Music Lessons in Avoca, IA

Instruments: Piano

I prefer to instruct out of the James Bastien method books for the student's main lesson assignments. However, I also encourage students to bring and play out of books that inspire and motivate them individually. This keeps lessons lighthearted and keeps the student interested in the next lesson in my experience. I set realistic weekly and monthly goals for my students so I'm able to gauge how the student has performed, as well as how they should be instructed going forward. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching experience is a little more limited. I haven’t taught for quite a few years and have decided to get back into it with the right student that matches with the experience and talent I bring to the table. I’m not a jazz player, but more of a rock drummer that plays to what the song requires. I taught some students many years back and eventually stopped teaching to focus on performance for the bands I was in and also on family. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

Drum set and marching percussion have been my passion since 2008. Through these instruments I've had the opportunity to meet hundreds of musicians from all over the US as well as travel much of the country. Performing everywhere from State Fair bandstands, to stadiums, to coffee shops, I've found there's always something new to see and someone new to meet. The opportunity to work with artists as varied as the musicians from Sioux City Symphony, to the great jazz guitarist Mike Stern has been incredible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For students who already have the groundwork of the instrument, I typically move forward with whatever they are interested in learning and what would make them feel more accomplished. For beginner students, I typically start them out in the Fast Track Guitar 1 book just to get them comfortable with the instrument, proper technique, basic music theory, etc. Additionally, I always implement scales into the lessons, no matter the age or skill level. Read More