate of Merit
Southern California Junior Bach Festival
Music Teachers Association Branch Recitals
Composers Today
Improvisation Celebration Festival
Adult Performance Seminar
Sonata / Sonatina Festival
Solo Piano / Concerto Competition


High-achieving piano students may also be invited to perform at the annual Music Teachers Association State Convention. Extremely exceptional piano students may audition for Young Artist Guild (YAG) and Young Composers Guild (YCG) through the Music Teachers Association (see www.MTACLB.org to find out more about YAG and YCG).

Southwestern Youth Music Festival (SYMF)
Piano students with strong performance skills (age 7 - 25) compete in the annual Southwestern Youth Music Festival.  This extremely popular event draws over 3,400 students each year from all over Southern California to compete for prizes in piano, strings, woodwinds and vocal divisions.

National Piano Guild Auditions
All eligible piano students participate in annual National Piano Guild Auditions.  This venerable program began in the 1930's and is popularly known as "National Piano Guild".  Guild "Auditions" are sponsored by the National Guild of Piano Teachers division of the American College of Musicians, and are held by appointment only in selected locations in the Redondo Beach / Long Beach areas May through June of each year.  

Piano Teachers at The Piano Program
Our piano teachers are members of the Music Teachers Association of California, the National Guild of Piano Teachers (American College of Musicians), and Southwestern Youth Music Festival, and are well-versed in the curriculum and performance requirements for National Piano Guild, Southwestern Youth Music Festival, Certificate of Merit, and other above-mentioned programs.

 

Music Theory Tutoring for all Instruments

Tutoring for AP music theory students is offered at Peninsula School of Music.

Some Topics Covered:

key signatures, scales, chord progressions, chords triads-13ths, arpeggios, intervals, advanced chord voicings,

rhythm, scale and chord theory, definitions, eartraining, sight-singing, modes

 

We also offer tutoring for beginning music theory students.

 

 

 

 

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Preschool music lessons:

Group classes for preschool children are offered throughout the year. Call for the schedule. 310-377-2600

 

Preschool Music Classes

Peninsula School of Music offers preschool music classes designed to encourage the musical development and appreciation in preschool-aged children. In this group setting, children take critical first steps towards socialization, cooperation and group interaction skills. At the same time they are involved in a discipline that; develops the brain, intellect and motor skills; improves listening and concentration skills; and enhances math and literacy skills.

Our young students will enjoy the hands-on experiencing of music as they participate in fun musical activities, games and exercises that encourage sensory awareness and support the unique learning styles of their age group.

Through sound; hearing, vocalizing, speaking and singing

Improving language, vocal & speech development, memorization skills

 

Through sight; visual games, drawing and coloring, identifying music symbols

Learning spatial relationships & memorization skills

 

Through movement; dancing, timing and rhythm games

Improving motor skills, timing, balance, spatial concepts & coordination

 

Children will learn music symbol identification, rhythm, counting, and improvisation while developing basic music skills through encouraged exploration of their individual creative sides. They will learn various musical concepts on keyboards, guitars, stringed instruments and percussion as well as be exposed to other types of instruments and musical styles.

Through singing, moving, listening, and playing musical instruments, our goal is to inspire a love of music that will stay with a child for life.

 

 

Here are some of the reasons more parents and students choose our music schools:

All Styles Taught
The student gets to choose the kind of music they want to learn.

Recitals: Jazz, Rock & Blues
We have our very own "School of Rock." For our student recitals we put together a professional band, borrow a venue, and put together a program of student performances on a Sunday afternoon. This an ongoing event up to four times a year. As well, we do smaller informal in-studio recitals for the less experienced students. These recitals are open to all instrumentalists as well as vocalists. Typically, our shows have a wide variety of musical styles. It is not unusual to hear for example, a heavy metal song followed by something jazzy then followed by a blues number. The students get to choose the music they want to perform. (Click Here for a typical set list)

Recitals: Classical
We also have various levels of piano recitals throughout the year.

 

Instructional Material
The school supplies the guitar and bass students with the necessary material for a low fee, so there is usually no need to buy any extra books.

Workshops

We are presenting weekend workshops throughout the year. Some of the planned topics include:

Guitar effects; what they are and how to use them
Playing in a jam band (click here to see video)
Soloing technique

Improvisation
Styles

Piano Technique

Jamming The Blues

Instructor and Guest Performances

The instructors perform small informal shows to expose the students to different styles of music. Other musical guests (subject to availability) will also perform.

Jam Sessions

For the intermediate to advanced students; this will be an opportunity to get together with other student musicians and play. All students are welcome to come and listen.

