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24 Years
Since We Started
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Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Music lessons in Watkins . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Guitar
For beginner students, I start with some fundamental basics but I always try to keep the information relatable to each individual student no matter what their skill level. I take a very individualized approach for each student and tailor the lessons just for them depending on what the student is interested in and their skill level. I like to teach by demonstrating information through songs that each student enjoys. The only books I tend to use are empty music books so I can write out specific music and instruction for each student. Read More
Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Tuba
I am a passionate instructor who loves working with students of all ages. In 2016, I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education and was also awarded a Trombone Performance Certificate. I have been fortunate to be able to study abroad in Ireland and perform with multiple bands and orchestras at Maynooth University and around the Kildare County area. I am currently working towards starting my graduate studies in Trombone Performance to further my performance and teaching skills. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar
For very beginners, I will typically start with a basic method book, such as Hal Leonard to learn the essentials of basic technique. For adults or students with more experience, I will cater my lessons specifically to each students interests and goals as I find that this is the best way to keep students engaged and excited to learn. I teach music theory along with anything we learn in a lesson so the student can apply it to material they are already familiar with and interested in. Read More
Instruments: Piano Keyboard
I became a teacher because I believe everyone holds unique gifts and creative ideas. I want to encourage and guide every individual I teach to feel confident in their gifts and apply them to music! I believe music is such a joy to be shared to the world, and we all have the potential to share it. I started teaching private lessons in 2017, and I found it so rewarding that I have continued teaching ever since. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Fiddle Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
I want you to enjoy the guitar more than anything. Every student progresses at there own pace. It's important to set realistic goals for each student and in getting to know a students ability, taste, and drive we can get where you want to be on the guitar. Acknowledging accomplishments fuels a students desire to progress, and makes students more eager to learn. By finding out what inspires the student, I can tailor our lessons to their wants and needs. Read More
Instruments: Piano
I typically start beginning students with the Alfred music book series. Once they've made sufficient progress, we move into a specific genre or two that they are most interested in. We learn about the style, and why it sounds the way it does. After we have a solid repitoire, students will be ready to perform! Read More
Instruments: Accordion
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Most everyone would say that playing the bass on the left hand where you can't see the butttons and then playing right hand keyboard is the hardest. It isn't. The left hand is the easiest to learn and you get used to the chord changes on the left hand almost automatically. The most difficult thing to master is playing contrapuntally with chords on the right hand. Malaguena is a killer, both right and left hands have a high degree of difficulty. Playing both hands together on that and other classical songs is really hard. However, when playing pop tunes, using the advanced chord method is also difficult to master. I don't believe I would have been able to learn the advanced chords without playing classical first.
Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
No, I have been a performer not a teacher for years now. However, one of my students became very successful playing eastern european groups - polkas and rondos.
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
It was Malaguena but I've lost a little bit of my speed. I'm 72 years old. Although, I can play songs like But Beautiful, So In Love, Moonlight Serenade, very well. I have a couple of 'fake' books that I put together on my own that work well as dinner music, wedding music, club music. I believe I can play many of the songs as well as my deceased teacher, which is saying a lot.
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
The first big one was when I played Mozart's Rondo Ala Turk at a talent contest when I was 10 years old. I was always asked to join other kids playing instruments and the neighbors had their children take lessons from me. When I conquered (that's the only word I can use) Malaguena at twelve, I was very happy with myself and all the neighbors and friends were telling me how great I was. I went through a period of plateau, then I played in a couple or rock bands and wedding bands. I became bored when my aunt told me that I should take lessons from Chelso Ferrari - It changed the way I played and gave me a way to make money for school. But just the accomplishment of learning how to play jazz chords, is what I am most proud of.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Start every practice session with both hand exercises: C major bass with the right hand exercise going up the keys from C to octave C. Then a concentrated exercise on the bass only. Finally, more complex right hand exercises without the bass. Repetition is really important, even if the student doesn't understand how the exercises help them at first, when they start playing songs it will click in. This is why I recommend the Palmer books for beginners and some intermediates. Palmer begins with an exercise that enhances the song that follows the exercise. Polkas are generally the most easily learned and appreciated by the student who is bored with exercises. Practice should be in two parts: one twenty minutes on exercises and one thirty five minutes on songs.
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Music lessons in Watkins to students of all ages and abilities.
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