Music Lessons in Mesa, AZ

Instruments: Flute Harp Recorder Piccolo

I was born in Cwmafan, South Wales, UK.into a house where the Welsh Language was spoken and sung. I was educated in Sandfields Comprehensive School, Hull then Cardiff Universities, where I studied with renowned Welsh composer Alun Hodinott. I taught in the London School system for several years. I emigrated to the USA in 1975, living and performing in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and then moving to Phoenix in 1989. I've enjoyed the cultural and musical variety of traveling and living in many great locations. Read More

Instruments: Piano Recorder Music

WHAT DO WE DO HERE? I try hard to present students with a solid, broad based approach with an emphasis on understanding the fundamentals of musical comprehension, music reading, musical memory, and ear development. These are essential to playing and enjoyment of any instrument! To this end we cover theory, music history, performance, technique and practical application. These basics are supplemented and reinforced by the monthly group sessions, several annual field trips, access to regional, state and national music competitions and performances, as well as the formal Student Evaluations each Spring. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard Djembe

For beginners, it's important to build from a solid foundation, so I emphasize on creating a strong understanding of musical concepts. From there, the student is able to decide on the direction they would like to move towards, classical, pop, etc. I typically teach through the Alfred methods, but am also flexible & have experience from teaching through additional materials that work best for the student. For students with previous musical experience, we decide together if the student would like to continue with their current curriculum or move in a different direction. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I believe that each students is at a different level so you have to tailor everything based on that. I believe that reading music is extremly important in the development of singing as well as enjoying music. I believe that each student should know key signatures as well as what notes are on and off the staff. For all students I focus on the following: Breath, Correct Vowel Placement. I believe that if you have solid breath foundations then you can produce purer vowels and in turn if you have purer vowels then you have longer lasting and easier breath production. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I began playing piano at the age of 5. Over the years, I developed my skills further by my professional learning in Conservatory. I gained performance experience in the piano performance area by playing at such venues as a soloist and with acts such as an ensemble performer. Though I can teach many genres of music, her musical personal favorites are classical music which had a great influence on my style of playing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

For beginning students, I would like to start with knowing exactly where they are at with guitar; how to hold it, how to tune it, how strum it. Once the student understands those fundamentals, I like to start on open chords with easy fingerings (usually learning chords is very exciting since you can hear what you are accomplishing). With that, I would like to get to know the student and understand what the student wants out of the lessons; what they like to listen to, what they want to learn, what is difficult for them, etc. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Mallet Percussion Music Acoustic Guitar

I believe that my students should have high expectations and have fun while completing goals. I make sure lessons are fun and progressive. I hold my students to high expectations so when they meet their goal they actually kill two birds with one stone (ex: figuring out a difficult passage in school music while progressing in technique exercises). I give students accompanying assignments to be supplemental to what they have in technique or to help with school music. Read More