Music Lessons in Cockrell Hill, TX

Instruments: Piano

My first and foremost goal is to inspire a student to want to learn and thrive in their instrument. If I can do this, my job along with theirs, becomes that much easier. I try and do this by heavily incorporating the music that they identify the most with while strengthening their technique with a classical foundation. And, introduce a well-rounded set of incentives for each of their accomplishments. After all of this, without saying, the passion for the piano should have grown after taking root in our first lessons. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Oboe

I have been a music educator in the public schools for over 40 years having taught in Austin, Texas and currently in Fort Worth, Texas. Many of my students have gone to play their instruments in college bands throughout the state. Several former students are currently teaching music at the secondary and college level. I do not approach my teaching to focus on a student's future as a musician. All make individual choices on musical endeavors. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

One of the many advantages to private instruction, and what makes me so passionate about it, is that each student can move at their own speed. Private lessons should be tailored to the individual, so that the student can form a solid foundation. I believe in teaching students with encouragement and positivity, so that playing an instrument can be an enjoyable challenge, rather than a wretched slog. It is important to me that my students know I believe in them, and that our goals are agreed upon as a group. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute

I am a very calm and caring teacher. I set realistic goals for each and every one of my students. I believe each student should have their own plan taht will help them become an amazing Flutist.  Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Additionally, I like to work with scales and long tones in a more advanced way, expanding the range of the instrument and tone quality as we prepare repertoire. With students interested in jazz, either as their primary course of study or in addition to classical music, we focus even more on scales and arpeggios, aiming to master first the most commonly used keys and then expanding to 12 key mastery. I like to begin with a play-along book like Jamey Aebersold's "Maiden Voyage", stressing the beginnings of improvisation, then moving on to more advanced tunes and chord progressions. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I have been honored to teach and also prepare several students in my life. Some of them are today accomplished musicians, others are yet in music schools. For example I have 3 students already in Berklee and another student is in Juliard, NY. Other students, are non musicians wanting to learn saxophone and music. I always adapt my teaching style to their capacities and encourage then to move forward and develop their saxophone skills in order to achieve our mutual goal. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar

James also has opened up with his own band Sea of Glass for Spyra Gyra at the Greenwood Jazz Festival in Oklahoma. In 2007 James played on the Lords Prayer album with Vanessa Bell Armstrong, James Ingram, Sheila E, and many more other gospel, jazz r&b artists from 1994 to present. James says “I was raised on classical music from an early age, my mother sang opera and I started playing guitar at 12 years old. Read More