Music Lessons in Murray, NE

Instruments: Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Tuba

In beginning students, it's always important to start out working with a methods book; they're a great starting and reference point. Additionally, we'll need a second book of excerpts and exercises for consistency. The specific book that we'll work out of depends on what sorts of music you like: classical, jazz, pop, music theatre, and so on. Even from the onset, you should make the kinds of music, style, and sounds you like the most. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

For beginning students on brass instruments, we will send time getting the student to be comfortable holding and playing the instrument with a good, air driven sound. Once the student is able to reliably play their first notes in a rhythmic fashion, we can begin working on introducing music notation into the equation. Books I suggest will generally be books more specialized for each individual instrument, rather than method books used in band classrooms. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I believe in practice and visualization. In addition to physical practice, watching and hearing someone perform something is more than beneficial to learning and really getting those difficult concepts. It’s very important to list out what works best for each person. Some people are visual while others are audio focused while some are both. Many students move faster than others. A key component is to keep good notes and track what was easy and what was difficult. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

My teaching dates back to my high school years in which I instructed younger students in middle school band as an assistant to the director. I have performed in all kinds of groups including jazz bands, wind ensembles, latin groups, and even choirs. I grew up in Cozad, Nebraska which is a small town, but I was influenced by so many kinds of music given this age of technology. With my versatile background I think I can really guide a student in their growth and development as a musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Keyboard

Award-winning trombonist, Blake M., originates from Eastern Iowa. A performer of both jazz and classical, Blake has performed in many national and international festivals and contests including The Grammys, The Music For All Festival, The Sienna Jazz Festival, The Monterey Jazz Festival, The Montreal Jazz Festival, The Jazz Educators Network Conference, and the Iowa City Jazz Festival. Blake received the top soloist award 3 years in a row at the Iowa Jazz Championships and was a member of the University of Iowas Johnson County Landmark Band during his last two years of high school. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I prefer to instruct out of the James Bastien method books for the student's main lesson assignments. However, I also encourage students to bring and play out of books that inspire and motivate them individually. This keeps lessons lighthearted and keeps the student interested in the next lesson in my experience. I set realistic weekly and monthly goals for my students so I'm able to gauge how the student has performed, as well as how they should be instructed going forward. Read More