Alvin | Teacher #3384
About Alvin
Alvin is a passionate teacher dedicated to fostering a lifelong love for music in students aged 8 to adults. Offering online and in-home lessons, he teaches a range of instruments including baritone-euphonium, djembe, singer-songwriter, trombone, and trumpet. With a focus on joy, trust, and building connections, Alvin's teaching philosophy centers around helping students find the music within themselves. His approach combines theory, practice, and the exploration of music as a language of the soul. His educational background includes a Bachelor's in Education with a focus on Science and Music, and he is recognized for his accomplishments and scholarship in music.
Trombone Trumpet Baritone-Euphonium Djembe Singer-Songwriter Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Music Appreciation Jazz Improvation
Online Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Jazz Pop Rock Latin Salsa Rock and Roll Blues Christian Gospel Hip Hop Progressive Rock Rhythm and Blues Funk
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 Trainings
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.
Lessons in your home
Alvin is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- Richmond, BC
Lessons on an online platform
Alvin can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.Reviews
Associate Teacher Lesson Rates:
Alvin is a Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher
- 30 minutes: $39
- 45 minutes: $49
- 60 minutes: $59
Home visit fee: $15 minimum fee. Teachers may negotiate a higher travel fee if the travel distance is longer than they are comfortable with. Most arrangements use the minimum fee.
One-Time Family Registration: $25. This covers your entire family for life - once you're in, everyone can take lessons!
Our Promise to You
Getting Started Together
We don't offer free trials, but we do something better - a relaxed 2-lesson getting-to-know-you period. You can pause anytime with just 24 hours notice. After your third lesson, we ask for a friendly 2-lesson heads up if you need to stop.
Life Happens - We Get It
Give us 24 hours notice for any cancellation or reschedule and you'll receive full credit. Planning a family vacation or summer break? Perfect - just let us know a day ahead and we'll pause your lessons.
When You're Under the Weather
If illness strikes with short notice (less than 24 hours), you'll still be charged since your teacher has reserved that time. However, most teachers are happy to offer makeup lessons when possible - they have the final say, especially if last-minute cancellations become a pattern.
Stopping Lessons
Need to take a break? We just ask for a 2-lesson notice:
Weekly lessons = 2 weeks notice
Every other week = 3 weeks notice
Twice weekly = 1 week notice
Summer breaks are different - no notice period needed when you return in the fall!
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