Music Lessons in Big Bend, WI

Instruments: Guitar Trombone Ukulele Euphonium Tuba

For brass players, I use Arbans, Bordogni, and Blazhevich etude books coupled with Rubank and other duets to form a solid foundation. From there I try and let the students' own interest in music guide other parts of practice. With strings I like to start out with the Hal Leonard beginning books to get the basics of reading music. From there I couple learning popular tunes the student picks with developing method books to maintain a strong fundamental of playing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

So far, I've taught some kids and adults.  I've learned that teaching kids versus teaching adult students is different. Each age group would require their own tasks. For instance, if I were to be teaching a kid who is maybe 10 years old, I would start off by introducing the notes on the instrument. Then, I would create games or exercises based on the new stuff we'd cover.  For an adult student, I wouldn't use any games on them. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm an experienced, fun multi-instrumentalist with over 20 years of teaching and performing. I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree from UW-Milwaukee and studied music at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. I have performed with many national acts throughout the US and Europe and also have collaborated with many artists as both a co songwriter, performer and producer. I enjoy guiding students to reach their musical goals and structure lessons to be very individualized for students and their interests. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For young and beginning students, I focus intently on proper technique (holding of sticks, timing, 4-way coordination, etc.) to ensure a proper foundation for success. For older and experienced students, I look to work on a wide range of styles to help the student understand the nuances of performance techniques and promote an understanding of how interconnected various performance styles are. This ensures the student is capable of performance with a wide variety of bands and can adapt to other musicians. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium

I'm a firm believer in taking a student where they are and building off of their interests. Finding what a student is interested in and using that as a starting point is a part of my teaching approach. At the same time, there are some things that are critical to be taught at every level that should be incorporated on some level so there's a holistic and balanced education. I find a combination of fundamental skills, scales, music theory, some history, critical thinking and analysis combined with whatever solo or individual study from school or other sources. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Piccolo

For beginning musicians, I like to start with the very fundamentals of music theory in order to get them comfortable with reading music and understanding what they are doing. Books I have used in the past include the Essential Elements series and the Melodious and Progressive Etude series. I also understand the importance of enjoying what one is playing, so I always urge students find pieces or books for themselves that they are interested in, and incorporate them into my lessons. Read More