Music Lessons in Smithfield, NC

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began giving guitar lessons to students six years ago. I have a lot of patience and go a long way to make sure my students are learning as well as having fun! I have been told I am very encouraging and kind. I'm looking for students of all ages and skill level! I have developed many different strategies that allow me to teach a diverse range personalities and music styles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

My instruction follows a broad method of teaching technique as well as musicality. I use method books such as Arbans, Clarke, Frink, Schlossberg, Concone, as well as several etude books like the Voxman series, Charlier, and others. Depending on the student's knowledge, I can teach theory concepts so the student can better understand the broad aspects of composition and improvisation. My main focuses are: rhythm, tone, playing technique, history, range, musicality with a broad library of different approaches to teaching through applied lessons. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Ukulele

I start with the end in mind. Once your student has established clear, realistic goals with me, all the focus is on reaching those goals. It is also made clear that it is the student's responsibility to come into each lesson showing clear evidence that they've practiced the music. I'm stern about this. If the student hasn't put in the time, I will send the student home mid-lesson and they lose that lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin

As mentioned above, I first began teaching guitar and piano during my college years. Also, I have taught music and English as a Second Language in North Carolina Public Schools, and guitar classes in community colleges. My instruction has included beginning to advanced elements of playing the guitar and music theory as it relates to the study of guitar. Additional areas of study included: different genres of music; playing rhythms of different song styles; understanding chord diagrams & reading tablature; and developing improvisation skills by learning how chords fit in a musical key, and relative scales. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar

I bring a wealth of hands on experience in many settings as well as a background in music education at an academic level to my lessons and interactions with students. After initially discussing the student's musical background and ambitions, I am able to assess what is the best path for them moving forward. For beginner students that usually means providing a beginner method book to introduce the fundamentals of music (the Hal Leonard Guitar Method is my go-to for aspiring guitarists). Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching experience is varied and far reaching. I have been teaching since my youth as I worked in various churches and musical productions. I was often tasked to compose and then work with the singer's musicians in the production. From there I worked with organizations while in college assisting underserved individuals learn music as a means of escapism. Additionally, I have worked with music schools to assist prodigious students develop musical maturity. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet Recorder Bassoon

This usually leads to a mixture of classical, contemporary and jazz or musical theatre. I believe that a student needs to be enjoying their lessons and their practice and if they do then they will make the most progress. I make my lessons fun and encourage students to perform whenever they get the opportunity. Performing is a great motivator as is playing in a band or orchestra. Playing music brings something special to every students life and I’m always looking to help share the music with new students both young and old! Read More