Alvin - Teacher #3384

Instruments:
- Baritone-Euphonium
- Djembe
- Singer-Songwriter
- Trombone
- Trumpet

Services:
- Jazz Improvation
- Music Appreciation
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)

Languages:
- English

Teaching Philosophy

I firmly believe that music is the language of the soul - a mysterious and captivating means of expression that is accessible to anyone, yet means different things to everyone. Trying to describe the soul with words alone is a futile endeavour, and approaching music one-dimensionally is equally futile.

I recognize that making music is not just a mental exercise, but a physical one as well. It engages all our senses, from hearing to touch, and even our sixth sense of internal perception. In this way, making music is a holistic and immersive experience that connects us with ourselves and the world around us in a profound way.

Given all that is happening in the world today, I believe that helping to raise resilient, curious, compassionate and whole human beings is crucial to our collective future: music makes this possible. It provides a creative outlet that can help students develop a sense of purpose, self-worth, and fulfillment that they might not find in other areas of their lives.

As a teacher, it all begins with joy and laughter - a connection between the teacher, student, and the music. This initial connection sets the tone for a positive and engaging learning environment where students feel valued, appreciated, and supported. In my classes and lessons, students will hear "YES!" more than anything else. Everyone is already a musician and it's my job to help a student recognize that they already have music in them.

For me, a student's trust and sense of belonging are everything. Without it, there can be no growth or learning. It is therefore my goal to foster an environment where students feel safe to express themselves, ask questions, and take risks - and above all else - laugh and smile! This requires building strong relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.

Once a connection is established, my aim is to help connect the student to the wide Universe of music. I believe that learning to make music is about more than just playing notes on a page - it's about using the mind and body to learn the language of the soul. Yes, theory, practice and rudiments are important - but there's so much more to music. Whether through improvisation, composition, or performance, I seek to help students develop a deep and abiding love for music that will last a lifetime.

Musical Education

I have a Bachelor's of Education degree, specializing in Science and Music. I have a minor in music from Berklee College.

I studied trumpet from the age of 8 and took it into my professional studies. My teachers were classically trained, as well as had strong influences from march and Jazz. I decided to focus on Jazz improvisation during senior high school and post-secondary school education. I played with the UBC Jazz Band and had local performances in Vancouver, playing for churches and small ensembles.

Awards and Distinctions

- Outstanding Musician of McMath Secondary School, 2000 to 2004
- Recipient of a prestigious, $10,000 scholarship: Joan Decklebaum scholarship, for overall excellence, leadership and achievement from McMath Secondary school
- Dean's Honour list from UBC in 2007, Bachelor's of Science Degree
- Outstanding Practicum award from UBC in 2008, Bachelor's of Education Degree
- Dean's Honour List Fall 2022, Berklee College of Music for senior level courses: 4.0 cumulative GPA
- Dean's Honour List Spring 2023, Berklee College of Music for senior level courses: 4.0 cumulative GPA

Special Skills and Training

My childhood was immersed with music from the Philippines. I was in choir for as long as I can remember and learned many - if not all - the faith based hymns. Outside of church, I was surrounded by countless styles of music, from acoustic folk guitar, rock, march, and Spanish influenced folk songs. When I immigrated to Canada, I was part of a local church choir until I graduated high school. I learned to play trumpet at the age of 8. In my professional career I accomplished the following: - recording a Jazz album covering Jazz standards - played local gigs with a jazz improv band from UBC - received Dean's Honour list for my studies at Berklee College of Music, and finished my classes with a 4.0 GPA Before I became a music teacher, I was trained in Biology, finishing my B.Sc. from UBC in 2008. I then became a science teachers in 2009 after I finished my B.Ed. In 2017, I finished my professional diploma for Special Education and have taught 6 years as a Resource teacher for students with diverse learning needs. I believe these cumulative experiences help me understand any problem I face and can find ways to overcome them. I have also learned the immense power of empathy and trust - and when I empower others to be their best and are invited to work as a team, we can achieve more together than alone.

Rates

30 Minutes: $39.00
45 Minutes: $49.00
60 Minutes: $59.00

There is a one-time registration fee of 25 $ charged with the first lessons. All Taxes are included in prices, if applicable

NOTE: Your Credit card will be charged ONLY when the first lesson is set up and confirmed with the teacher

Policies


1. Cancellation Policy

Lessons not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice are billable to the client and payable to the teacher. This does not of course apply to travel fees unless the notice is effectively given at the door and the teacher has travelled to the location.

2. Cessation (quitting) Policy

A client must provide a 2 lesson notice period to stop lessons. So a weekly student needs to give 2 weeks of notice, a biweekly student works out to 3 weeks notice and a twice weekly student works out to a week of notice.

3. Illness Policy

Lessons cancelled due to illness or extraordinary circumstances with less than 24 hours notice remain billable to the client and payable to the teacher.

BAH teachers are encouraged to offer a make-up lesson at a future date in the interest of client relations and general goodwill. This only makes sense as teaching a student with the flu for example, will ruin the rest of your week's employment.

No more than 2 lessons may be made up due to illness within a 60 day period.

4. Rescheduling Policy

Any lesson can be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice.

Summer Vacation and Extended Absence Policy

Clients may schedule longer absences for trips etc. 24 hours notice is required.

It is normal and typical for students and about 20% of our teachers to schedule a break in the summer. We do not enforce a notice period (see cessation of lessons) at the end of a long summer break.

5. Evaluation Period

There are no free trial lessons with Beethoven at Home but we do offer a 2 lesson evaluation period where it is easy to try out a teacher. There are no free lessons during the evaluation period and clients may choose to discontinue the lessons at any time by providing the required 24 hours notice. After the student's 3rd lesson the required 2 lesson notice period will apply (see cessation of lessons above).

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