Private Lessons & Coaches in Novato, CA

Music is a universal language, and I'm fluent. With 20 years as a professional pianist, I guide students of all levels toward musical excellence. Let's explore the art together.

With a paddle in hand and passion in my heart, I'm ready to help you elevate your pickleball game. An IPTPA certified coach with seven years of teaching experience, I tailor my approach to each student's unique needs, fostering skill and confidence on the court.

For 23 years, I've filled the Bay Area with the enchanting tunes of the piano, gracing venues like Boom Boom Room, Sheba Piano Lounge, Tupelo, The Saloon, Scopo Divino, Luckyhorseshoe, and Swigs with my musical presence. A journey that began with playing has seamlessly transitioned into teaching for the past 15 years. It all started at the School of the Arts and expanded as the first piano teacher at Downtown High School. My unwavering goal is to empower you to play what your heart desires, ensuring that your musical dreams become a delightful reality.

For a quarter-century, I've not only graced stages as a concert performer, but have also guided countless individuals on their own vocal journeys. My coaching blends technical expertise with a warm, supportive environment to help you unlock your full potential and find joy in every note.

Music has been my lifelong passion, and sharing that passion as a professional pianist and dedicated educator for over 30 years brings me immense joy. My teaching philosophy centers around fostering a deep appreciation for music while nurturing each student's unique talents and goals. Let's embark on a rewarding musical journey together. Originally from Madrid, Spain, Maria Garcia Plaza started to play the piano at the age of 5. She attended the Conservatory of Music Arturo Soria in Madrid at the age of 7 and began her violin studies at the same time with Maestro Hermes Kriales. Maria has been teaching piano since she was 18 years old and it is one of her passions. She loves working with kids, introducing them at an early age to the love of music through games, making the class fun and enjoyable. At an early age she began performing and won 1st prize at the Polimusica Youth Awards at the age of 12. This allowed her to obtain a scholarship to perform with the JONDE (National Youth Orchestra of Spain) for two consecutive years. Since then she has played with several orchestras (Symphonic Orchestra of Madrid, Symphonic Orchestra of La Rioja, Camerata Musicalis), traveling through Spain, France, Italy and Germany. Maria arrived in San Francisco in 2012 and taught piano at several schools around San Francisco and San Mateo. She also teaches in Spanish. Maria is currently part of the Awesöme Orchestra based in Oakland. Her last performance was at Fox Oakland Theatre in 2016 with the band Green Day on its 20th anniversary, playing their album Dookie with Awesöme Orchestra.

My passion for volleyball is contagious! For 8 years, I've been dedicated to cultivating athletes, enhancing skills, and fostering a love for the game in a fun yet focused environment.

Hey my name's Derek Schmidt and I'm a musician, sound designer, and music educator living in SF. I have a Masters in Music Composition and decades of performing experience.I've played piano for over three decades, for performance, production, and composition. I come at piano from an composer/songwriter perspective, so I can ground the lessons in music theory to help it all make sense, no matter what instrument you decide to play. I best teach beginning and intermediate students who want to explore different musical styles.

Russ is an experienced coach with over 25 years of leading athletes at the high school and youth levels. As a player, he spent two years competing in college after three standout years on his high school varsity team, where he helped capture a state championship and two league titles. His coaching career includes 25 years of high school varsity and JV football, as well as five years in Pop Warner. Currently, Russ brings his leadership and passion for the game to coaching high school boys flag football, where he continues to mentor and inspire student-athletes.

With five years of coaching experience and a background as a college-level player, I'm dedicated to helping students of all skill levels achieve their tennis goals. I bring passion, expertise, and an enjoyable learning environment to every lesson.

Meet Jared Stone, an enthusiastic Assistant Golf Professional at Silverado Resort since May 2022. With a diverse skill set that includes managing daily golf operations, teaching, club fitting, and running junior golf camps, Jared is dedicated to enhancing the golfing experience for players of all ages. His previous role at Hiddenbrooke Golf Club honed his customer service skills, ensuring that every golfer feels welcomed and supported. A recent graduate with a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Redlands, Jared is passionate about sharing his love for golf and helping students improve their skills while enjoying the game.