Sterling Music

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$30

starting price

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Introduction

I am based in El Cerrito, CA 94530. I am overall a teacher of Musicianship (understanding Music Theory, Ear Training, and the ability to Singing and Sight Reading). I have a natural tendency to lean toward teaching the reading of sheet music. I have a fun and simple way I start with an educational goal and and break it down into easily manageable parts. I.e. Sight Reading: the ability to know how to read and play music that the musician has not seen before. Break it down into understanding all of the bits of information in the sheet music: Signatures; Key & Time, Tempo, Rhythm & Road Map, Accidentals and Did you miss anything? -Dynamics -Phrasing -Key Changes, etc. I teach Brass instruments (Trumpet, Trombone and Tuba). I have published three books that are currently available on Amazon: Elementary Bugler (Bb Trumpet), Elementary Tenor Bugler (Trombone) & Elementary Bass Bugler (Tuba). I also teach Piano, Flute and Cello. The best part of my job is when a student "gets it". When s/he is able to do and apply what s/he has learned to his/her own work. Basically, a student-Musician takes lessons to get challenged, learn and grow, then in School Band or Orchestra, s/he gets assessed.

Overview

Current Top Pro

Hired 159 times

Serves El Cerrito, CA

Background checked

1 employee

25 years in business

Business hours

This pro hasn't listed their business hours.

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

2023

Featured Projects

8 photos

Composing a Trio from a Melody
Songwriting

Specialties

Interested musical styles

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Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness, professionalism, and work quality.

Very good 4.5

45 reviews

5

73%

4

16%

3

2%

2

2%

1

7%

Read reviews that mention:

Jitka B.

Mar 2, 2024

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Hired on Thumbtack

My son took lessons from Scott for about 3 months. He enjoyed taking it and Scott was very patient and adjusted to our pace.

Details: 10 - 13 years old • Yes, the student can read music • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Classical • Yes, the student has a keyboard • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)

Piano Lessons

Tom H.

Jun 24, 2023

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Hired on Thumbtack

I had a couple of months singing lessons with Scott which was great value and a great learning experience. Scott is very easy to work with.

Details: 45 - 64 years old • Yes, the student can read music • No formal training • Musical theater • Classical • Pop • Jazz • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location

Sterling Music's reply

This student was a joy to teach, being wonderfully motivated to learn.

Singing Lessons

Rob H.

Sep 27, 2023

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Hired on Thumbtack

I highly recommend him! We covered a lot of ground in just the first lesson. And he’s just a real down to earth guy.

Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, the student can read music • Classical • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has a cello • 60 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet) • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Cello Lessons

Favio R.

Sep 11, 2023

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Hired on Thumbtack

Scott Sterling is a great teacher. He sets a positive ambience for the student & he really knows his music well. He has a background in choir, theory, & playing instruments. He also has a podcast & a book…great guy!

Details: 18 - 25 years old • No, the student cannot read music • No formal training • Rock • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location

Singing Lessons

Thumbtack U.

Aug 28, 2023

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Hired on Thumbtack

He was very quick to respond to all of my messages. He is very interested in helping make others grow in their music adventures.

Details: 14 - 17 years old • No formal training • No, the student cannot read music • Classical • Yes, the student has a cello • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)

Cello Lessons

Credentials

Background Check

Scott Sterling

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My rate (starting in 2022) is $60/hour. Lessons are usually either 30 or 45 minutes. Paying for the lesson can happen after the lesson.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I have the Brass Player their favorite tune so that I may assess the his/her tone and technique. I then give him/her some effective exercises using Long Tones/Articulations & Lip Slurs that strengthen his/her foundational abilities.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Educatio in 2010 from Cal State East Bay.