Music Lessons in River Rouge, MI

Instruments: Violin Viola

I believe in the "one thing" lesson. If a student can improve on just one thing in a lesson than that lesson was successful. My past students would probably say I am overall a nice guy but incredibly picky when it comes to perfecting a piece and hold each of my students to a very high standard. I try to give immediate and concrete feedback at all times and my students know to ask for clarification if they need to. Read More

Instruments: Voice

For children, I keep it simple and fun, using a variety of methods to help them not only learn a song/songs, but the fundamentals of music reading, and theory. For older individuals, I prefer to work with their interests, and work towards their goals, through tailored lessons. I use a wide variety of styles, and challenge students to look outside their comfort zone-on occasion- to give them a larger repetoire that they may not have thought of. Read More

Instruments: Flute

For beginning students (adult and children) I like to be sure that their knowledge about fundamentals is solid. I believe ear training is paramount. Not everyone can sing, but secure pitch discrimination can help all musicians (even percussionists). I encourage all students to participate in ensembles (band, choral also). Knowledge of phrasing is also important to aspiring musicians. Students need support from listening to others play (live performances, radio,and recordings). Read More

Instruments: French Horn

I have taught off and on throughout my horn career with emphasis mainly on performance of orchestral repertoire. I have performed in numerous community bands as well in the Detroit metro-area. I worked on the Beethoven Horn Sonata OP.#17 with a Piano major when I lived in San Francisco. I have been playing the horn since 1966. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I stress the importance of reading music from the get go. I do understand however that some (adults) only want to learn to play some songs for their own personal gain, and not have to mess around with note reading. (Guitar is an instrument that can be played by ear, and to some degrees at a high level.) To that I do not require any books. I'll always reiterate the importance of reading..."Just think how good Eddie Van Halen would have been had he been able to read music!" For Children: Mel Bay Children Guitar Method 1 (Blue Turquoise cover) For beginners steel string and jazz: Hal Leonard Guitar method book 1 (Black and Orange cover) For Classical: Foundations in Classical guitar by Brian and Mary Lou Roberts I ALWAYS strive for the student to become familiar with performing and playing with others. Read More

Instruments: Flute Ukulele Keyboard

For beginner's I tend to start with lesson books, especially Hal Leonard's Essential Elements because that's what I learned from! I move up from there and like to teach lessons from all different types of genre's and also teach different techniques such as vibrato, jazz flute, etc. Scales and warm-up's are an essential part of every lesson and I always do them no matter what age student I am teaching! Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

When I see my students improving and chasing their dreams, it fills me with utter joy! I like watching students think critically about what they are doing while working through any incongruencies in their thought process. Each student is different and requires specific teaching styles in order for them to progress efficiently. I like to get to know my students' interests and how they view the world, which I then use to aid them in achieving their goals. Read More