Consultations

There are instructors available (in person or by phone) if students need extra help on their assignments.

Computer Lab

We have installed computers with various music programs so students can come in before, or stay after the lesson to work on music assignments.

Variety of Programs

Flexibility in Teaching Styles and Methods

There is more variety of music taught at our schools compared to most music schools.


Some of the styles we teach include:

Fingerstyle Guitar — Modern Rock — R & B — Campfire Guitar — Country — Pop — Folk — Blues

— Gospel — Swing — Rockabilly — Funk — Punk — Classic Rock — Metal — Reggae — Ska— Classical — Jazz

Great Location & Atmosphere


Experienced Instructors


Our instructors have excellent professional and educational backgrounds. References and backgrounds are available upon request.

Specialties That Include:


Reading Music (standard notation and tablature)
Writing Music
Composition
Improvisation
Styles
Songwriting
Music Theory
Technique
Rhythm Styles

INSTRUCTORS

Instructor: Mark Fitchett    more about Mark

Teaches: Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Banjo, Composition, Improvisation
Styles: Jazz, Blues, Rock, Country
Specialties: Jazz Chord Melody, Fusion/Metal Jazz, Standard Jazz, Music Theory Tutoring (all instruments)
Locations: Redondo Beach, Long Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes

Instructor: Joe Kennedy

Teaches: Piano, Improvisation

Styles: Jazz, Blues, Rock, Country

Specialties: Music Theory Tutoring (all instruments)
Locations: Redondo Beach, Long Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes

Instructor: Lisa Kato

Teaches: Piano, Improvisation

Styles: Classical, Pop, Jazz
Specialties: Music Theory Tutoring (all instruments)
Locations: Redondo Beach, Long Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes

Instructor: Dan Krier

Teaches: Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Ukulele, Improvisation
Styles: Jazz, Blues, Rock, Country
Locations: Redondo Beach, Long Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes

Instructor: Leeora Kronen

Teaches: Piano, Improvisation
Locations: Redondo Beach, Long Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes

Instructor: Greg Alban click here

Teaches: Drums & Percussion
Locations: Redondo Beach, Long Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes

Instructor: Stephanie Pickard

Teaches: Guitar

Styles: Rock, "Shred" Heavy Metal
Locations: Palos Verdes

Instructor: Chris Price
Teaches: Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass
Locations: Redondo Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes

Instructor: Russell Lollis

Teaches: Electric & Upright Bass & Guitar
Locations: Redondo Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes

Instructor: Leslie Sharp

Teaches: Piano & Vocals
Styles: Jazz, Blues, Rock, Pop

Specialties: Music Theory Tutoring (all instruments)
Locations: Long Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes

Instructor: Chuck Turner

Teaches: Piano & Guitar
Styles: Jazz, Blues, Rock, Pop

Specialties: Music Theory Tutoring (all instruments)
Locations: Redondo Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes

Instructor: Terje Lie

Teaches: Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet, Guitar
Styles: Jazz, Blues, Rock, Pop

Specialties: Music Theory Tutoring (all instruments)
Locations: Redondo Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes

Instructor: Jeff Perez

Teaches: Drums & Percussion
Locations: Rancho Palos Verdes

Instructor: Allan Ellis

Teaches: Vibraphone, Drums & Percussion
Locations: Rancho Palos Verdes

Instructor: Storm Rhode

Teaches: Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Improvisation
Styles: Jazz, Blues, Rock, Country
Locations: Rancho Palos Verdes

Guest Artist: Gary Ferguson

Teaches: Drums
Styles: All
Locations: Rancho Palos Verdes

Check out Gary with Larry Carlton & Steve Lukather

 

flute clarinet trombone saxophone trumpet french horn violin

School Band Instruction

Jazz Band      Orchestra       Marching Band

 

Private music lessons are essential to a young musician’s growth. Often the only

instruction they receive is from the school’s band director, who usually has way

too many kids, a limited amount of time to devote to each individual student and

may also be running more than one music program.

 

To really progress, a student needs the benefit of outside one-on-one instruction

in conjunction with whatever instruction they may receive in their school programs.

 

Peninsula School of Music offers instruction on the following band instruments:

Woodwinds

Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo, Clarinet

Brass

Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone Horn, Tuba

Percussion

Strings

Double Bass, Cello, Viola, Violin

 

Director of Band Music Programs: Terje Lie

Background Information

www.terjelie.com

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PENINSULA SCHOOL OF MUSICSOUTH BAY SCHOOL OF MUSICLONG BEACH SCHOOL OF MUSICGUITAR SCHOOL

Serving Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates,

Redondo Beach, San Pedro, Torrance, Lomita, Long Beach

 
 
little girl on piano