Musika Quick Stats
23 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Music lessons in Charlotte . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder French Horn Piccolo Oboe Conga Keyboard
I have a somewhat fast paced, exciting music teaching style but am cognizent and respectful of the need for each student to progress at his or her individual pace. I like to engage the student fully in the process of learning, and as there are several different learning modalities, I feel it important to establish which style the student most identifies with. In this manner, each student will have the opportunity to attain the best musical outcomes and allow for optimal enjoyment of playing the instrument. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard
I began teaching when I was in college, teaching piano lessons to students in the community. Since then, I've taught in every church I've been a part of, and at several studios in the larger community. First and foremost, I believe that learning music should be fun! While I strive to encourage excellence, students should enjoy what they are learning. My students are encouraged to practice regularly and participate in public performace, be it studio recitals or in other venues. I was taught that sharing music is just as important as making it! Read More
Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar
My teaching experience dates back to 1988 when I began teaching. It's the greatest feeling in the world to see pupils learn to love music and grow as musicians. Teaching music in the style of interest to the student is important to maintaining interest and motivation to practice. The key is fun and enjoyment. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Synthesizer
I then attended Housatonic College where the Costanzo brothers, Sonny and Sam, headed the music department. Sonny is a renowned trombonist in the New York City area who has played over the years with Clark Terry’s big band and now leads his own. One of the highlights into my ventures with jazz was to study under John Mehegan, noted scholar, author and educator. John set into motion the study of jazz theory and improvisation with his four book series on the subject, which is still highly recognized today. Read More
Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba
I like to have lesson plans made for all of my students to focus on different parts of their playing, including a solo of either their choice, or the one they have big audition on. That way no matter what, there's no excuse for not practicing, there will always be plenty of material to be worked on. If they don't have anything in mind I have a large library of music to share to help them find something they will like. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon Keyboard Djembe
My teaching experience dates back to high school. I was a student leader in the marching band, serving as the woodwind captain for the marching band and the senior student conductor for the concert bands. With these positions, I was able to tutor peers and work on expanding my knowledge of teaching music. Once I graduated, I continued to be employed as the clarinet technician for the marching band at my high school for the next 4 years. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar
I have experience participating in, working with, and conducting college level choirs and I am still gaining experience. I have also passed Piano Proficiency in my undergrad education. This proficiency test covers major and minor scales in all twelve keys in two octaves with proper fingering, playing a piece from memory, sight reading open score (a four-part choral work), and I have had to harmonize a melody using the three basic I, IV, V7 chords in a major key and i, iv, V7 chords in a minor key. Read More
Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I have been gigging since high school when I used to lead worship (acoustic guitar/vocals) for several county wide events that drew hundreds of students from youth groups that crossed denominational backgrounds. During that time (late high school, early college) I also performed on the alto saxophone at a inner city youth group in the gospel/funk/R&B style. There was no music. Everything was by ear and I played most often in the keys of F#, B, C#, E, G and D. The leader said I could show up anytime, even in the middle of the set, open my case and walk on stage. It was a very unique experience that fit the carefree part of my personality.
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Saxophonists generally have a societal expectation to be more versatile than any other instrument. By being more versatile I mean we are expected to play both classical and jazz with equal conviction and double on flute and clarinet within classical and jazz with equal conviction. This is very difficult. The saxophone is not part of the orchestra so we frequently get a wide array of opportunities which requires the performer to be versatile in ability and equipment set up.
Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Last year at Parkhill Junior High in Richardson ISD, Dallas, TX; I had one student win the first alto chair in the all-region wind ensemble
Another student (8th grade) placed second in the district wide concerto competition
I have had 3-5 other students make the all region bands as well in the last year.
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Manhattan Music competition Gold medal
Protege Concerto Competition First Prize
Being selected as 1 of 2 top saxophonists in the University of North Texas concerto competition 3 years in a row
Being able to tour around the world as a musician aboard Cunard and Holland America ships
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
My grandfather led his jazz band "Fred Kelley and the Saratogans" in the mid 1930's performing alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, flute and clarinet.
My mother loved jazz and my uncle is an incredible jazz pianist with a natural ear and dexterity for performance.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
see answers in "My Teaching Style"
Becoming aware of our emotions and physical body during practice is essential to managing our sentiments and ultimately how we feel about playing.
When will I start to see results?
If you follow instruction and practice techniques you should see results immediately, but at the very least within 4 lessons. It really depends on the sentiment and focus that someone exudes during their practice sessions.
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My first saxophone teacher was Dr. Roger Eckers (Eastman) who is an incredible musician, jazz player and woodwind doubler. He was my band director and performed on the weekends with his groups. My jazz band director was Rich Thompson who is still the drum set professor at the Eastman School of Music.
Dr. Steven Mauk (Ithaca), Dr. Lin (Eastman), Dr. Eric Nestler (University of North Texas) and Nancy Boone are other teachers that have inspired me.
23 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Music lessons in Charlotte to students of all ages and abilities.
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