Music Lessons in Shawnee Mission, KS

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have used several curricula and books by Mel Bay, Alfred, Hal Leonard and others. But in the last 15 years I have developed and used mostly my own books and recordings which are very thorough. I started developing this curriculum out of necessity because there was no one book that helped my students from a beginner phase all the way through intermediate and advanced levels in guitar playing. I incorporate both music fundamentals in note reading with basic guitar friendly concepts in chording up to advanced open chords. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

My main priority while teaching is to encourage and uplift my students. I never want to tear any of them down. To me, nothing is more rewarding than seeing your students face light up when they nail what they have been practicing. Each student will progress at their own pace and that is perfectly okay. I want each student to set a goal and we will work hard until that goal is accomplished. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginners: the key to success when first starting out is having fun! While it is important to learn fundamentals/technique/repertoire/songs, the first step is being interested and curious. Of course, as we progress, I will introduce songs, books, rudiments, exercises etc. Putting the fun before progress, makes the progress fun! For intermediate/advanced students: it is still important to have fun, but you will have more responsibility and required learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Clarinet

Hi Everyone! My name is Benjamin! I'm a high-energy guy that loves to teach music. My students come from all walks of life and from various ages. In 2012, I graduated from Evangel University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, focusing on composition. Getting to see people advance in music has been one of my true joys as a teacher. It has also been my joy to perform with some great musicians all over Missouri. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

You can compare it to trying to learn algebra before addition or how to square root before subtraction, you will become frustrated because the concepts are progressive and you don't have a grasp of the basics yet. Frustration is not my teaching goal for my students. My ultimate goal is to provide my students an engaging and fun way to build the musical tool belt they need to play whatever kind of music they like -- independently. Read More

Instruments: Piano

The method I use in my studio is individually tailored to each student and the student's goal. I have found the the encouragement of each student's goals the best way to inspire them to learn. Seeing my students discover new and exciting realizations is the most rewarding part of teaching piano, and if I can impart some of the understanding I have to help them grow creatively then I have succeeded. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I always start by asking the student if he/she has any goals or upcoming performances they'd like to concentrate on.  If so, we focus mainly on that goal, while also incorporating vocal exercises and other methods to continually improve the voice.  Otherwise, we will start with mainly vocal exercises (which will grow in difficulty as we master the easier ones), and after a few weeks, start applying what we've learned in the exercises to some songs (usually folk songs, art songs, Broadway, occasionally some opera). Read More