Music Lessons in West Newton, IN

Instruments: Viola

I like to see where each student's natural talents and personal desires are headed and act as a servant leader to get them there. Students are encouraged to pursue music in the way that will keep them engaged reaping maximum benefits whether that be to build parts of their brain that would have otherwise lie dormant, or become the best solo performer they can be. Acknowledging and celebrating even the smallest wins is what brings the most joy in my tutoring sessions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

I have been teaching for 30 years. The exciting thing is that private music lessons provides an opportunity to get to know students on an individual level. This means that each lesson is unique, and each student has lessons tailored to them. Getting to know what makes a student tick or understand is a highlight of my day! They often laugh at me because I have to ask what they are doing, and that I don't know off the top of my head because there are so many different things my students are doing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I cater my teaching and methods to each individual student and his/her needs and goals. For beginners, I often use Hal Leonard’s Essential Elements. After progressing past that, the Rubank books and Hite etudes work for many students. Starting around 8th grade, I introduce solo repertoire appropriate to their level. During lessons, I always have students work on some form of scale, sight-reading, and ear training. I have several duet books (and a Disney book!) that students love to sight-read from. Read More

Instruments: Piano

-Easy going, enthusiastic, responsible, truly care about the growth of a student's music ideas, fingers techniques, and love each of my students with care and sincerity. -Using an as easy as possible language to explain the hardest technique knowledge points in playing the piano. How to seat, how to raise hands, how the wrists can help forming a beautiful musical phrase, how to relax, how to improve techniques, how to play fast and clear. -Customized teaching method for each student which will help the students to exert their best potential music ability with their unique hands condition and musical acceptance ability. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo

I start with a few different books depending on the student's interest. I try to encourage younger students to learn to read music. I have often used the Hal Leornard Guitar Method. Often adult students want to focus more on learning chords and how to play a few songs. Sometimes I use the Hal Learnard Tab Method or my own 16 page beginner's guitar book. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Similar to what is written above I prefer an approach that is rooted in the fundamentals. It is my belief that learning these well can serve a student later on when the music starts to become more difficult. Most students I have that have learned in this way tend to not get overwhelmed and are able to transition to higher levels of playing more easily. One of my favorite quotes is "The advanced level is mastery of the basics" which I have found to be true. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I certainly have adopted the teaching styles of my previous and current instructors, each bringing a unique approach to teaching an instrument. Patience and understand is crucial with any students, and there needs to be a lot of fun and excitement within a lesson, otherwise, what is the point? Now, fun and excitement must also be met with serious practice time and great concentration during a lesson. My objective is to create a comfortable environment fertile for learning, while at the same time having my students know there are skills to refine and concepts to solidify. Read More