Music Lessons in Excelsior Springs, MO

Instruments: Voice

I always start by asking the student if he/she has any goals or upcoming performances they'd like to concentrate on.  If so, we focus mainly on that goal, while also incorporating vocal exercises and other methods to continually improve the voice.  Otherwise, we will start with mainly vocal exercises (which will grow in difficulty as we master the easier ones), and after a few weeks, start applying what we've learned in the exercises to some songs (usually folk songs, art songs, Broadway, occasionally some opera). Read More

Instruments: Drums

I have been playing drums and percussion for almost 20 years and my love and passion for playing and teaching shows in myself and the students I've worked with. In 2011, I graduated from Missouri Western State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. Percussion was my main instrument. In the past 15 years, I've had the pleasure of performing with various types of bands in venues and competitions from all over the United States, winning many awards and critical praise for my work as a musician. Read More

Instruments: Voice Drums Orchestral Percussion

For the young students who are just starting out in vocal lessons I like to recommend starting with the proper breathing techniques and moving in to singing from the diaphragm and more experienced techniques will follow after that. After we have touched on those techniques we will move in to the performance portion of the lessons and how to connect with the song and then being able to portray the message of the song clearly and efficiently to the audience so that they can connect to the emotions that are coming from the song. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Oboe English Horn

For piano students, I like to use the Alfred method books with supplemented music that peeks their interest. I like these books because they have several series depending on the age of the student and their interests such as music theory and broadway hits.-For woodwind students, I like to work for a few weeks out of their band books so I can assess their strengths and weaknesses. From there I will assign the appropriate method book; typically from the Rubank series. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I am an experienced musician and teacher of 50 years. My life is has been about playing, performing, and writing music. I have many original recordings and have performed my music quite often throughout the years. I have many years of experience in one on one sessions as well as concert openers. I have the ability to teach from the beginning up to helping fine tune your skills. My desire is bring others into the passion of music and playing their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe in a student learning to hear music and think for themselves. Through ear training, creativity, and learning "how" music works, the goal is to get each student to not need a teacher to learn their instrument, but want a teacher so they may become their best version of it. I focus on this as a primary value in my studio. In lessons, we'll use formulas and concepts to understand "why" things sound good, and "how" we actually get better. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Acoustic Guitar

nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace, so i encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. setting and hitting realistic goals drives motivation and acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more, and keeps the learning process new and exciting etc. by trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs, while the student remains comfortable and confident in his/her abilities etc. Read More