Music Lessons in Brentwood, TN

Instruments: Voice

My teaching style is to be positive, energetic, and communicative throughout each lesson. I want every student to walk away from each lesson feeling good about their progress and feeling like they have learned a valuable tool to practice throughout the week. For me as a teacher, the ultimate reward is seeing a student feel proud of their accomplishments and gain confidence as a performer. I also want to encourage every student to take their talents beyond our lessons. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a performer/composer who comes from a line of professional arts educators. Both my parents and one of my grandmothers are lifelong teachers in musical theater and modern dance respectively. I've learned a huge amount from them not only about my art form but about the skills required to be a good teacher, regardless of topic. Teaching is truly its own set of skills separate from the topic that someone is teaching, and treating this job as such is the difference between someone simply demonstrating skills and actually being a thoughtful teacher. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Djembe

Often times when it comes to music instruction some misleading statements come up. A popular misconception is that playing a instrument is all muscle memory. This is not a complete or true statement. Muscle memory is only a part, it is the recall mechanism of what we have practiced. If you learn something wrong you will recall it wrong. Having a fundamental understanding of how drumming works can make the experience of learning to play great for the student. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I began teaching when I moved to Wisconsin in 1990. I had twelve students I taught at the Music Go Round studio and three students I taught in their home. I attended West Texas State University (now AM) in Canyon Texas from 1981 - 1983. In 1983, I decided to pursue a professional music career and tour with bands. After moving to Nashville in 1986, I was quickly humbled by the amazing talent out there and kickstarted my education again. Read More

Instruments: Cello Bass Guitar Double Bass Music

At Music for Life, I have taught individually for cello, double bass, electric bass, composition, theory, and more, as well as teaching a variety of group lessons, such as cello technique classes, theory classes, co-songwriting classes, and groove workshops. Additionally, I have experience adjudicating soloists, small ensembles, large high school bands and orchestras, and multiple pop, rock, and country groups. I have given well-attended presentations and group lessons on subjects such as theory, improvisation, ensembleship, and listening. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Acoustic Guitar

All students will learn the basics of healthy singing, intonation, pitch accuracy, rhythmic/beat accuracy, and style. A variety of repertoire is used, based on the student's preferences, in addition to standard literature, which is useful to helping the student develop essential skills. Singing is, perhaps, the most vulnerable musical instrument we have at our disposal. We will work at the pace and comfortability of the student. Confidence and empowerment are of the utmost importance throughout this process. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Whether you are a beginner or a professional, I cannot stress the philosophy that practicing a little each and every day is vastly more important than trying to cram it all into one day out of your week. If you are a beginner we start with the very basics such as the Hal Leonard method or something similar. I also find it very important to learn your musical tastes and goals! Read More