Music Lessons in Fortville, IN

Instruments: Saxophone

My goal for every lesson is for the students to feel accomplished by the end. This gives them the drive and inspiration that they need to become a great player. I also like to acknowledge students improvements on things they have practiced. In my mind a student will never improve with intense mean criticism. I always acknowledge the good first and things to work on second. This helps with there overall confidence in there playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I teach Wunderkeys to pre-schoolers ages 4 5. This method gives them a head-start in math as well as patterning. I start beginner piano students (ages 6 and up) with Faber's Piano Adventures. I introduce intermediate students to Alfred's Premier Piano Course as this method starts them on solo repertoire. I find out what adult students are interested in and guide my instruction accordingly to keep them engaged. If my students are not having fun, then I'm not doing my job! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

I use many different methods, and I do not limit myself to the following list. I believe in a warm-up for all instruments, so each lesson will start with one (scales, long tones, etc.) For flute, I often start with either the book that comes with the rental book, old band books, etc. then I venture off into etude books, long tone books, and solos that promote individual development. Voice students will start with warm up exercises that help them find the placement of the voice and often, depending on why they are taking voice, there is a song that I pick and a song they pick. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I certainly have adopted the teaching styles of my previous and current instructors, each bringing a unique approach to teaching an instrument. Patience and understand is crucial with any students, and there needs to be a lot of fun and excitement within a lesson, otherwise, what is the point? Now, fun and excitement must also be met with serious practice time and great concentration during a lesson. My objective is to create a comfortable environment fertile for learning, while at the same time having my students know there are skills to refine and concepts to solidify. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

For piano, I typically use the Faber Piano Adventures Series; however, I am open to other method books as well. The Faber series has theory, technique, lesson, and performance books, each with different skills and techniques to learn. I find that those books offer the most comprehensive learning. In addition to the Faber books, I also utilize online worksheets for supplemental learning. For guitar, I typically use online worksheets and chord sheets, and from there, I encourage students to purchase specific guitar books they are interested in (for example, Disney books, classic rock books, Beatles books, etc.). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I started playing guitar at age 8. In my formative years I studied with various instructors around central Indianapolis until mid year of '85. Upon this time I studied a full year with James Lee Thorpe whom eventually played, toured recorded with Sweet F.A. They released albums with MCA Chrysalis Records. I began composing my own riffs, melodies and solo work at age 15 also. I studied Music Theory my Junior year at Ben Davis High School. Read More