Music Lessons in Des Peres, MO

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I feel its important to take very basic elements and build upon them. I always like to keep things interesting and fun, yet challenge my students at the same time. Students have different needs, wants, and goals. Its important to consider those things when structuring a music program. If a student wants to be a metal guitarist, Im probably not going to spend a great deal of time teaching them standard guitar chords. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Double Bass Mallet Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been a full-time private music teacher since 1995. One of my lifes greatest pleasures has been motivating my students to succeed and helping them to see how much fun they can have in the process. I use my training and 30+ years of performance to teach to the students personal interests, strengths, and learning styles that fit them best. My in-home studio is conveniently located in Crestwood Missouri and contains 2 pianos, full-sized marimba, 16 acoustic electric stringed instruments, amplifiers, double-bass, drums and various world percussion. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning and intermediate students I utilize the Bastien Method books series, which includes supplemental Theory and Technique books that can be purchased if needed.  These students each select performance pieces which they enjoy and are level-appropriate from a variety of sources. More advanced students focus primarily on challenging performance pieces, several of which are selected as 'keepers' for practice and review.  Lessons include technique practice (scales, arpeggios, finger exercises), theory (from textbooks, flashcards etc.) music history, instrument mechanics, ear training and musicianship (such as rhythm and sight reading drills, dictation) and student compositions (notation and continuation methods). Read More

Instruments: Voice

As a voice teacher, I have greatly enjoyed sharing the gift of music with others. It is important to me that singers always find joy and fulfillment in making music. I work with each singer to choose repertoire that is interesting and enjoyable to work on, and that will allow them to grow musically. We set goals from week to week that will encourage home practice as well, since just like any other skill, learning to perform musically takes time and dedication. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

For intermediate and advanced students, I like to figure out what kind of popular music (rock, blues, jazz, pop) that they would like to play and learn more about, and then learn repetoire or basic techniques in that particular genre. Again, I specialize mainly in popular styles, and am not much of a classical player. My hope is to give intermediate and advanced classically trained students a good foundation in popular styles, and once the foundation is there, start working on repetoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Looking back over my recent careers -- including positions in the public relations, marketing, writing and editing fields -- THE most rewarding has been teaching and performing piano. Some former students are enrolled at prestigious colleges, conservatories and universities. Others are pursuing degrees in medicine and higher education. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

How do I teach? Weekly lessons (in-person or virtual) motivate the student and give them a chance to perform every week Student plays their assigned repertoire and I will often ask them to critique themselves to become active and critical thinkers and diagnosticians I'll share what I think the student can work on and we'll work on the repertoire together in the lesson I always have my clarinet out and will play with and for them when needed I send follow-up lesson notes and occasional resources The repertoire I assign is meant to challenge and excite the student as it lies just at the edge of their comfort zone but within their capabilities with a little practice I aim to always provide honest and helpful feedback Read More