Music Lessons in Cedar Grove, NC

Instruments: Trombone

For beginners, I start by focusing on developing a good sound and ensuring that the student knows what a good sound is and what it is not. Air is the foundation of a good sound so, in my introductory lessons, I focus heavily on breathing and air support. This is a foundation that is continued throughout the time the student continues to take lessons. I then begin to work with the student on fundamentals such as articulation, slide control, intonation, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion

In college have had the opportunity to work as a music instructor to a studio with over 20 students on a weekly basis. The students ranged in age from 5 to 70. This gave me a good perspective on how to directly connect with each student to ensure that we are exploring the best concept of learning for the individual. Drum set lessons are always more groove oriented first and I do encourage becoming comfortable learning from an aural perspective before tackling reading music and understanding theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I create my own lesson plans (and some materials) specific to each student. Some standard books I use are Alfred's Drum Method book 1, The New Breed, Portraits in Rhythm, The Drummer's Complete Vocabulary to name a few. The books are necessary for developing music literacy, however I remind students that the pages don't make sound!!! Developing a discerning ear is paramount in my approach. Therefore we do a lot of listening and I engage students in dialogue for them to develop a personalized mental image of what they are trying to play. Read More

Instruments: Cello

Colorado Music Festival, section, 2013 (returning by invitation for summer 2014) Freelance cellist in the Winston-Salem, Greensboro, North Carolina, Roanoke and Charleston symphonies, and North Carolina Opera Phantom, The Las Vegas Spectacular!, Cellist, May 2006-September 2012 (closed on 9/2/2012) College of Southern Nevada, Adjunct Faculty, September 2006-May 2012 Las Vegas Philharmonic, Substitute Principal, November 13, 2004 (Andrea Bocelli); Section, December, 2004 through May, 2005; Assistant-Principal, May, 2005 Nevada School of the Arts, Las Vegas, Nevada, Faculty, 2005-2011 New California Conservatory, Los Angeles, California, Faculty, 2003-04 University of Alaska Fairbanks, Term Assistant Professor of Music: Cello/Bass/Music History, 2001-03 Milwaukee Ballet, section, 2000 Colorado Music Festival, section, 1998, 2000-05; Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

Even though I received my Masters degree in Trumpet Performance 30 years ago I have remained an active player in classical, big band, musical theater and church settings and enjoy sharing my experience and teaching backgrounds to inspire and motivate trumpet students of all ages. While music is not my vocation I have enjoyed playing and teaching privately as my avocation/hobby for more than 30 years. My wife is a retired elementary school music teacher and both my children are involved in music as well. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I have been giving music lessons for over twelve years. I have taught many churches, pop, and R&B musicians music theory and applied lessons. I have taught in the public, charter, and private school systems for over a decade. I am a highly skilled classical and jazz musician. Classical and Jazz music is what I emphasize in the public school system, but I have lots of experience in beach band, gospel, funk, and much more. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I set goals for my students to achieve and once the basics have been mastered I open it up for them to decide. IF they want to be a performer I will work with them toward being a great performer. If they want to be a better technical player we will work on mastering techniques and continually challenging them, if they want to write their own parts we will work that way. Read More