Music Lessons in Smithfield, NC

Instruments: Piano Guitar Harmonica Recorder Keyboard

I am a dedicated, passoniate, and serious musician who wants to share my love of musical creativity with the rest of the world and the coming generations. I graduated from North Carolina Central University, Magna Cum Laude, in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. I completed my first album, Magna Carta, in 2009. I taught music in Robeson County, North Carolina for four years, but left due the high crime and the lack of support I experienced as a music teacher. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Accordion Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. The first lesson i assess the student's ability - whether they can play, read music, and what kind of music they like. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their level. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For younger students who are a member of a school band or choir, I will spend a good portion of the time working out of whichever method book and other materials they use for class, in order to make the content in congruence with their other instruction. However, method books and beginner level ensemble repertoire only go so far because they are written to appeal to every instrument, not just one. 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

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Piccolo Mallet Percussion Music Keyboard

My teaching experience dates back to when I was still in high school. I would go to middle schools and give lessons. Now as a college music graduate, I have taught many ages including college peers. I think it is important to teach skills and methods that will help the student problem-solve and continue to learn even when they are alone. My students have done well in auditions and chair tests, and I always encourage both recitals and competitions. Read More

Instruments: Violin

Teacher interaction with hands-on at lessons: In order to help students understand the feeling of correct violin playing, I occasional assist them in such ways as guiding the bow, hands, and arms. Student interaction: I want every one of my students to be engaged and excited while learning the violin. My aim is to combine fun with learning. I want to make learning the violin enjoyable for them. More important to me than the material that is covered is if my student learns to love music, specifically the violin. Read More