Music Lessons in Avondale, AZ

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Euphonium Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

My method begins with basic note reading stick grip, we concentrate on relaxation. stick control note reading. As soon as they are able to cleanly play 16th notes on a practice pad, we incorporate drum set independence. This independence is introduced through learning various genres of music, which also introduce various styles of playing. These variations are studied worked out in exercises that allow the student to ad lib with any style of music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

The way I have always approached teaching is the same way i learned music, to try and make each concept make sense by breaking down and relating basic key points of playing and improvising to each other. For example, I like to emphasize breaking down chords and the related scales in an easy to undertand and logical way. I emphasize the importance of phrasing and shaping chords while using such shred techniques as alternate picking, legatto, sweep picking and tapping. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

For Piano students, I like using the Royal Conservatory Methods, some Faber books, and implement Jazz Studies, Classical Training, Scales, Arpeggios and Chord Progressions. As they become proficient in chords, then I teach improvisation skills, and Ear Training. For Vocal Students, I teach Extensive Sight-reading using the Kodaly Method, Vocal Technique, Ear training, and Genres which include, Musical Theatre, Classical, Folk Songs, Disney, Jazz, some Pop. There are weekly Lesson Assignments that a student is given as reference for practice and education. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

For beginning students, I would like to start with knowing exactly where they are at with guitar; how to hold it, how to tune it, how strum it. Once the student understands those fundamentals, I like to start on open chords with easy fingerings (usually learning chords is very exciting since you can hear what you are accomplishing). With that, I would like to get to know the student and understand what the student wants out of the lessons; what they like to listen to, what they want to learn, what is difficult for them, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Beginning students for woodwinds (flute, clarinet, saxophone) usually start with the Essential Elements book. As they advance the next books are usually Breeze Easy book 2 followed by the Rubank Intermediate and Advanced Methods. Advanced students will break into instrument specific methods. Flute with use methods such as The Melodious Studies and Pares scales books, clarinets with use the Klose books and Saxophone students will use Ferling and Klose studies. Students wishing to study jazz methods will use either the Jim Snidero or Walt Weiskopf methods. Read More

Instruments: Oboe English Horn

I look to strengthen fundamentals immediately: breathing, embouchure, tonguing, etc. Throughout our lessons, the warm up assignments I give continuously seek to strengthen these skills. In the beginning, I also assign short beginner etudes and rhythm exercises. Once the student has a good grasp on fundamentals, I begin to introduce solo repertoire and encourage students to sign up for recitals and solo-ensemble competitions. For adult students, I focus more on how they want to grow and what their ultimate goal is. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

When it comes to strategies regarding teaching I use many methods. I usually will start students understanding the fundamentals of music literacy. In order to achieve the introductory points of this we will work out of a method book like a Hal Leonard Beginner Guitar Method 1. We will understand the importance of understanding how to count rhythms and read pitches correctly. I also focus highly on the correct techniques of the instrument in order to avoid bad habits in the future. Read More