Music Lessons in Cedarburg, WI

Instruments: Drums

First things first. We will use ourearsto learn music before we spend time reading what musiclooks likeon paper. This is especially true when learning to play the drum set. How many rock or jazz drummers do you see reading music on stage? This is not because they can't, rather it shows that drum set playing is more about interpreting music--not necessarily playing it exactly the same all the time. This skill involves our ears, not our eyes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I teach vocal students from ages 6-adult. We work on breathing techniques, music theory, interpretation, and style. I like students to sing their favorite styles. I also expose them to songs that I feel would be appropriate for their growth. We also work on performance and auditions! I like to incorporate a lot of music theory and note reading into my teaching as well. Everyone is at a different level so I cater lessons to fit the needs of each student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my time in high school, as I taught group guitar lessons with the Franklin Community Education and Recreation Department as well as private guitar lessons from 2011 to 2013. In both of those environments, I typically taught children ages 6 to 12, most of whom were beginners on their instrument. I found these lessons inspiring and enlivening; witnessing the sense of curiosity and wonder my students had as they began to make their first sounds made me excited to teach and to grow with them each week. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students under the age of 10, I start with the beginning John Thompson book. Depending on the type of music the students want to play I will instruct them on more advance lessons that I learned from. Practically all of my lessons are taught from the John Thompson book. 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: Voice

Throughout the course of my collegiate career, the main method/approach to singing that I have been taught and teach to my own students as well, is that of relying on proper air/breath support to do the "heavy lifting" in singing- NOT putting any stress or tension on your vocal chords! Therefore, my methods/practices consist largely of proper breathing exercises during warmups, but also selecting solo repertoire that focuses on building proper and healthy bridges between your chest/head voice, as to create a smoother, less-noticeable transition that also sustains your voice throughout the course of your singing career. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

Ben holds a BM in Music Education (PreK-12 Instrumental) from Longwood University and an MM in Music Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. While he majored in clarinet and performs primarily on bass outside of the concert band world, Ben is a multi-instrumentalist, performing with numerous ensembles on a number of different instruments. Past credits include the Mid-Atlantic Wind Symphony (principal clarinet, bass clarinet), Aaron Noë All-Stars (electric and upright bass), Christian Youth Theater (electric and upright bass), Fredericksburg Academy Players (bass, drumset, guitar, auxiliary percussion), and the Rappahannock Pops Orchestra (clarinet, bass clarinet, timpani/aux. percussion). Read More