Music Lessons in Polk City, FL

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

Some highlights of my teaching career include working with A Gift for Music to give Title 1 schools access to the fine arts, being a cabin counselor and cello instructor for young musicians at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and providing private lessons at The Orlando School of Music. All these experiences created a burning desire for higher fine arts education, culminating in my part in the co-creation of the Central Florida Cello Association, an organization which provides the UCF cello studio with multiple masterclasses a year given by world class artists and acclaimed educators. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Acoustic Guitar

My methods are based on what I have personally tried and proven to be beneficial. The three main methods I find to be extremely important are the Arban book, and the Clarke technical and characteristic studies. In addition, I've found equally important the Earl Irons long tone and flexibility exercises. I like to find out what the student is most interested in a tailor the practice regiment accordingly. Once we start to master the basics, we can move on to specific musical styles that the student wishes to pursue. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

My teaching experience dates back to 2002 when I became Graduate Assistant to Demondrea Thurman, at Alabama State University.While working on my MM at The University of Alabama, whereI studied with J. Michael Dunn, I taught undergraduate tuba and euphonium majors.After graduating in 2005,I served as the professor of Lower Brass at Florida AM University, where I was also Director of Lower Brass to the Marching 100, I taught a studio of 30+ students per semester.From 2008-2010 I served as adjunct Professor of Lower Brass at Alabama State University. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Synthesizer Piccolo Music

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing the growth of a student and their own delight as they become more successful with their craft. Taking the time to learn the "why" behind the desire to learn an instrument enables me, as the teacher, how to assess the speed at which students can progress. The desire and willingness of a student is paramount to a successful experience no matter the subject matter. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Fiddle Double Bass Music Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

All music teachers dream that their students will be players for life, and may even find a lucrative career in music. Unfortunately, the statistics say that most students put their instrument away after graduating high school and never find the time to pick it back up. For this reason, the only permanent thing we absolutely can pass on to our students is the love of music and the art of being a good listener. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

Music and teaching it to others has been my life's work and passion. I am classically trained (obviously) and I am the first and still only person in my family to graduate from a four year college and later graduate school, having earned BM and MM degrees in Piano Performance with a minor in organ at Shenandoah University. In addition to 27 years of music ministry, 26 years as an accompanist and/or MD (classical and music theatre settings) and of course 16 years of private piano teaching, my greatest professional accomplishment is having played at Carnegie Hall in June 2014. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For students who are just starting out, I start with basic finger and breath support exercises. Once these become ingrained in the student's mind, I will introduce various excerpts based on their skill level, eventually working our way into solo repertoire. For students that have a few years under their belt, I prefer to get a grasp on what their strength and weaknesses are to assess what I can be of service, to select the solo or excerpt book that would best help improve their already developing talents. Read More