Music Lessons by
Christopher W. French
Santa Clarita, California
Learn to play Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar or Drums!
Located near Seco Canyon and Copper Hill
Private lessons just a phone call away-
Call now 661-313-2221
Click here to watch a video of me playing the Entertainer song in my music studio.
Click here to watch a video of me and my mother having fun on our player piano.
Private lessons for all ages. One-on-one teaching techniques that
really work! Students will more fully understand the music being
played and underlying music theory. Along with reading musical
notation, learn rhythmic techniques, controlling tempo, recognizing
time signatures, as well as the theory of harmony, including chords
and key signatures. In addition to basic theory, learn how to make
the music sound good; including tone, phrasing, and proper use of
dynamics. Learn how to improvise and even write your own songs!
Each student will receive specialized, personal training with lesson plans designed
to accommodate his or her needs.
- Over 22 years of teaching experience.
- Build a foundation in music that will last a lifetime.
- Great for all ages and experience levels.
- Local in Santa Clarita for over 27 years.
- Professional guidance and encouragement every step of the way.
- Parents or guardians always welcome to watch and listen during lessons.
- All learning materials included (does not include instruments)
- Your first Lesson is FREE with no obligation!
If you are interested in taking Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar or Drum Lessons,
and are from the Santa Clarita Valley, California, then you are in the right
place! I have taught music for many years. I am very good with teaching
both young children and adults in a fun and friendly environment.
If you would like to contact me, my phone number is 661-313-2221
My email address is Chris@MusicLessonsSantaClarita.com
Over the years I have found that private music lessons are the most effective in learning
musical instruments. Each individual student learns at a different rate and intensity from one
another. To lump them all together in a class where they are all taught the same lesson, is simply
not the best. We all have different gifts and learning abilities, and especially in music.
In the case of a music class with multiple students, it can be very discouraging for some who
want to move forward at a faster rate, or very discouraging for those who get behind and lose
interest altogether. The advantage in taking private lessons is the instructor can work
one-on-one with the student, according to his or her specific needs, which in the long run will
build a stronger foundation and fulfillment.
I take pride in each student I teach. The lessons are different for each individual to insure they
are progressing and enjoying the instrument they play and love. Perhaps a student would like to
participate in a school or church talent show; we would then change to a music piece of their
choice and skill level, ahead of time, to get them ready for the performance to follow.
Another great advantage in taking private music lessons is that you won't be moved from one
teacher to another, as can be the case in many music stores. Often musicians who are hired to
teach get a better offer somewhere else, or gig, which can cause great turnover and impersonal
relationships between student and teacher. Many students I have taught from early grade school
to college age and beyond.
Learning music is like learning another language, and becoming skillful at playing your
instrument is a real self-esteem booster, something I'm sure every person could use a little more
of these days! The world of music is a great thing to be part of, whether you're young or old. A
person can enjoy playing his or her instrument at any skill level. There are all types and levels of
music books to buy for a person to enjoy. My lesson plans also include a vast variety of skill level
material, which are fun to play.
To add to the fun of learning the drums for example, because I play keyboard, the drummer
(student) and I play along together. This adds so much fun while enforcing and applying the skills
they have learned previous. There is nothing like playing live with another person, music skills
and enjoyment build more with every lesson! To know how to apply their instrument with others in
a band is very crucial in learning. This method of mine for teaching is also applied to piano and
guitar as well. The student sees how their lessons are paying off!
An exciting method I also use in teaching the piano, which gives great satisfaction to
students with at least 2 years of experience, is one that teaches the student to follow nothing
more than single notes of melody and chord signs. Very quickly they learn how to play music with
complete chords, rhythm and melody. Most students flourish and enjoy playing music more than
ever before! Music played in this fashion has been referred to as following a lead sheet, or even
short hand music. Most professional musicians use this method of playing because they can
improvise and spend little time learning a song. The advantages are too numerous to mention
and most will agree, it's a total joy!
Getting students to practice can sometimes be a struggle. I can remember learning the piano
as a child, practicing wasn't something I enjoyed, sometimes I hated it. But my parents,
especially my mother, insisted that I practiced 30 minutes each day before going outside to play
with my friends. Back then I thought it was a burden, but later in life I was very thankful my parents
made me play. Practice times vary with each student, some are more self-driven and motivated
than others. Even the students who practice little continue to learn, though it may be at a slower
rate. That's why it's important to stick with a schedule, over time their music skills will continue to
grow. A parent should never feel guilty when they discipline their children to practice. After all, If
given the choice, a young student will always choose TV or video games over homework or
practicing their musical instrument. Later in life they will thank you for it.
I just need to sharpen my skills, you may say. Great! Many of my students are those who
know how to play but would like to improve in certain areas. For example, learning correct timing
(that's a big one) or learning to play from lead sheets, improvising with chords and melody,
comping and background. How to keep a rhythm going with the left hand while the right hand
plays melody. Drummers who would like to expand their skills in playing multiple styles of music.
I have designed lessons to help the needs of the students I teach. All my lesson plans are written
on computer software designed for music to help with, piano, drums and guitar.
What if I don't own a piano? No problem, most of my piano students start out on an electric
keyboard which they use for many years. Keyboards are very affordable these days and often
times a family member may even be willing to donate or lend one they have not being used.
