Music Lessons in Mesquite, TX

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning piano students I typically start with Faber's piano adventure series--I typically have students work through the lesson, performance, and theory books while providing them with additional repertoire on the side (pop, disney, classical pieces etc.) For voice students, I typically spend about a third of the lesson working on technique--proper breathing, posture, extending range, working on tone quality etc. Then the rest of the lesson is spent working on solo song repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

There isnt anything more rewarding to me than seeing all 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: Saxophone Clarinet

Hello! My name is Kevin Cantu. I am very passionate about teaching clarinet and saxophone. I love working with all students of all ages and experience levels. A member of the All-State Band my senior year of high school, I am very familiar with the audition process. A graduate from the University of Oklahoma, I have degrees in Music Education and Clarinet Performance. While in college, I earned principal clarinetist in several honor groups and taught several private lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My methods, practices and philosophies are first to get to know the student. What are their goals, expectations, likes/wants/needs, etc. - as I get to know the student, I will tailor the teaching materials to them. Whether it is Leonard, Bastien, Alfred (I have used them all), an eighth note is an eighth note, but you can play an eighth note in pop, rock, classical, jazz, show tunes, etc.. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

I know that most of my young students are in their school's band program, so I use a combination of whatever method books they use there plus my own supplemental materials I have found to be effective over years of teaching. If students are preparing for events like All-Region/All-District auditions or a Solo Festival, I spend plenty of time helping them with that. For other students, I have several books of progressive etudes, includes Bordner's Books of Practical Studies and Sparke's Skilful Studies. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I started teaching guitar lessons in 1999 (20 years this year!) Since those days I've gotten two degrees and taught at colleges, and private institutions, as well as high school and middle schools. I've found that combining textbook music instruction along with learning to play some of the music the student is listening to keeps them growing and engaged. Most importantly it makes learning music fun! I love jazz and I encourage efforts of composition and improvisation to help the student take ownership of the notes they're learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I move at whatever pace is appropriate for the particular student. We set long-term goals so they have something they are working towards and are rewarded for hard work. Learning how to play the piano is about so much more than just the piano! The benefits reach far beyond music, helping them with school, self-confidence, and many other aspects in their everyday life. Although we do follow a method book for at least the first few years, we add additional solo music, and I let them choose from several level-appropriate pieces so that they are enjoying what they are learning. Read More