Music Lessons in Winter Haven, FL

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

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Guitar for Kids and Bass for Kids methods. At the same time, I assign exercises that will help develop the students technique. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. I try to find out what kind of music the student is interested in, and guide my instruction to keep the lessons interesting and engaging. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

I always start with the fundamentals of sound production along with the musical fundamentals such as scales and sight-reading that go along with performance. I am extremely interested in all aspects of the biomechanics of trumpet playing, from breathing to embouchure to tone production to technique. Because of my intensive study of brass pedagogy I am very capable of teaching euphonium/baritone horn, trombone, tuba, and French horn. I try to make bad trumpet players better, and good trumpet players great. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

To summarize the above statement, part of my attitude and approach to teaching is that---while I certainly don't have anything against other beloved method books, such materials and such don't make you a better teacher. Over time, with a bit of studying, trial and error, the most experienced teacher will eventually come to appreciate and employ his/her own method without relying so heavily on any given editor or publisher to teach the students FOR you. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Ukulele Music

For every one of my beginning students who wants to start playing the guitar or singing, I will alway start them off the best and most knowlegable way I know how, which would be a beginners guide. I started with Hal Leonard's Essential book 1 when I first started learning, and I have always used Hal Leonard's Essential guides for my students.  If a student is an intermediate, I can find out where they're at and help them with any handicaps they may have, and point them in the right direction. ***Important note: I am able to teach online via SKYPE or FACETIME as well as in home or studio. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

My teaching style is supportive and progressive. Keeping things fresh, new, and exciting is always a factor in all of my lessons, no matter the student or the instrument. Furthermore, my teaching philosophy is that positivity and encouragement leads to progress at all levels. I try to push my students to achieve their full potential without making them feel forced to do so. This way, my students learn more about themselves through music instead of feeling stagnant and unmotivated because of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Drums Synthesizer Euphonium Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I began taking private lessons shortly after I joined the band program in middle school. I continued to take lessons all throughout high school and college. Shortly after graduating high school I was offered the position of drum instructor. During college I taught for several years as the drum instructor at Winter Haven High School. I also taught private lessons to a wide range of students during this time. Shortly after college I became the band director at McKeel Academy of Technology in Lakeland. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Ukulele

I'm not one to push a student too hard; after a certain point, it becomes counter-productive. Everyone is going to progress at their own rate and it's my job to find out what that rate is. Naturally different people will gravitate towards different things. By putting some time in and figuring out their strengths and weaknesses, I can address certain concepts accordingly. Personal preference is very important; you can't force enthusiasm. Read More