Music Lessons in Grain Valley, MO

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Oboe English Horn

I believe every student is different and therefore demands a different instruction style. Some students need a lot of encouragement and some students need more of a push. I also believe students need musical ideas to be presented to them in different ways. Some students need a visual explanation, some auditory, and some kinesthetic. Through my training to become a music educator at Missouri State University, I gained experience in several different types of students and I am confident I can help a large variety of students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my early 20s and my college days. i started teaching private lessons part time, for some family and friends etc, and have been teaching and meeting new people and students ever since. the number one factor in learning your craft is to dedicate yourself to regular and consistent practice or rehearsal into your schedule and stick to it if you want to be successful. and i will always encourage my students to maintain a healthy balance of rehearsal into your daily life. i can't emphasize this enough; especially the younger students, to build a routine, as it tends to really help the student progress and gain a passion for the their craft. i encourage my students to enter competitions and recitals, when the time is right of course.. as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. i am my own students resource and im always willing to help out anyone i can and im always looking to bring on new students of all ages! Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium

My teaching experience has been with trumpet, trombone and euphonium players as a private instructor.  Before joining the navy music program I taught band at a private school in New Jersey called the Netherlands Reformed Christian School.  Also taught at a store "Music Den" in Roxbury Twp., NJ from 1998 to 2002 for four years. While in the navy as a musician I taught private lessons to students interested in playing a brass instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Organ Ukulele Recorder Keyboard Djembe

For beginner's, I do typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books. For intermediate, I'll evaluate what materials they've used thus far in their lessons and go from there. If someone is familiar with a set of books in a positive way, there's no reason to change the books they're using. I do believe, however, there is profit in a variety of repertoire, so a diverse lesson is key. I have learned from experience that simply learning one genre (classical, jazz, showtunes) is less desirable than having a familiar ear to multiple styles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Fiddle

I am a professional and passionate violinist, pipa performer, composer, music theorist, and Chinese music scholar who loves teaching and performing. In 2018, I graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with both a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Music Composition and a Master of Music degree in Music Theory. Besides performing as a soloist, I love collaborating with professional musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds. I also enjoy collaborating with visual artists, dancers, and actors. Read More

Instruments: Voice

For beginning students, I like to start by assessing the students' skill by having them sing a piece of music of their choice. I am a strong believer in students taking charge of their learning, so I like to have my students choose a piece of music of their choice, and I will pick another piece of music that I believe suits their voice. Each lesson will start with breathing techniques and a vocal warm up. 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