Music Lessons in Basehor, KS

Instruments: Voice

I always start by asking the student if he/she has any goals or upcoming performances they'd like to concentrate on.  If so, we focus mainly on that goal, while also incorporating vocal exercises and other methods to continually improve the voice.  Otherwise, we will start with mainly vocal exercises (which will grow in difficulty as we master the easier ones), and after a few weeks, start applying what we've learned in the exercises to some songs (usually folk songs, art songs, Broadway, occasionally some opera). Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I employ the use of scales and harmonizing techniques if so desired, but mainly focus on what the student would like to be able to accomplish in his or her time with me. I like to let them pursue their own directions while overseeing that they learn the fundamental aspects of their chosen genre or genres. Learning and especially music should maintain FUN as a central priority, because without excitement over the topic and enthusiasm in development, it becomes easy to get bored and walk away from the activities. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Oboe English Horn

For piano students, I like to use the Alfred method books with supplemented music that peeks their interest. I like these books because they have several series depending on the age of the student and their interests such as music theory and broadway hits.-For woodwind students, I like to work for a few weeks out of their band books so I can assess their strengths and weaknesses. From there I will assign the appropriate method book; typically from the Rubank series. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Since everyone has a different method of learning, I try to identify those, and adjust accordingly. For visual learners, I encourage them to develop their sight-reading skills, but also find creative ways to work around ear training if it is difficult for them. Music is a life long journey, and since students will not be in lessons forever, I also make an effort to give students the tools to become their own researchers. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Classical Guitar

From 2006 to 2010 I sat first chair in the symphonic orchestra at Lees Summit West High School (Lees Summit, MO) and was even a member of the Missouri All-State Orchestra all four years. From 2011 to 2014 I earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Production at the McNally Smith College of Music in Saint Paul, MN. Since then I have had the pleasure of teaching many guitar and bass students of all ages and experience levels, and I hope to continue to do so while I am not composing! Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium

My teaching experience has been with trumpet, trombone and euphonium players as a private instructor.  Before joining the navy music program I taught band at a private school in New Jersey called the Netherlands Reformed Christian School.  Also taught at a store "Music Den" in Roxbury Twp., NJ from 1998 to 2002 for four years. While in the navy as a musician I taught private lessons to students interested in playing a brass instrument. Read More