Music Lessons in Peyton, CO

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a dedicated musician who has been playing the piano since age 3. In my late teens I taught myself to play the guitar and bass guitar, and I have spent my whole life learning the ins and outs of music through theory, composition, and performance. I hold no degrees or certifications other than a degree in environmental science, but I have put more hours into independent musical study than anyone my age who has chosen to pursue a degree in music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Throughout my 20+ years as a music instructor, I have found that a friendly, encouraging approach resonates well with students. I individualize each student's instruction to best serve the goal of positive results through creative music- making. I graduated in 1980 with a Piano Performance degree from Fort Lewis College, Durango, Co., with a minor in music education. My performance experience includes playing for weddings, churches, accompanying other musicians, and playing and singingin jazz and Celtic bands. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I have tried almost every method book available. Once I have met a student, it is important that I find instruction books that I hope will be appealing to the student. Basic theory is absolutely fundamental to learning to play. There are many different theory books as well as online theory lessons. However, at the very beginning of lessons, I like to use manuscript paper and ask the student to write his/her own music. Read More

Instruments: Accordion

I put a lot of emphasis on scales and fingering exercises. Once fingering exercises are mastered, it is relatively easy to play classical and quick time tunes. The wonderful thing about accordion is that the bass provides upward mobility in tonic keys that go up in fifths, e.g. C G D A B F# and all tonic notes/buttons have thirds on the counter bass, e.g. C has E, G has B etc. right next to the tonic buttons so that you have incredible variety within six or seven buttons combining major, minor, seventh and diminished seventh chords within that same group of notes. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Like I said above about my methods, my teaching style is all based around what YOU, the student, wants to learn, and YOUR level of knowledge/experience. If you want to learn a few songs to play along to and that's it, I can teach you how to. If you want to learn how to jam with friends and start a band, I can show you. If you want to really learn how to play and become a great musician, I can give/show/teach you everything I know. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I've been playing flute for over 15 years and have taken advanced private lessons myself for over 8 years. In my own journey as a musician, I've realized the importance of regular practice time and setting short and long term goals. In my time teaching younger students, I've learned that locking down the basics of tone and breath control are crucial techniques for becoming a great musician. It's also important to have a good mix of repertoire between classical and modern/pop pieces. Read More