Music Lessons in El Mirage, AZ

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard

Originating from East Chicago, IN, I've known since 3rd grade that I wanted to build a career in music. Over the years I've been able to find my niche, and focus on engineering, composing, and playing live. I've recently come to really enjoy teaching. I find pure joy in watching students make even the slightest improvements (provided they practice :). Everyone that I've taught has walked away with a better understanding of music, empowering them to advance in ways they would otherwise not be able to. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For younger students who are in a school band program, I like to use the materials they use in class and to add outside material they find interesting. I find students are more motivated to practice and develop when we start with something that interests them, and then to expose them to other styles of music later on. For older or more advanced students, I like to focus on aspects of musicianship that will help them be successful musicians, such as ear-training, theory, composition, performance practice, improvisation (if the student wishes) and transcribing. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

My teaching style is very straight forward, I am not a strict teacher. I always try to enlighten my students to find their own voice in music by encouraging and inspiring. I want my students to understand they do not have to sound or play like anybody but themselves, which make their music unique and beautiful. I would expect my students to follow my instructions, and come to lessons prepared. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet Recorder Bassoon Keyboard

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began to my internship and student teaching at elementary and high schools around the valley. I like to include my students' opinion when planning their lesson curriculums. I don't believe in lesson plans that don't allow flexibility and providing the students with opportunities to pick repertoires they are interested in. I've also found that using technology and fun music games the iPad as well as performing along with students can go a long way in helping students to stay motivated and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music

My first lesson is a casual meeting with the student (child/parent, or adult). I want to both meet and start to develop a good relationship and understanding with all involved. With younger students I talk with the parent and show them what we are working on and the logic behind it. Of course, this strategy applies to adults as well. I watch the student's progress very carefully and acknowledge accomplishments because this creates enthusiasm and further development. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Euphonium Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students depending on the instrument of choice, I use: (In no particular order) Standard of Excellence for Band Instruments, consistent with school best practice methods Piano Adventures by Nancy and Randall Faber, for consistency and technique development as well as decent solo repertoire for recitals Hal Leonard's Complete Guitar Course or Alfred, both are good sources. Rainbow Ukulele for younger students in elementary school plus a combination of supplemental materials I've gathered over the years. Read More