Learning Piano is Fun and Easy

Learning is fun. Even learning an instrument like the piano can be fun. If it's not fun, you won't truly learn, you'll hate practicing (or find you never have time for it) and waste a lot of money in the process. My goal as your teacher is to make every lesson and every practice session exciting, fun and engaging. Learning fundamentals such as reading music or understanding basic theory can be seen as tedious until you realize it's not difficult, only unfamiliar. You simply need to gain familiarity to reduce the level of "difficulty" that is being perceived. Music is patterns and together we will learn the patterns that help you become proficient at playing the piano, whether it's a Mozart sonata, a rocking blues jam or a sophisticated arrangement of a jazz standard. The same patterns can help you understand music theory and are the key to becoming fluent in composing, arranging and improvising.

I've studied piano and composition for over 50 years on my own and with private instructors. I started voice lessons in 2009 with a Masters Candidate at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and studied with her for over a year. I also started teaching myself guitar in 2010 using method books from the library and YouTube videos and online lessons. For each instrument, I've used a different method of learning because that's what was needed. You and I will work together to find the methods of learning and practice that work best for you. I look forward to the day when you don't need me as a teacher any more because you've become your own teacher. Ultimately, you are your own teacher in everything that you learn in music and i life.

My piano teaching experience covers all of the fundamentals such as reading, fingering and the basics of harmony and theory as well as arranging, improvisation and composition. I teach popular, rock, blues, jazz and classical. My performing experience spans over 50 years has included live radio, concert venues, clubs, restaurants, church services and private events.

Learning to Express Yourself

The greatest joy of making music is in expressing yourself in a unique way. Music is a universal language that speaks to all of us and the joy of making music is one of life's greatest gifts. It is a gift not just for a chosen few, but for anyone with the desire and willingness to spend the time to learn the fundamentals. Furthermore, the ability to touch others through the power of music is one of the most subtle and beautiful forms of communication that we have as human beings. Your desire may be to be able to play for friends and family, to play for your own enjoyment or even to play professionally. Whatever your goal, it is attainable regardless of your age, past experience or native ability.

Piano Lessons in my Studio or in your Home

You are welcome to come to my studio conveniently located in the Outer Sunset District of San Francisco or I can teach you in the comfort of your home in or near San Francisco. Call or text me at 415.819.8522 or email me at dfrybarger@gmail.com so that we can discuss your needs. Most students choose to have weekly, one hour lessons but I am open to lessons of a shorter length and/or every other week. Also, if you want just a few lessons to brush up on harmony or technique or just to have questions answered, that is fine with me.

Rates

One hour studio lesson - $40.00
45 minute studio lesson - $30.00
One hour in-home lesson - $50.00
45 minute in-home lesson - $40.00

Solo Piano Recordings (MP3s)

Below you will find live, unedited recordings of my piano playing to show you how I express myself with standard arrangements as well as original improvisations and compositions.


Summertime
Corcovado
Fall (original)
Triste
Improvisation #3 (original)
How Insensitive

Comments from students and parents

"I highly recommend Duane as a piano teacher! Our daughters really look forward to their lessons every week and we all really enjoy listening to the improvisational section (jam session) of their courses. Duane's gentle, knowing manner is a real treat and perfect with kids who want to learn and advance in music. A great find!"

Lisa G.


"Duane's easy manner and obvious expertise at the piano, make for interesting & entertaining lessons. When I was looking for a piano teacher, my two conditions were that (the teacher) be an excellent improvisational player, and be fun to work with. With Duane, I've found that teacher. Duane's enthusiasm for the piano and teaching, ensures that lessons aren't tedious or dreary, but fun and inspiring."

Mark N.


"My boys actually fight over the piano since I've signed them up for piano lessons with Duane. He is a great teacher who's encouraging manner and rapport with children inspires learning and a love for music. The kids can't wait for their lessons to come around and run home afterward, excited to practice their new pieces!"

Bernadette D.


"My biggest fear in starting piano lessons was that they would feel mechanical and tedious. Duane's excitement about music comes through in the lessons and it's a joy to spend time learning from him every week. I'm impressed by his ability to talk intelligently both about how music feels and how it's structured mathematically.

"Thanks Duane, I'm really enjoying the lessons!"

Ron C.


"Duane is a wonderful person with an adventurous spirit. He's taught me how to play, like playing with colours, experimenting and finding what's beautiful, while keeping correct to the basics of music. I feel he understands his students well and molds his teachings to suit the student. His passion for music has given me much more than I've expected, not only that, he's genuinely a great person to know."

Ayumi M.


"Beginning to play the piano at 34 was an intimidating challenge, one that could easily have been discouraging. Through Duane's patient tutelage and passion for music I've felt comfortable to learn to begin expressing myself through music. I hope to play the piano for the rest of my life."

Dan B.


"Duane's knowledge of music and his expertise with the piano has greatly helped me to progress and has made learning to play enjoyable."

Alan M.


"(He has) such a fun, adventurous spirit that mixes well with lessons."

Arlene T.


"He is extremely patient with me and allows me to enjoy each lesson while playing the music that I like."

Eddie C.



Duane Frybarger
415.819.8522 (voice or text)
dfrybarger@gmail.com

Downloads

All major scales
All harmonic minor scales
All melodic minor scales
Blues scales for beginners

Finger exercises for beginning students
I,IV,V,I progressions in three inversions, all major keys
I,IV,V,I progressions in three inversions, all minor keys



* I use these exercises but play them in different keys (with the same fingering as the originals) and in different articulations. I only go up one octave and play them slowly. Below are the first eight Hanon Exercises from Part 1 written out in eighth note patterns and going up and down only an octave.

Modified Hanon Exercises 1 & 2
Modified Hanon Exercises 3 & 4
Modified Hanon Exercises 5 & 6
Modified Hanon Exercises 7 & 8


Anna Magdalena Bach's Notebook


Online Resources

Music Theory.net - great online resource for learning all aspects of music theory
Musiccards.net - another excellent online resource focusing on sight reading and harmony
Good Ear - a great ear training tool

Contact Information

  Duane Frybarger
  415.819.8522
  frybarger@virtualcolony.com