Music Lessons in Oak Grove, MO

Instruments: Voice

My teaching experience began when I was in grad school, where I taught a few students at a local high school. Since moving to the KC area eight years ago, I have been consistently teaching and gradually building my private studio, which now has over 20 students! I love working with young singers (specifically grades 8-12) and helping them find the potential in their voices.  I have encountered the full range of ability levels, from very experienced (had lessons before, sung multiple solos in school choir, had lead roles in musicals, etc.) to complete novice (no lessons, no choir experience).  My overall approach to lessons is the same, regardless of ability level: consistent improvement from week to week using vocal exercises, songs, and an exploration of breath and the physicality of singing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Fiddle

My teaching experience dates back to my high school days in Hong Kong, as I began teaching violin private lessons part time 14 years ago, and had been consistently teaching students in my home studio and a local music center for 8 years before I moved to the United States in 2012. In 2012-2014, I was hired as a violinist of the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra. In 2016-2017, I taught string private lessons to 7th and 8th grade students at Smith-Hale Middle School and I helped coach the school's string and wind ensembles. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I taught a class about cowboy music as an employee of the Allied Arts Council in St Joseph, Missouri. I performed as a classical guitarist for art shows, dinners, and concerts. I attended incredible guitar master classes with Christopher Parkening, Anthony Glise, Marc Regnier, Miguel Rodriguez and Larry Beekman. It was during my MWSC years that I was asked to begin a Suzuki guitar class. I taught Suzuki guitar lessons for three years. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

The experience I had started with was a community center in an underprivileged area of Kansas city in 1973 as a Senior in High School and extended to many retail establishments of the Kansas city metro and beyond. I have also taught private lessons in my residence and in homes of many students during the pandemic. For nearly 20 years I have taught all ages at the Kansas city strings in Merriam Kansas as independently contracted teacher. Read More

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

In my second book I devote most of the curriculum to teaching the concepts of chord theory with movable chord patterns and learning to play scales over chords for improvisation. Therefore my students get a thorough knowledge of reading and playing notes, chord theory concepts and positional guitar playing through movable CAGED system in positional playing in various styles. This way my stiden are equipped for all genres of music. /p Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My primary goal with students is to give them the tools and inspiration to enjoy music, and love playing their instruments. I have always placed a strong emphasis on the necessity of the foundations of music, but I try to do it in a way that is fun and palpable, and especially for young students. I have been fortunate enough to have lessons from excellent instructors, and I try to borrow my favorite methods from each of them. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

It depends on age, skill, and interests! For younger musicians, I prefer books by great instructors and writters such as Hal Leonard, Jean Arban, Rubank, or Jamie Abersold. For more experienced players, I recommend authors such as Charles Collins, Herbert Clarke, Laurie Frink, or John McNeil. I have always enjoyed taking important concepts from these books and creating my own variations of the exercises that tailor to even more specific techniques and skills! Read More