Piano Lessons in Danville, IN

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

Some methods I would like to include in my teaching are introduction/development of IPA, which is International Phonetic Alphabet. The International Phonetic Alphabet is crucial for knowing how to sing correctly in a variety of langauges. I have experience singing in English, German, Latin, French, Italian and Spanish. Using IPA, it can give you the correct pronunciation of words in other languages. I have found IPA extremely helpful in my experience as a vocalist. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I believe the foundation of progress is consistency, so I try to establish routines with my students, spending part of each lesson on technical exercises, theory/aural skills training, and repertoire. I also set performance goals for students by organizing recitals *this has been more tricky during Covid, but I think it is important nonetheless to get students to perform from memory at least twice a year (once at the end of fall and spring terms). Read More

Instruments: Piano

I want to instill a passion for music in my piano students. To do this, I let each student progress at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lession and acknowledging the small accomplishments. By finding out what inspires a student, I can tailor my instruction to keep them engaged and eager to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

For piano, I typically use the Faber Piano Adventures Series; however, I am open to other method books as well. The Faber series has theory, technique, lesson, and performance books, each with different skills and techniques to learn. I find that those books offer the most comprehensive learning. In addition to the Faber books, I also utilize online worksheets for supplemental learning. For guitar, I typically use online worksheets and chord sheets, and from there, I encourage students to purchase specific guitar books they are interested in (for example, Disney books, classic rock books, Beatles books, etc.). Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

I use many different methods, and I do not limit myself to the following list. I believe in a warm-up for all instruments, so each lesson will start with one (scales, long tones, etc.) For flute, I often start with either the book that comes with the rental book, old band books, etc. then I venture off into etude books, long tone books, and solos that promote individual development. Voice students will start with warm up exercises that help them find the placement of the voice and often, depending on why they are taking voice, there is a song that I pick and a song they pick. 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 Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I started playing guitar at age 8. In my formative years I studied with various instructors around central Indianapolis until mid year of '85. Upon this time I studied a full year with James Lee Thorpe whom eventually played, toured recorded with Sweet F.A. They released albums with MCA Chrysalis Records. I began composing my own riffs, melodies and solo work at age 15 also. I studied Music Theory my Junior year at Ben Davis High School. Read More