Music Lessons in Corrales, NM

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard

I prefer to teach my students the way I was taught, by learning to read and write music. There are students who prefer to learn by ear, but written instruction is always best for countless reasons. I use a combination of my own introductory lessons (which I customize depending on the age and maturity of the student) with published books and materials. For piano, I like to use the Alfred books and classical sheet music but I am always open to using other instructional books and songs that the student may want to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

We all learn best through patters - not only in the material itself, but also how it is presented. Because I want students to be comfortable in a routine, I greatly value structure in my lessons, which incorporate theory, technique, and repertoire in a way that caters to the student’s interests as much as possible. A favorite line for me is Alfred’s Piano Library, as it provides a colorful, natural approach, even for complex musical concepts. Read More

Instruments: Voice Latin Percussion Music

I teach a number of vocal warmups, exercises to extend vocal range, breath support workouts, physical stretches and grounding techniques, and coaching to refine vocal quality. For percussion students, I teach hand exercises, foundational formal techniques, and traditional rhythms. I help students find repertoire they want to develop, and teach techniques for learning and performing music. For students of Balkan singing, I also teach pronunciation, vocal ornamentation, and vocal placement which varies between place. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

Along with a strong background of fundamentals found in Faber's Adventures, Burnam's Step By Step, and Snell's Repertoire, I help students from five to nine with personal selections based on interest. Examples would be Disney songs (Aladdin, Beauty and The Beast), Gospel and Religious (Jesus Loves Me, the Dreydl song), or superheroes (Spiderman). Ten to 14-year olds have used favorites from around the world -(everything from Greensleeves to Malaguena, In the Hall of the Mountain King and more superheroes like Batman and Iron Man), plus classics by Beethoven and Bach. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Myteaching methodsinvolve a mind-body experience. I believe that a strong foundation in body alignment, breath support and management will allow students to build the skills they desire, regardless of musical style or genre. With an eye always on healthy singing,Iencourage students to experience many styles of vocal repertoire. Each student brings a set of perceptions about singing. Some of these are helpful, while others are habits that students work to eliminate.I believe that students need tounderstand the physical, emotional, and mental components of singing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

The methods through which I choose to teach vary based on each student and instrument. The individual student's age and purpose for study (what they want to get out of the lessons) also plays into any chosen methodology. What I am certain of and what I am consistant in teaching all of my students is a mastery of performance fundamentals as well as at least a rudimentary understanding of music theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I started teaching voice and piano lessons while I was a student at Wartburg College. I continued teaching when I moved to New Mexico and I now have ten years of studio teaching experience. After completing my Master's Degree in Vocal Performance, I returned to UNM to attain a New Mexico Teaching License. I have been teaching elementary music in the public schools for five years since attaining that license. Read More