When choosing a piano teacher, you need to find a teacher who not only plays in a style you admire, but one who can effectively articulate difficult concepts and show you the quickest way to learn the basics of playing as well as more advanced skills. In our lessons, I will call upon my many years of playing, composing and teaching experience to give you the benefit of what I have learned the hard way. Learning the piano is a challenging experience and together we will discover the path to learning that works specifically for you.

Learning to Express Yourself

I love to learn and I also love to teach. The joy of learning is the key to mastering any difficult idea or skill. Music is a language just like French or Greek, and just like with a language, you will learn the fundamentals such as reading and fingering and then move on to more advanced skills such as performing and arranging. Learning is fun and exciting when every lesson gives you inspiration and increased skills and abilities that lead to self-expression.

Articulate Patient Teacher

My teaching experience includes piano basics, theory and improvisation, and covers all styles including jazz, blues, pop, rock and classical. I teach beginning and intermediate students of all ages and my location is in the heart of the Sunset District of San Francisco with convenient access to MUNI routes. My rates are $40.00 per hour in my studio and $50.00 per hour in your home. For children, I usually give 45 minute lessons at the rate of $35.00 per hour in my studio or $40.00 per hour in your home.

Free Introductory Lesson

Below you will find live, unedited recordings of my piano playing to show you how I express myself with jazz standard arrangements as well as original improvisations and compositions. Call me at 415.819.8522 or send an email to duanefrybarger@yahoo.com so that we can discuss your needs and schedule a free, introductory lesson.

Solo Piano Demo (MP3s)

  Summertime
  The Way You Look Tonight/Over the Rainbow
  This Masquerade
  Don't Go to Strangers
  Improvisation #3 (original)
  Reflections (original)


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 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.

Downloads

All major scales
All harmonic minor scales
All melodic minor scales
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
Hanon exercises for advanced students (Part 1) *
Hanon exercises for advanced students (Part 2)
Hanon exercises for advanced students (Part 3)
Anna Magdalena Bach's Notebook

* 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.

  Duane Frybarger
  415.819.8522
  duanefrybarger@yahoo.com