Piano Lessons in Buies Creek, NC

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

I started teaching way back in 2001, my first year of college, at a music festival in Vermont.  It was a group clarinet & sax class, and it was so much fun!  I gradually realized as college went by and I began teaching more and more, that while enjoyed performing, teaching was my real passion!  I have been teaching both the clarinet and the piano full-time since 2007, and consider that my passion and my profession. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet Recorder Bassoon

I use a mixture of my own custom lesson plans as well as working from a book if the student is a beginner. I use different books for different instruments but I don’t like to rely on them completely as all students learn at different rates and have different strengths and weaknesses. So sometimes I will source more music or activities from elsewhere or miss pieces or sections out. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion

For beginning drum students, I typically like to start with the Percussive Arts Society sheet of rudiments to ensure a solid technical background as the student progresses. After that, we move on to simple reading and other drumming fundamental concepts including limb coordination, fills, phrasing and articulation, etc. With older students, I find it helpful to try and begin with what they are interested and comfortable in playing. This allows me to find connections and build lesson plans specifically for the individual. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching method begins with fundamentals. First, I teach about the piano itself. Second, I teach the notes. Third, I teach tones and steps. Fourth, I teach about major and minor scales. After I lay that foundation for the student I continue with theory and note identification. The student is ready to take off from there. I usually at this point let them select a song to play as well as I assign music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Harmonica Recorder Keyboard

My choices in books and other resources for the student are based primarily on the students' individual goals, needs, and interests. Generally, I approach the subject matter with firm but relaxed expectations, giving the students freedom but also requiring them to pursue a specified goal. This may include allowing the student to take a break from a challenging piece if necessary, to let their mind calm down and refocus while they practice a different piece with different requirements. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Ukulele

During my years of teaching in East Lansing Michigan my band programs continually earned first and second division ratings at festivals. We took trips to Chicago every other year to see the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and to do a workshop at Northwestern University and my students received first and second division ratings at Solo and Ensemble both at the district and state levels. I was a judge for solo and ensemble and band festivals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I believe the best teaching method is one that focuses on the accomplishments of each student. I have several different rewards systems that I will use to motivate students to practice at home. Part of this system is encouraging my students to set their own realistic goals and walking them through how to reach them. Additionally, I am a big believer in affirmation and will do my best to encourage each student throughout the lesson. Read More