Music Lessons in Baldwin Park, MI

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Bass Guitar Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I take the great things about the Suzuki Method and use them (fun, creativity, by-ear learning, group jams). Then I take the things I don't like about the method and disregard them (pre-established repetoire, no composition or improv). I teach kids how to concentrate, how to teach themselves, how to ignore distractions, and the philosophy for joyful performance without nervousness. The result has been that I have trained hundreds of children to have fun playing music well, plus four of my child students have become national acts. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For beginers I will start them off working through a beginig method book, gradually learning new skills and notes along the way. Eventually we will work on various solo pieces such as classical repertoire, or even movie or pop tunes. I will sometimes use Smart Music, a computer program that gives the opportunity to play along with a "band" gaining valuable experince playing with others while in a private lesson setting. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

During the first lesson I have the student sing (if it is a vocal lesson) their favorite song so I can hear them. After that i use my keyboard and take the student through some excersizes to really home in on that range. I listen for qualities and we discuss the positives and what improvements are needed. After the first lesson we choose music: a classical art song book and theory book of my choosing, and a songbook of the student's choosing. Read More

Instruments: Voice Bass Guitar Double Bass

For beginners I like to start with the basics of how the voice works and the proper techniques to use it. We always spend time at the end singing something they want to sing, it's important to not feel pressured into music. We will build a repertoire of songs the student is connected to and work towards a set list for a showcase. My more advanced students, I enjoy pushing them in ways that don't seem to make sense but when they feel the change in their voice they understand. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I am passionate about teaching students to sing.Breaking skills down into component parts is essential so that each student feels their own independent success in each lesson.My teaching style gives students a sense of accomplishment and also encourages them to work to the best of their ability. This success is balanced with constructive feedback that motivates students for greater accomplishments. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I stress the importance of reading music from the get go. I do understand however that some (adults) only want to learn to play some songs for their own personal gain, and not have to mess around with note reading. (Guitar is an instrument that can be played by ear, and to some degrees at a high level.) To that I do not require any books. I'll always reiterate the importance of reading..."Just think how good Eddie Van Halen would have been had he been able to read music!" For Children: Mel Bay Children Guitar Method 1 (Blue Turquoise cover) For beginners steel string and jazz: Hal Leonard Guitar method book 1 (Black and Orange cover) For Classical: Foundations in Classical guitar by Brian and Mary Lou Roberts I ALWAYS strive for the student to become familiar with performing and playing with others. Read More