Music Lessons in Oak Grove, MO

Instruments: Piano

The method I use in my studio is individually tailored to each student and the student's goal. I have found the the encouragement of each student's goals the best way to inspire them to learn. Seeing my students discover new and exciting realizations is the most rewarding part of teaching piano, and if I can impart some of the understanding I have to help them grow creatively then I have succeeded. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have been teaching music for two years professionally, and much longer than that informally. I played regularly and professionally at venues in Columbia, MO, such as the Bridge and The Vault. I studied trumpet in my high-school band and learned to read music, progressing on my own thereafter into more complex theory and harmony, as well as composition. I have been in several ensembles and have performed as a solo artist on many occasions as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Other experiences I have teaching include being a Mentor in Illini Mentoring Program (mentioned above), along with being a part of the UofI-Juvenile Detention Center Arts Project in spring of 2017. This coalition formed of UI students and professors helped to generate meaningful musical experiences for incarcerated youth, providing them with a possibility to be kids again in trying times, and to promote restorative justice. Since 2017, I have gotten the opportunity to teach lessons here and their to peers (college age), but I'm ready to delve into the exciting world of private teaching and help share my knowledge and passion for music with others ready to learn. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I really enjoy providing students with positive feedback and reinforcement to cultivate a nurturing environment to foster musical growth in a positive way. I like to listen to what the student is giving to the music, teach them positively what should be reinforced, and what should be understood in a technical aspects of playing to understand why certain things work and why other things do not. I think its important to figure out how the student learns best and tailor my teaching style to the individual. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I was in some garage bands and blues bands which turned into a series of really good three piece power trios playing bars and for private parties and benefits. I knew there was much I didn't know about music, so I enrolled in music classes at the local college. While in college I played the baritone in marching band, sang in the school choir, was in classical guitar ensembles, the pep band as a guitarist and the jazz band too. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When I first started teaching in college I used standardized materials and found it was helpful but inadequate to teach everything my students needed. So I began to explore other curriculum and attend the NAMM conventions and talk with other instructors. I saw there was a need for more expanded materials and started writing my own. I now have two complete text books with copyrights along with practice recordings that I make available to my students. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I ask my students what it is they are trying to accomplish with me. Typically I look for goals that I know the student can accomplish if they apply themselves. I love nothing more than seeing them push themselves and watch them improve their playing to a level they originally thought they could not achieve. The problem is most students come in assuming they aren't good simply because they aren't at the same level as someone else. Read More