Bass Lessons in Royal Oak, MI

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

I believe that in order to effectively teach, one must also do. My extensive performance background allows me to read a student to see what their goals might be and custom fit a curriculum around them. Sometimes a method book is the right way to go. Books such as the Alfred series and Hal Leonard often offer easily attainable goals for younger students. However, it is always important to listen to one's students to find out what music makes them passionate and make sure to weave that into the practice of good technique, and theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Double Bass Euphonium Tuba Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For each instrument, I have the same basic approach: discover what they like, assess what they can do, and begin with the fundamentals.  If a student is more advanced, I still like to spend time on fundamentals at the beginning anyway to see if we can fill in any foundational weakness that the student may have.   For each instrument, I also have a wide array of repitoire that I give students that zero-in on technical challenges a student will be presented with. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Recorder Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Hello future students! I much enjoy sharing my experience as a creative musician to my students whether they are 5 or 55, beginner or advanced. I am a patient teacher and do my best to encourage each student to find themselves as unique learners (musicians) unto themselves. I graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2002 with a BA focus on Music Composition. While recently living in NYC, I formed a 12-member saxophone orchestra, composed and recorded two symphonies, performed and recorded with the late Glenn Branca's 100 Guitar Ensemble, and provided live Sound Design for renowned poetess Anne Carson. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass French Horn

Depending on a student's interests, I could start with several books like Rufus Reid's Evolving Bassist (for all-around bass playing). If reading skills are a main goal of a student's focus, I use repertoire from the standard canon and IMSLP. I feel that improvisation is an often overlooked key to self-expression and mastery of one's instrument, so I introduce concepts used in making up solos and some theory as soon as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer

Every student is different.  Music Theory, various styles and forms and performance are all important and part of the main focus.  I also like them to learn songs and styles that they enjoy. It's important for them to pick up their instrument every day, develop their calluses and coordination.  I find this not only encourages them to play and explore more on their own, but keeps their focus on developing their own style. Read More

Instruments: Voice Bass Guitar Double Bass

I hated school when I was younger. I will never let my lessons feel like school. We work at each individual students pace. Once warm-ups and whatever key technique we are talking about that day are covered the lesson turns more into an educationally structured band practice. My students know they can let go and just sing. If something needs to be worked on, we work on it, and I will give notes and how to fix things throughout. Read More