MEET YOUR NEW TEACHER
DAVIN CHAFFIN, PIANIST/COMPOSER
Davin is an accomplished pianist and private piano instructor based in Ventura County. Since 2021, he has taught a diverse range of students, tailoring lessons to meet individual needs and goals. Davin specializes in piano technique, theory, ear training, musicianship, and performance. Davin is working towards a bachelor’s degree in music composition from California Baptist University, where he is studying under the guidance of Dr. Glenn Pickett, as well continuing education in piano performance and pedagogy through Dr. Andres Jaramillo and Dr. Jennifer Cruz.
In addition to teaching, he has participated in a variety of performance activities, including festivals, competitions, and church worship teams, as well as serving as an accompanist for various recitals and rehearsals for soloists and choirs. In 2023, he served as a music intern at Brian P. Judy’s studio in Camarillo, CA, where he assisted with studio organization, sound equipment installation, composition, vocal correction, and the mixing process, working with FL Studio and other production software.
An active participant in the music community, Davin is committed to fostering a positive learning environment and helping students build a lifelong love of music. He believes in mentoring students through personalized guidance and helping them discover their own unique musical voices.
My fundamental mission is to help more people love music like I do. I accomplish this through fostering musical growth in my students, so they feel confident to play whatever they want on the piano. I desire to build a positive community amongst my students and I so everyone can enjoy the learning process.
MUSICAL GROWTH
Piano: I believe that piano is the best instrument to learn musicianship. Through the piano, I will help students gain mastery of technique, so they can play naturally and fluidly.
Reading: To play music, one must know how to bring notes on a page to life. I will prepare my students to play from various forms of written music they will encounter, including sheet music and chord charts.
Internalization: To help students internalize music, I will focus on deep listening, learning by ear, audiation, analysis, and vocalizing of various styles.
Speaking: Once students understand the fundamentals of the musical language, I will teach them to “speak music”. By learning theory knowledge, improvisation, and composition, students will become their own artists.
PEOPLE-FOCUSED
Love: My primary goal is to help other people to love music more. Although I will help them discover the diverse world of music, I desire for students to play what the kinds of music they want. We will discuss and explore their favorite sounds to create on the piano, so they can better connect with the music.
Learning Styles: I am always seeking ways to teach my students better, so I appreciate feedback. Every individual is unique and learns differently, so I want to respond accordingly for their success.
Mentorship: I desire for my students to feel safe to explore their own ideas through my guidance. I strive to always be patient, kind, and encouraging while they work through this rewarding discipline. I hope to not just be a teacher, but a fellow human, friend, and role model in my teaching and attitude.
Community: Music at its core is a human experience. Through group events and studio recitals, I want to bring together musical individuals to share ideas and foster community towards one another. The musical journey is always easier when people help one another along the way. I hope for students to be able to bless their friends and families with music.