Music Lessons in Riverside, MO

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I am a passionate, enthusiastic music professional with over 35 years of comprehensive experience in the Fine Arts discipline of Music. I graduated in 1984 from UMKC Conservatory of Music with a Masters Degree in Saxophone performance. Since my earliest days in high school I have played professionally, having unique opportunities to perform with some of the best local bands and musicians found anywhere. My formal saxophone training was with internationally known, Tim Timmons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Oboe English Horn

I believe every student is different and therefore demands a different instruction style. Some students need a lot of encouragement and some students need more of a push. I also believe students need musical ideas to be presented to them in different ways. Some students need a visual explanation, some auditory, and some kinesthetic. Through my training to become a music educator at Missouri State University, I gained experience in several different types of students and I am confident I can help a large variety of students. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Effective teaching caters to each student's unique needs and learning styles. This is why although I prefer the Music Tree series of method books, I'm also flexible and observant to determine the best possible approach on a student-by-student basis. My goal is to instill a genuine, passion for music in my students, and also to help develop well-rounded musicians. Whether you want to play Mozart, write songs, or play in a jazz band, I want to give you the tools you need to make the most of that situation. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I really enjoy providing students with positive feedback and reinforcement to cultivate a nurturing environment to foster musical growth in a positive way. I like to listen to what the student is giving to the music, teach them positively what should be reinforced, and what should be understood in a technical aspects of playing to understand why certain things work and why other things do not. I think its important to figure out how the student learns best and tailor my teaching style to the individual. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For piano students just starting out, I like Alfred’s basic piano library, and the Bastien piano basics. There are several other piano courses I’m excited to try as well. For both piano and voice students, I like to include a book of tunes with which the student is familiar: movie tunes, Disney songs, etc. For older students, I will focus a little more on the different time periods of music and help them to gain an appreciation for each. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began helping my friends work through their music when I was 19 at Missouri Western State University, and eventually cultivated a bustling studio of students through word of mouth. I now teach full time in Zoom and in person with house visits, or at my home studio. My students regularly perform very well at state competitions, form bands of their own, and have found great cause in writing their own music outside of academia. Read More