Piano Lessons in Detroit, MI

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I have been playing the trumpet and flugelhorn for 19 years and I love the sounds, the look, and the features that go with it. It’s a perfect musical bond that I am happy to be a part of.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
My favorite music genres that I love to play are jazz, funk, hard bop, and soul. With jazz music, when it comes to improvisation and composing, you are free to play whatever note or rhythm that fits the form or chord of the given tune. When soloing, it is like you are putting your heart and soul to the music. That is the beauty of jazz music. To me, jazz music has created a humongous web of genres that everyone needs to keep open-minded about. Without the blues, we would not have jazz music. Without jazz music, we would not have R&B, pop, hip hop, soul, etc.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I started playing on the piano/keyboard when I was in college doing keyboard technique classes. It was difficult doing those levels, till I learned a much simpler way of playing the piano from Scott Gwinell at OU.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Give the child time to grow and see if he/she is really interested in music and wanting to learn it. It doesn’t matter how old you would be to start playing or practicing an instrument. Music is definitely for all ages. Anyone may be surprised if the child is a prodigy like Mozart was in his young time.

When will I start to see results?
You will be able to see results in his/her performance if they are planning on doing any solo and ensemble work or any school performance (jazz or concert band). The main important thing that a child has to do when taking private music lessons is to definitely make the time to practice a piece of music or even listen to a certain tune or even watch their favorite musicians.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I had a private trumpet teacher that helped me with mastering the trumpet and help me learn pieces for solo and ensemble. She also inspired me to go to my dream college of Oakland University, where I learned music theory, history, and techniques for both classical and jazz. At OU, I’ve learned and been inspired by some of the best jazz professors…. Miles Brown (bassist, big band leader, and jazz theory professor); Sean Dobbins (drums; jazz combos); Scott Gwinell (piano, jazz piano); and Anthony Stanco (jazz trumpet). Without them, I would not have learned the concepts, history, and the theory jazz music.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Everyone in my family listens and loves music. My grandfather from my dad’s side did learn to transcribe any country songs via guitar. My brother even played the drums in middle school, but quit after a while.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
For any musician that is a beginner, I would practice for 30 minutes everyday. However, for any advanced/ professional musician, I would practice everyday 1-2 or even 3 hours a day.

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