Music Lessons in Hermitage, TN

Instruments: Bass Guitar Music

For beginning students, I typically start with lessons I have developed to get them on the right track . Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce bass parts that are appropriate for their first performance with other musicians. Ultimately every student is different and has different needs and expectations. With that in mind I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Violin Bass Guitar

I try to keep my students engaged by making games for them to play while practicing. I also like to keep my students set on a goal for a given period, I believe this motivates them to push themselves. I try to be understanding of every students circumstances, so I'm understanding if a student doesn't practice for a given week. While I would like all my students to practice, I first and foremost believe consistency is important so just keeping them on the right track is often satisfactory to me. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I began teaching when I moved to Wisconsin in 1990. I had twelve students I taught at the Music Go Round studio and three students I taught in their home. I attended West Texas State University (now AM) in Canyon Texas from 1981 - 1983. In 1983, I decided to pursue a professional music career and tour with bands. After moving to Nashville in 1986, I was quickly humbled by the amazing talent out there and kickstarted my education again. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is very relaxed and laid back. I like to let the students be themselves and tell me exactly what they personally are trying to achieve with their music. If they want to secretly be a metalhead shredding like Steve Vai, I want them to tell me and I will be happy to help them get there! If they want to be the next Taylor Swift, that's okay too! Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

For beginners, I like to establish a steady embrochure and hold on the clarinet. It is important to establish these crucial elements. I also strongly believe in scales right off the bat and try to integrate these in an interesting way, along with some beginning solo repertoire. Past that, I love getting my intermediate students started on weekly or bi-weekly etudes. For the more serious student, I base it off of what they are currently trying to achieve, such as upcoming auditions, orchestral repertoire, competitions, summer festival prep, etc. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

This usually correlates to the songs that they want to learn how to play, and they end up learning new techniques that they'll use often in the genres of music they thoroughly enjoy. I encourage students to share with me their favorite bands, and if it happens to be someone I'm unfamiliar with, it becomes a learning experience for us both as I teach the techniques required to play their favorite tunes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Bass Guitar

No matter the age of the student, I believe in project-based learning: I help my them write songs, make arrangements, record albums, and prepare for recitals. They will develop a respect for the craft of making music, the more creatively involved they are. A list of a couple highly recommended instruction books is given to each student on their first day. This is to help them grasp the basic language of their instrument. Read More