Music Lessons in Creston, OH

Instruments: Guitar

For entry level students such as children, I will teach them out of a method book to get them started. They will learn all the fundamentals the proper way to hold the instrument and tuning. And once they have improved to the point where have the ability to learn songs they will be taught the songs they will love to play. For intermediate students, they will be taught how to read chord changes and music theory to able to write their songs. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba

I am a recent graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where I received my Masters of Music in Trumpet Performance with Eric Berlin. In my time there, I was a member of the Graduate Brass Quintet, Faculty Brass Quintet, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Trumpet Ensemble. I also had the opportunity to perform on two concerts with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra in Symphony Hall. I did my undergraduate work at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, where I received two Bachelors of Music, in Trumpet performance and Music Education. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

Nothing is better than watching a student make the transition from one level of playing to the next. It is important that each student progress at his or her own pace. This is achieved by setting realistic goals each week. I love to encourage students' success by acknowledging their accomplishments, no matter how small. This helps fuel their desire to get better. I want to know what inspires my students so I can bring that into the lesson every week. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I teach Clarinet while incorporating the voice. Singing one's solo or exercise is a method for teaching intonation on the Clarinet. I also use a system of putting certain vowels to the different ranges of the Clarinet (i.e.- one should think "O" when playing in the Clarion register because thinking that vowel will naturally open one's throat). This eventually becomes second nature when the student doesn't have to think vowels. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo Music

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I usually mix all lessons with a variety of a musical exercise, an etude, and then a larger solo piece. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I love seeing my students' pride as they are successful in music. With the student, I work to establish short- and long-term goals and I try to provide incentive for meeting these goals. I have a prize box from which the student can pick something (Small candies, pencils, pens, stickers, bubbles, etc.) when they achieve a short-term goal (i.e. learn 5 songs in February, or something similar). When a student achieves a long-term goal (a specific festival rating, completing a level in their method, etc) I have gift cards that they choose from. Read More

Instruments: Voice

My teaching style is based on love, patience, kindness and understanding. My priority is to create a safe space for students so that they can express themselves freely and authentically. The most important aspect is to make learning a fun, enjoyable and fulfilling process by understanding the student and listening to what they want to accomplish. In order to understand the student and make this session an enjoyable one, I always use this technique of knowing what type of learner I'm working with: We have four main types of learners: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic.  1.) Visual learning (music videos, movies, diagrams) 2.) Auditory learning (music, discussion, lectures) 3.) Reading and writing (making lists, reading poems, songwriting) 4.) Kinesthetic learning (movement, experiments, hands-on activities) Read More