Music Lessons in Sherwood Forest, MI

Instruments: Violin Music

My teaching experience has extended towards friends, family and fellow students over the years. Though this will be my first time teaching professionally, the experience I've gained by performing with various musicians and learning under various mentors has given me plenty of knowledge to share with others! As I am newly graduated, I have a fresh perspective of the experience of being a music student and all the achievements and obstacles that have come with it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

Everything stems from the goal(s) set. We work out a plan to reach those goals and a realistic pace to move at. I also leave room for and expect a moving goal post. Inspiration is heavy the more concepts are successfully explored and understood. I expect the best from my students; nothing more, nothing less. We will not downplay accomplishments or progress, especially when things take longer than expected. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer

For beginning students, I start with the traditional Mel Bay (or comparable) beginner books that focus on the fundamentals while building strength and coordination and just build from there.  For students with a little more experience, I like to focus on more challenging exercises and concepts while nurturing their knowledge of music theory and performance.  Each student is different and knowing what motivates them motivates me.  My goal is to have them want to pick up their instrument and play. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

For beginner clarinetists, we will begin working out of the Voxman/Gower Beginner Method Book. We will spend the majority of the first lessons learning posture, holding the instrument, proper embouchure, blowing into the clarinet, breathing techniques, articulation, and how to develop sound through long tones and exercises. During the process, basics of music reading and music theory will be taught. For intermediate to Advanced students, we will learn all scales and arpeggios using the Klose Method book. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Electric Violin Fiddle

I teach beginning students both by rote and through reading. We use standard Suzuki books for repertoire and method books such as Wohlfahrt, Mazaz, and Sevcik. Very young students begin on Sassmanshaus since it is very engaging as well as well written. However if there is a specific book a student wants to learn from (such as a book from school or a specific style such as country or fiddle) then I am more than willing to teach from that. Read More

Instruments: French Horn

My style is to review a previous lesson with playing a "homework" etude or study and early on have the student pay close attention to dynamics. I like to encourage younger students and challenge the more advanced students to think in terms of musical interpretations based on what the composer is trying to convey. Read More