Music Lessons in Maxwell, TX

Instruments: Drums

For beginning students typically start with Drum Set For Kids by Hal Leonard. In this book after playing lessons each one has a song to play along to with a recording. This makes learning this book fun for studemts. I also like to focus on hand technique and all of the basics for playing Drums. I do include teaching drum rudiments for they are very important to have. For a Drummer they are our dictionary that help puts phrases together. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Curriculum:   Elements of rhythm>>> Elements of pitch>>> Elements of dynamics>>> Elements of articulation>>> Reading notation>>> Writing notation>>> Counterpoint>>> Harmony>>> Live performance>>> Duets>>> Ensemble performance>>> Studio performance>>> Advancing to the next level>>> Finding your range>>> Expanding your range>>> Tone development>>> Accuracy>>> Dexterity>>> Speed>>> Projecting>>> Improvisational techniques>>> Playing by ear>>> Finding your signature style>>> Expression>>> Lyricism>>> Composing>>> Arranging>>> Project management>>> Recording Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

We were awarded the "Best Bluegrass Band" by the Austin Chronicle in 2013 and 2018. We've been featured on No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain, the NBC tv show Revolution, the Daily Show (back when it was John Stewart still!), NPR, CMT, Rolling Stone, BBC, and were in the major motion picture musical Pitch Perfect 3. On top of being in a successful touring band, I play a lot of solo shows, play pickup bluegrass gigs around Austin, and play with my side project Robin Alice. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I've studied and performed a wide varity of music: jazz, blues, funk, soul, reggae, zydeco, West African/Zimbabwaen, Middle Eastern, gospel, classical, rock, pop, folk, country... I've done dozens of recordings and play thousands of shows. I'm all about helping the student learn how to play their instrument and make music that they want to make. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo Music

I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the instrument and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

PIANO STUDENTS: For beginners, I prefer the Bastien series. I like a lot of variety but am very careful to not give too much at once. It is better to become excellent at each thing slowly, than try to do a lot and not be that good at any of it. I am a stickler for starting out with scales and theory right away. Understanding rhythm right  away is of utmost importance as well. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Teaching is my thing! Graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with my Masters Degree in Opera Performance. Since then I have taught privately and performed all over the world. I have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York, overseas in the EU and Brazil, and performed in the US premier of "Waiting for the Barbarians" here in Austin. I have enjoyed teaching students for over ten years now. Read More