Music Lessons in Blue Springs, MO

Instruments: Cello

My teaching journey began in high school when I led sectionals for younger classes and elementary programs, as I already knew I wanted to study music education. I started teaching private lessons to a few students in my free time, and this early experience helped me develop effective teaching techniques. Since then, I have taught private lessons in the Kansas City area through my own studio and traveled to schools to teach lessons during the school day, as well as small cello classes outside of school hours. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

The experience I had started with was a community center in an underprivileged area of Kansas city in 1973 as a Senior in High School and extended to many retail establishments of the Kansas city metro and beyond. I have also taught private lessons in my residence and in homes of many students during the pandemic. For nearly 20 years I have taught all ages at the Kansas city strings in Merriam Kansas as independently contracted teacher. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I have been teaching since I was a senior in high school. Over the last 10 years I have come to realize that all students learn differently and all will encounter problems in different ways. Some students will overcome these challenges in a few days, others it may take a few months. I know because I was one of those students where it took a few months. I always tell my students that I will do everything I can to help them as long as I can tell they are practicing (and I will be able to tell). Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My biggest focus with my students is building confidence! I strive to always be encouraging. I believe that we are capable of accomplishing much more when we believe that we can do it! One of the most important building blocks of confidence is consistent practice. I will make sure my students leave their lessons with a plan for the coming week’s practice. I will do my best to make sure this practice is both purposeful and enjoyable. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

For beginning students, children and adults, I start out with my own material that I have created over the past five years. I use it to start technique, note reading, and rhythm. Once the student completes the material, I move them to Suzuki books, etudes, and other pieces. I like to get student input when choosing music. I believe that the student will be more engaged in the lessons and practice when they are playing something that they enjoy. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Organ Ukulele Recorder Keyboard Djembe

For beginner's, I do typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books. For intermediate, I'll evaluate what materials they've used thus far in their lessons and go from there. If someone is familiar with a set of books in a positive way, there's no reason to change the books they're using. I do believe, however, there is profit in a variety of repertoire, so a diverse lesson is key. I have learned from experience that simply learning one genre (classical, jazz, showtunes) is less desirable than having a familiar ear to multiple styles. Read More