Private Music Lessons in Hayward, CA

Andrew Dixon is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator, originally from Chicago, Illinois. Andrew has traveled the world performing and teaching. His recent releases "East Oakland Run Down", "RAGE" and "Renegade" can be found on his label, Epistemology Records. Andrew grew up playing at jam sessions along Von Freeman, Fred Anderson, Maurice Brown, and Greg Ward. He studied jazz, composition and arranging at the University of Illinois and has performed with the names such as Spoon, The Roots, David Binney, Ambrose Akinmusire, Lyrics Born, Terrell Stafford, Wycliffe Gordon, Jon Faddis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Carlos Santana. His multiple performances include Monterey Jazz Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, Tokyo Jazz Festival, Java Jazz Festival, Phillippine Jazz Festival, Mosaic Music Festival, Yoshis, Jazz Showcase, Green Mill, Lincoln Center, SFJAZZ, Kuumbwa Arts Center, Blue Whale, Velvet Lounge, and Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. He has toured in many cities throughout the world such as Paris, Manila, Singapore, Tokyo, London, L.A., New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Jakarta, Seoul, Oslo, Montreal, Barcelona, and Toronto. As an educator he strives to push his students to an advanced level. His students have gone on to be active in local youth symphonies in Oakland, Berkley, San Francisco, and the Peninsula. His students have also received all-state honors, and been selected to the SFJAZZ High School Ensemble, Monterey Next Gen Band, and the Grammy Band. His students have also received scholarships and been accepted to N.Y.U., U.S.C, and Manhattan School of Music.

I am a graduate of Berklee College of Music, and have years of experience as a professional singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Whether you are a beginner, or more advanced, I would love to work with you to help you accomplish your musical goals.

If you want your piano studies to be a fun and enjoyable experience, I think you have come to the right place. After over 35 years of teaching piano and two music degrees, I have found that along with innovative teaching techniques, humor helps my students achieve the greatest success. After all, studies have shown that we learn best when we're smiling 😀. A FREE INTRO LESSON is the best way to find out if I'm the right teacher for you or your child. Prior to that, we could discuss by phone what your goals and aspirations are for you or your child and to answer any questions you might have about my approach. Many teachers and students shy away from taking lessons online. But after over 5 years of teaching online, I have devised many techniques to make the process go very smoothly and effectively. For instance, students frequently receive customized audios and videos to help them practice throughout the week. Each student's lesson plan is based on their own musical interests, goals, and learning style. Along with fundamental skill building, I introduce students to improvisation and composition. Students are encouraged to use the skills they develop to express themselves, enlarge their musical horizons, and develop a vision for themselves as a musician, in whatever capacity. I teach beginners to advanced from six years old and above. I have 2 degrees in music from the University of Washington. I majored in piano performance and music history with special emphasis on pedagogy and advanced theory. I continued my post-university education through private piano lessons, workshops, and colloquia on teaching theory. One of my hobbies is studying ongoing research in current brain science with regard to learning and teaching. I endeavor to continue growing as a teacher and musician. For example, I began studying vocal jazz in my 50's and have performed in a non-professional capacity in several venues, including Tula's in Seattle. Taking lessons and performing on a second instrument has not only improved my overall musicianship, it has also reminded me of the challenges of being a beginner. My grandparents were professional musicians, and their joy with music and teaching influenced me to want to follow in their footsteps. I hope to pass their love of music on to my students. Guiding others as they develop their own relationship with music is a great privilege and deeply rewarding endeavor. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to do what I love. I look forward to having the opportunity to work with you!

¡Hablo Español! All ages, all levels. Jazz, Blues, Rock, Latin, Soloing, Improvisation, Technique, Music Theory, and much much more! I use the Zoom app for live interactive lessons from the comfort of your home. Everyone moves further, much faster, and is more likely to stay engaged by learning from a master teacher with decades of real-world professional experience to share.