Music Lessons in Huntersville, VA

Instruments: Piano

The bulk of my teaching experience comes from my college days where I taught secondary piano lessons to college undergraduates and children. My teaching style and methods were solidified in my graduate studies at Indiana University where I was an Associate Instructor of Piano. During this time, I taught group piano classes to music and non-music majors, private piano lessons to both graduate and undergraduate students, and worked as a counselor/practice coach for three summers at the prestigious piano summer festival Indiana University Piano Academy. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

The first opportunity I had to teach someone trumpet was during my junior year of high school. There was a freshman saxophone player who decided to switch to trumpet, so my band director had me teach her. Ever since then, I have been studying different pedagogical techniques for both trumpet and music in general. My belief is that, in order for a student to have the most success, they must set a goal for themselves. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Piccolo Mallet Percussion

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. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students, the Faber Faber series or the Alfred series are recommended as a core repertoire. A Dozen A Day is recommended for daily warm-ups and I also provide the students with supplementary songs and books of their choice, such as Disney, pop, jazz and popular classical pieces transcribed for beginner piano. For adult students, I use the Faber Faber method book that provides an overall comprehensive and fast pace lesson style. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Harmonica Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methodologies for teaching will vary based on different factors such as age and level of musical knowledge. The number one thing I try and do for my students is make sure they have FUN and ENJOY the process of learning. I do like to use established books that focus on the fundamentals of music such as the Hal Leonard Guitar Method Books. Literature like that is very informative, but also a bit clinical at times, so I always like to find out what my students want to play and tailor lessons towards their specific goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Recorder Euphonium

For children, my foundational methods include Leonard, Krueger, Clarke, Arban, Reinhardt, Rizzetto, Pearson, and Rubank. Solo and ensemble repertoire is introduced at the appropriate time. Time is also spent on improvisation, writing original compositions, and learning music that the students have brought to the lesson. For adults, we focus on what students are interested in working on, regardless of their ability level. Many adults want to spend part of the lesson working with the foundational methods, and spend part of the lesson learning one or two pieces of music. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

In high school I was fortunate to work with some local jazz musicians. One was a famous jazz guitarist named Lenny Breau. We had an artist in residence program with composer/ drummer Steve Grover and he was a big influence on me along with Dick Demers. I have performed in symphonies. I have done many Broadway musicals playing in the pit. I have played in many bands. Before I moved to Virginia I was living in Maine and playing in 5 bands. Read More