Music Lessons in Ortonville, MI

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Drums Electric Guitar

I believe that students should explore all ways of learning, from traditional music notation to tablature to rote learning. Not all methods works for every student. I give all students experience in every teaching method in order to find the ways that work best for them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Recorder Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Hello future students! I much enjoy sharing my experience as a creative musician to my students whether they are 5 or 55, beginner or advanced. I am a patient teacher and do my best to encourage each student to find themselves as unique learners (musicians) unto themselves. I graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2002 with a BA focus on Music Composition. While recently living in NYC, I formed a 12-member saxophone orchestra, composed and recorded two symphonies, performed and recorded with the late Glenn Branca's 100 Guitar Ensemble, and provided live Sound Design for renowned poetess Anne Carson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Music

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part-time 10 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio for the last 5 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I listen to the student's music selections. While he/she plays, I observe him/her how this student is adapting to the instrument. After his/her performance, I offer constructive criticism pointing out steps to adapt himself/herself to the instrument. I also encourage and push for attentive listening for tone quality. This is very important no matter the level of students. The way to listen for tone quality is not only seating straight and at the center of the keyboard, but also understand when and how to use the bony part of the fingers(closer to nails) versus the fleshy part of fingers on the opposite side of nails. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Double Bass Euphonium Tuba Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For each instrument, I have the same basic approach: discover what they like, assess what they can do, and begin with the fundamentals.  If a student is more advanced, I still like to spend time on fundamentals at the beginning anyway to see if we can fill in any foundational weakness that the student may have.   For each instrument, I also have a wide array of repitoire that I give students that zero-in on technical challenges a student will be presented with. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

Being a music education student, I learn about many methods of teaching that can cater to a variety of different people and musicians. I typically like to create practice sheets, so that progress can be tracked over time. Assessments will be based on effort, and minor improvements over a long period of time, as music takes a lot of patience and time to really improve! I will allow students to bring what they may want to work on, as well as recommendations from myself on some exercises/repertoire to check out. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

My teaching and free lancing experience dates back to 1999 while attending Manhattan School of Music in New York. While teaching in New York, I enjoyed teaching privately and through community outreach programs. Throughout my education, I have had the opportunity to study the clarinet with some of the countries finest teachers and players. I am excited to share techniques and ways of practicing that can help students develop a mature sound and proficient technique on the instrument. Read More