Music Lessons in Independence, MO

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I thanked God for the gift he had given me and had no idea what to do except promise him to always use the gift for good and not for anything bad. An incredible feeling swept over me. I didn't have the words to explain it at the time other than it was a Jesus thing. I worked hard, got married, had children, and played the guitar and wrote songs in every available moment. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I have taught at North Central University in Minneapolia, Minnesota, and the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music in Brooklyn New York. I have taught privately for 20+ years and I enjoy the applications and creative processes involved in teaching music. I have worked with young students on basic guitar, bass, piano and drum skills including music interpretation, rhythmic development and music theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Keyboard

I have teaching experiences in piano, flute and accompaniment more than six years. Having a graduate degree in music composition, my objective is teach music with creativity and diverse cultural materials to enhance students interests, initiatives and passions in music; establish goals for students according to their abilities. I love to teach piano comprehensively, meaning not only teaching them piano skills, but giving them knowledge about the composer, composition background and history. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I have been a Young Artist with Cedar Rapids Opera Theater, playing the role of Butch in Frankenboy. While in graduate school, I sang the roles of Betto di Signa in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Count Paris in Gounod’s Romeo et Juliette, and John Brooke in Adamo’s Little Women, all with IU Opera Theater. I had the opportunity to create the role of Almeron Dickinson in Tim Noble’s workshop for his new musical, Alamo. Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

My methods vary greatly dependent upon the needs of the student. For younger students, I start with early fundamentals (music in general, breathing, and confidence) through easy songs that are recognizable and fun to learn. As a student ages, the voice matures, so I assess a student's vocal qualities and give them appropriate rep through their voice changing. For teens and adults, I focus on finding appropriate pieces that are in line with a student's preferred genre. Read More

Instruments: Piano

In my studio, I listen to the work that the student prepares for the lesson and assist with technical, performance, and musical aspects. We also listen to new music and discuss various aspects of the development of music.For younger students, I have computer based learn to help reinforce fundamentals, and also games that can help keep the learning an exciting and fun-filled experience. For my adults with goals in classical music, I offer in-class study of theory, repertoire, and history. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

Beginning students will most likely be playing from whatever band book their school uses. If the student is not in middle school yet, then they will most likely start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. As students progress, more material will be added later. For intermediate students, I would begin to add solo repertoire and would most likely also add the Clarke Characteristic Studies. With my more advanced students there is more variation as these are typically the students that have all district, solo contests, and college auditions to prepare for. Read More