Music Lessons in El Mirage, AZ

Instruments: Piano Music

I have taught piano since my college days. I have seen the student's joy and pride through his/her musical accomplishment. Not only do I teach how to play the keyboard, but focus on the understanding of the music being played because that truly is the key (no pun intended) to successful learning. I believe in positive reinforcement and develop a 1-1 relationship with the child and parent. On another level, learning music positively impacts the development of my younger students in math, analysis, coordination, language, and discipline. Read More

Instruments: Oboe English Horn

I am a passionate and motivated performer and teacher in the Phoenix area. I am currently the adjunct oboe instructor at Paradise Valley Community College, and perform regularly with the Symphony of the Southwest, West Valley Symphony, and Prescott Pops Symphony. I received my Bachelor’s degree in oboe performance from Eastern Illinois University and my Master’s degree in oboe performance from Northern Illinois University. I also studied in Salzburg, Austria, and will perform Carmen, Marriage of Figaro, and The Magic Flute in Vienna in 2021. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Cello Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Double Bass Music Keyboard Djembe

I recorded my first solo album titled Just a Bass and won NMHS Battle of the Bands again my senior year. For my senior project I composed, rehearsed and performed my first Concerto for Cello and Orchestra and went on to study Double Bass performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where I received my B.M. I have played in many master classes with some of the worlds greatest musicians including Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, Victor Wooten, Emanuel Ax and others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Through experience, I have specialized in teaching to the students needs. I believe that students should be involved in setting goals and deciding what direction their lessons will take. I carefully plan my lessons, but am comfortable with completely altering the lesson plan in order to address what the student really needs that day. My philosophy is that the lesson is for the student and so it must be meaningful to them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard

I believe I am a friendly guy at heart, so I tend to be friendly with the students. There are times where I have to tell them, for example, "You haven't been practicing.". But I try my best to do that in love while encouraging them when I see even the smallest improvement. I feel as though the key is to play as much as possible. That can be hard to do when you feel like you don't know how to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Faber - John Thompson - Bastien - Alfred - Hal Leonard etc Shirley tries to fit the student to the method. Every method doesn't work for every one. Age and experience and ability all play important factors into the method that is used for you or your child personally. Read More