Piano Lessons in Chapel Hill, NC

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Djembe

My teaching experience has been for as long as I've been playing. Before studying any particular type of pedagogical approach, I've always had the gift and desire to share what I know with others. Formalized study has simply given me specific nomenclature for things. Having said that, my pedagogical approach is simple...discern how the student learns and give them the information clearly in that fashion. There are some people who are very literal and need specific details, whereas there are some who work well with general instruction and prefer to feel things out viscerally. Read More

Instruments: Piano

When working with younger students, my approach is twofold. First, I like to work with Alfred's Basic Series to establish a solid goundwork for reading music and mastering technique. Second, I like to cater the lessons to the student's particular interest, whether preparing solo pieces, practicing theory through ear training and sight reading, or writing compositions. For adults, I like working together to determine the student's goals to keep music-making challenging and engaging. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Keyboard

It's always a pleasure to see my students grow quickly amd steadily as they pursue their personal goals. Self discipline is a learned skill a d most grasp it easily. A love and passion for music. And an appreciation for various types of musical genres is something I also encourage. It is my hope and goal to help each and every student to find their own authentic musical voice. That may mean learning to co.pse originals or it may be their own expression of classics or other well known material in various genres of musician styles. 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