Music Lessons in Grand Rapids, OH

Instruments: Piano Voice

I discovered my musical interests and performance abilities through private piano lessons, dance classes, private voice lessons, and musical theatre acting workshops. I began my teaching experience as an assistant instructor/choreographer for the StarBright! Youth Musical Theatre classes at a local community theatre. During my undergraduate studies, I was an opera acting coach at Baldwin Wallace under Opera Director, Benjamin Wayne Smith. I privately coached voice performance students to assist them with role preparation and audition repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Bass Guitar Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I take the great things about the Suzuki Method and use them (fun, creativity, by-ear learning, group jams). Then I take the things I don't like about the method and disregard them (pre-established repetoire, no composition or improv). I teach kids how to concentrate, how to teach themselves, how to ignore distractions, and the philosophy for joyful performance without nervousness. The result has been that I have trained hundreds of children to have fun playing music well, plus four of my child students have become national acts. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I choose music that will help students in many different areas. Students need some music that will help them work on fundamentals: long tones, slurs, articulations, and scales. Students also need to play music they enjoy. All of my students, in addition to the fundamentals of good playing, bring in music that is enjoyable to play and that they like. It is a good balance when practicing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Being a teacher is by far one of the most rewarding choices that I have ever made. Seeing a students growth and development is absolutely astounding. I believe that each student is very individualized, and no student learns exactly the same as another. As a teacher, I believe that I need to constantly be adaptable and adjustable to each student's needs. I also want the student to enjoy the learning process; it is important that the student knows that he or she is making achievements and enjoys the rewards of his or her hard work. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba

My teaching experience stems back to high school. When I was 14 I was recognized for my talent to help members of the Jr high and beginner band classes. Then when I was attending Miami University, I started my own studio of three high school trombone students; I did that for 2 years. Since then I have taught at dozens of band camps all across Ohio, I have taught in BGSUs Academy Band from 2017-2018, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestras Youth Wind Ensemble from 2014-2016. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

The best part of teaching is seeing the look in my student's eyes as something finally clicks for them. Helping students grow into independent musicians is my main goal as a teacher. I do this through helping the students understand all of the moving parts of music, like the theory behind what they are playing, so that they are able to transfer their knowledge to whatever music they will work on next. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I keep it light and simple. In lessons, I am a listener as well as a teacher. I use the students own words to work through music. I encourage students to focus on what things feel like, and describe them, so that we can focus on what is working well! After a few general lessons, I work with the student to set realistic goals for themselves, not only per project, but per lesson. Read More