Learning the electric keyboard is the same as learning the piano, especially if you can get one
with weighted keys to simulate the feel of a piano. Electronic keyboards can also be touch
sensitive for expression with amazing sounds! A piano can be obtained as ones budget
permits, the important thing is to take advantage of the time you or your child has to learn.
What if I don't own a drum set? No problem, if you want to be sure that you or your child will
be able to learn the drums before you buy, just play on some old books while tapping your feet
on the floor. It won't be long and you'll find that learning the drums is very fun and exciting! Used
drum sets are always available in the ads, or perhaps an electric drum set may be the answer.
Electronic drum sets have the advantage of volume control, which can make the whole idea
possible if you live in an apartment or condo, or if you are limited for space because they are
smaller than an acoustic set. Because of today's technology, electric drum sets are amazing
with how they sound and are touch sensitive for expression and dynamics.
What if I don't own a guitar? For less than $200 a student can purchase an electric guitar in
most music stores. Fender makes a great guitar for beginners, which hold their tune well and
sound fantastic! Small guitar amps are available too, that are easy to carry and very affordable.
For an investment of less than $300 at most music stores, guitar students are ready to go with
electric guitar, bag, amp and cords. Acoustic guitars are affordable too, many times friends and
family may have one to lend or donate while you learn. I will supply the music for learning and
always have an amp in my studio (if you play electric) so you won't have to bring your own amp,
just bring your guitar. If you don't own a guitar and are not certain whether you want an acoustic
or electric, I recommend starting with an electric guitar because they are much easier to play
and are more forgiving on the finger tips, where as an acoustic guitar involves the building up of
callused finger tips.
My music studio is very comfortable, spacious and relaxing. I encourage parents to stay and
listen during lessons, if possible, but not required. Most parents bring a magazine to read, or
their computer laptop, to get a little work done during the lesson(s). I don't require any contract to
sign or payment in advance, you are only required to pay after each lesson. If you let me know in
advance that you will be taking a vacation, or your child is ill, there will be no charge and you will
not loose your time slot. Spaces are limited because of my schedule. I teach an average of 15 to
25 students on a regular basis. Most students continue for multiple years of learning. It's not
unusual to have a student for over 7 years. Music can last a lifetime, you'll never outgrow it. No
matter how good you become you can always do better, and have fun in the meantime, that's
what keeps the musician going!
Some studies suggest that music lessons provide children with important developmental
benefits beyond simply the knowledge or skill of playing a musical instrument. Research
suggests that musical lessons may enhance intelligence and academic achievement, build
self-esteem and improve discipline. Studies also show that note reading keeps the mind sharp,
an important factor for the young and old alike.
My music studio is located in Saugus, near Seco Canyon and Copper Hill, with easy access
and plenty of parking. Your first lesson is free!
Give me a call and let's get started!
Christopher W. French
Call now 661-313-2221
or email - Chris@MusicLessonsSantaClarita.com











All text and photos copyrighted.
I have been playing drums for over 30 years, when I was seven years old my mother taught me to play the piano.
Later in life, in my early 20’s, I took professional drum lessons for over three years. My drumming skills later took off
when I had the great privilege of playing drums for the worship services at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with Robby
Robinson. Robby was the keyboard player and band director for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons for over 25
years. In the eight years of playing drums with Robby, my skills and musical abilities soared to new heights. To play
drums musically, in the sense of being aware of how they sound and how they compliment the music is vital to good
drumming.
My teaching techniques over the years have proved to be very successful. Many of my students have gone on to
playing drums in their own bands and even teach music themselves. I believe in teaching not only the fundamentals,
but a wide variety of music styles: rock, swing, jazz, Latin, blues, Bossa nova, hip-hop, etc. I believe a good drummer
should be familiar with all styles of music and have the opportunity to participate in them all with confidence.
Knowing good drumming skills and the structure of timing in association with learning the drums, has helped me in
the recording of over five albums of my own music. It has greatly improved my piano playing as well because of the
timing techniques. Multiple students have told me how learning the drums have helped them in their other instruments
too, horns, etc.

Photo above: Robby Robinson at his Jam For
Jesus concert, 2004. I played drums with Robby
for our worship services at Bethlehem Lutheran
church for over eight years. Robby has played
music and concerts all over the world. He has
played an important part in my musical
knowledge and skills to this day.
A little about myself:
I was born in Topeka Kansas and later moved to California in the mid 1960's. My mother and father were very musically talented with tenor sax, piano and
voice. My mother sang on WIBW Radio Station in Topeka, Kansas, when she was 9-12 years old in the late 1920's. She sang for the "Uncle Dave Children's
Program" at 5:30 in the evening, 3 days a week for 3-1/2 years. She also volunteered for the U.S.O. during WWII playing piano. My father played tenor sax in
the army band during WWII as well. When I was seven years old, my mother taught me piano. She and my father were very strict in keeping practice times
regularly each day for many years until I was a young adult. When I was 23 years old, I also took professional drum lessons for over three years and became
very creative in writing music of my own. I am married to the same wife for over 34 years with four wonderful children, who are also married, each one, and I
have four beautiful grandchildren. I love music, people, hard work and Jesus Christ. I became a Christian over 25 years ago which has changed my life
completely for the better. My enthusiasm for life and teaching music I enjoy sharing with others. Christopher W. French
Learn all types of music!
Blues
Latin
Rock
Swing
Worship Music
Classical
Bossa Nova
Ballads
Contemporary
Tropical
Ragtime
And much more!