Lessons

I am a pianist, teacher, composer, and producer based in San Francisco, with a degree in Music Performance and Composition, and over 20 years experience as a teacher and performer.

I’ve performed and recorded with many great artists, including Blues Traveler, Zigaboo Modeliste (The Meters), Mingo Lewis(Santana, Return to Forever), Andy Hess (Gov’t Mule), Tony Mason (Charlie Hunter) and Reggie Workman (John Coltrane). I continue to perform with various artists regularly in the bay area and beyond. Check my gig calendar for upcoming shows.

I can work with you on any of the following, based on your personal interests and goals:

  • Music theory
  • Harmony
  • Piano technique
  • Ear training
  • Reading / Notation
  • Improvisation
  • Composition
  • Arranging & Orchestration

Ear training is a major focus in my approach, as it will enable you to play what you hear, not just what you read, and the freedom to create beyond the sheet music in front of you.
I can help you learn how to play various styles, including:

  • Rock
  • Pop
  • Jazz
  • Funk
  • Blues
  • Brazilian
  • Reggae
  • Classical

I have experience teaching all ages, and have worked with children as young as 5, including as Musical Director for Berkeley Playhouse (Seussical the Musical), coaching and directing a cast of dozens of children and adults.
Private lessons are generally at my home studio in San Francisco where you will play a Yamaha grand piano (as well as other keyboards).

I have been fortunate to have had some great teachers in my life. These great teachers have not only helped me learn the technical skills required to be a professional musician, but have also guided me down a path that opened up doors and led me to understand and appreciate some invaluable, and sometimes intangible, lessons. As a result, my life has been greatly enriched as a musician, and as a person.

My goal and hope is to provide the same kind of inspirational and technical guidance to other aspiring musicians of all ages and levels.

Contact me at tal.ariel@gmail.com or (650) 224-7765 to schedule a lesson today!