Music Lessons in Ray, MI

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

My teaching style is laid back with the full intention of moving forward in both technique and enjoyment. Each Lesson is geared toward the Goals we agree on as Student and Teacher. Depending on age and experience, I set goals at 3 months or 6 months. It is crucial to allow the student to learn at his or her own rate. Again, I strive to find the Creativity in the Student and to see how that can be developed as quickly as possible, especially if they are interested in songwriting, singing, composition, or simply doing their "own thing". Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

Just as every player has their own musical personality and voice, so too does every lesson that Nicholas gives. In a supportive, patient environment, every lesson is custom tailored to the student. Being musical is inherent to being human, so when a students’ musical abilities fail to progress, it is the teaching method that has failed, not the student. While my educational background allows me to offer my students a high level of instruction in instrumental technique, my first priority with every student is to foster their love and understanding of music through playing their instrument.  Read More

Instruments: Flute

My teaching philosophy closely aligns with my research experiences as well as my own professional experience as a performer and pedagogue. I focus on regular performance and exposure to a wide range of topics, repertoire and ideas, allowing for intersection with other disciplines. Influence and inspiration can come from unexpected sources, and I foster that potential in my students. My lessons include discussions of style as well as body awareness while playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When I start out with a new student I like to see what kind of learning works best for them. Are they a visual, audio or tactical learner? from there I modify each lesson for each individual student. I make sure my lessons are a very positive experience with no criticism. I teach with charts, tablature and standard notation. My primary method of teaching is to have my students study from my own books, in addition to publications by Mel Bay and Hal Leonard. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I like to teach the way I practice. In a "perfect" practice day I would pick a "mode" or specific scale (1/2 step, whole step) and play around this "idea" with a metronome. I practice in as many tonal centers as possible (out of 12). I try to find motives and rhthyms to repeat or change (must hear what's to be played before if possible). The above scenario will work only if the student is already committed to learning the cycle of 5ths. Read More

Instruments: Voice Bass Guitar Double Bass

I have been teaching private lessons since 2009. I specialize in commercial styles (pop, rock, jazz, country, etc.) as well as musical theater. I encourage creativity with my students and through unusual means I have found success in getting those good habits down. As a songwriter and long time frontman I support and help with my students desire to write their own music and find their performance style. My students in Nashville('10-'18) joked I give rockstar lessons not voice lessons. Read More