Music Lessons in Smithville, OH

Instruments: Cello

I teach with an emphasis on tone and sound production. I believe that once we know what sound we want to create we are better able to physically make it happen. Through this ideology I use the Suzuki method and like to prioritize listening and playing by ear before note reading when the students are young beginners. Even if the student is older, I like to incorporate ear training with a mixture of all the skills we must master as musicians--note reading, sight reading, improvising, etc. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Fiddle Music

 I wasn't motivated because all I saw was a pile of work in front of me that I couldn't possibly accomplish.  Over time, and after stealing little bits fo information and methods from teachers I never really studied with, I was able to create a practice routine I could do every day, I had enough tools that I could play most anything, and because of that, my enjoyment of music has never been higher. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

Music is intrinsically fun and I feel it's important for my students to have fun while they are learning. Children are intelligent and eager to learn especially when they are encouraged with positive reinforcement. I put a positive spin on everything that happens in their lesson which encourages them to interact with me and develop their musicianship. I tailor lessons to my student's needs and desires giving them challenges without overwhelming them. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I love to see people who show a passion for music and my opportunity here is to help them develop that passion. I believe that a student should progress at their own pace. Each lesson we can set a goal of what we want to accomplish for that lesson and then discuss what we want to achieve during the next one. It is very important to acknowledge the accomplishments achieved to help keep the students engaged and fuel that want to become a better musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hannon and Byer for the basic traning, as well as John Thompson. Once the students has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. 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

My approach to lessons differs significantly from student to student. After initial skills and/or vocal health assessments, I choose repertoire and books for them based upon their abilities, age, and musical interests. While I think that vocalises and technical exercises are important to the learning process, I believe it is essential for students to be singing and playing music that they are passionate about at all times. In this way, they can learn to love the process of improving. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Since I was inspired to play piano by ear after hearing a Mozart piano sonata when I was five, my love of music brought me to many places performing professionaly, whether it's a Dvorak trio, a big band standard, or a Daft Punk cover.  I began my formal training at the Cleveland Institute of Music for eleven years, while also studying violin, percussion, trumpet, and composing along the way.  Beginning by performing as a freelance accompanist, church organist, and teaching piano at Baldwin - Wallace College, I've gone on to play at the University of Connecticut Chamber Music Festival in 2009, and earned my Master's in piano performance in 2010. Read More