Music Lessons in Nashville, TN

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I am a recent graduate of Berklee College of music in Boston with 10 years of teaching experience, and 22 years playing experience. I have won multiple drum competitions and have experience performing in all styles from jazz (Phil Woods) to folk (Jay Ungar and Molly Mason). I first got excited about the drums from watching local bands play in my hometown of Ithaca, NY. From there I began to play in the jazz band at a community music school, and soon after that began playing in elementary school concert and jazz band. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

I always approach teaching on an individual basis. I find out what the student loves about music, and what made him or her want to learn in the first place. We set realistic goals for pace and have fun. I often mix traditional work with fun work. For example, alongside conventional ways to learn melody and harmony, I'll tie those lessons into specific songs or pieces of music that the student likes, to show the relevance of the material and the importance it has, at the same time keeping the student interested. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I deploy a range of methods to ensure my students can play in a multitude of environments if they so choose. For instance, I always teach my students how to read, not only because it makes you a better musician and trains your brain how to think differently about music, but because it enables you to be able to play with groups that require a certain level of reading such as a pit band for a musical, an orchestra, a jazz band, choral gigs, etc. Read More

Instruments: Voice Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is unique.....I evaluate the students and try to learn from their likes and dislikes and teach accordingly.....the Last thing a teacher wants to do is Discourage a young stundent ,inundating then with boring songs......a teacher that makes an impact will carefully listen to the students finding out what style of music they gravitate too...helping them in the best way achieve their musical goals...as a parent I try different ‘approaches’ in teaching my child different things ...I do the same with musical students Read More

Instruments: Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

Foundations for Superior Performance, Standards of Excellence, Essential Elements, and A Fresh Approach are great method books I start beginners-intermediate students on. They are also great reference materials to use for all ages and levels. Once we have developed the fundamentals, I start using harder material from professional musicians and solo material meant for performances. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Every student is different, but all students need to be motivated and inspired. I try to find the right “buttons” for each individual to help them become excited about learning their instrument. I approach my teaching with enthusiasm, patience and realistic but high expectations. I want my students to feel comfortable and safe and be able to make mistakes without fear or embarrassment. Music is supposed to bring joy, not stress. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Anyone can look up tutorials or guitar tabs on where to put your fingers to play a particular song, but most people don't know how to understand the underlying relationships so as to manipulate those sounds in your own way. That's the basis for songwriting, composition, learning new songs quickly and improvisation. This process truly demystifies music no matter what instruments you'd like to play. I also employ ear training via the solfege system (moveable Do) to help folks who want to be able to identify things by ear and improvise more fluently. Read More