Music Lessons in North Olmsted, OH

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students, I typically start with Piano Adventures.  Advanced beginners usually have other excellent methods such as Bastien, Schuam, or Alfred, and I use any method which is acceptable.  Adults, or more advanced students, usually have a particular interest in a certain style of music or keyboard skill which I help cultivate.  Though nothing matches the sound, subtlety and feel of an acoustic - the essence of the art of the classical tradition - I encourage students to use MIDI-aided learning tools to develop their sight-reading skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Euphonium French Horn

The most essential element of music is FUN. Naturally, all students meet challenges and frustrating situations. Because I have experienced this myself, I understand completely! I develop a unique approach with each of my students. I am very comfortable teaching voice, piano, and brass instruments. For all of my students, I am fully aware of the standard method books. However, in the past, I have made a special point of working from those books only until it's no longer necessary. Read More

Instruments: Voice

All good singing is the same. Whether you are belting out Celine Dion or delicately exploring the passion and beauty of a Schubert Art Song, 99% of the technique remains the same--the fundaments of breath support, posture, vowel shape, formants, laryngeal posture, etc. As an instructor I reinforce those fundamentals very hard from the beginning because establishing a solid technical base is paramount to healthful singing in any style. Within that technical framework, I always make sure that I am finding my students' passions and working to make their own musicianship and musicality come to life as effectively and rewardingly as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

For beginning students it is important to develop a sense of enjoyment in playing, as well as a sound grasp of the fundamentals. I encourage students to explore and even compose music that they enjoy and will help them grow as a musician. I find this to be a great way to motivate students to practice and make music fun as well as educational. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I tailor my method selection to suit the needs of the student. With so many wonderful methods out there, what it comes down to is what will help the student learn the most! I highly emphasize Music Theory and Aural Skills; I believe that students should understand what they are playing. This understanding leads to more accurate performances and more solid memorization skills. I try to keep the student's musical education moving forward steadily at whatever pace the student learns best. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Positive reinforcement is everything! While there will always be room for improvement and growth, it is crucial to acknowledge successes throughout each lesson. Learning a new instrument requires patience, practice, and determination, and reinforcers can be a huge motivator (I know they were for me when I was learning). Realistic goals should be set for the individual at each lesson. Most importantly, it is not a race. Adaptations will be made accordingly based on the learning pace of each student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Orchestral Percussion

I began teaching while I attended Baldwin-Wallace College and have enjoyed it since. It is a very unique experience to see someone you've taught excell and succeed on stage. This is what has always kept me teaching. Read More