Piano Lessons in Driftwood, TX

Instruments: Piano Cello

I had the opportunity to be the leader of the cello section, where some of my responsibilities included preparing the cello section with weekly sectionals for performances, as well as playing the cello solos in the orchestra. I believe that music lessons should have the performance as a goal, but actually enjoying each day of practicing. In this manner, the performance is the culmination, and a celebration, of a worthwhile journey. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Bass Guitar

For beginning students, I emphasize fundamentals, including technique, sound quality, and reading. With children, I like to start with method books such as Essential Elements or the John Thompson series for piano. For more advanced pupils, I will start with what they are currently working on, find areas for improvement, and then adjust the curriculum accordingly. However, no matter what the students interests or skill level are, I try and keep the lessons light, fun, and interesting! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

30+ years performing experience: baroque, classical, jazz, orchestral, march, gospel, blues, folk, bluegrass, big band, country, rock, metal, theater, pop, punk, Americana, avant-garde, grunge; Solo, small combo, large band, and orchestral experience. 30+ years teaching experience: guitar [Spanish, acoustic, electric], electric bass, voice, piano, keyboard, woodwinds [specializing in saxophones], percussion, violin, composing, arranging, songwriting, recording, management; A long roster of satisfied clients. Excellent professional and personal references available. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Clarinet Recorder French Horn Piccolo Oboe Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I was also foreign faculty at the College of the Bahamas in Nassau, New Providence, where I taught concert band, flute, clarinet, guitar, Music History, vocal techinques and World Music. I studied piano with renowned jazz pianist, Ray Santisi, at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and with international performer and accompanist, Phillip Moll. Also a student of world-famous flutists James Galway, Julius Baker and Jean-Pierre Rampal, I have been teaching music since 1974, in addition to performing professionally throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Each student is unique so I start out with seeing where they are and we go from there. If I have a student that is needing more help than usual I will help the student understand things in a way that is helpful for them. Students that have more experience, I use some of the method books that most school use such as Essential Elements for Band, Rubank method books, as well as new material customized for students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is very laid back and encouraging. I love seeing a student pick up a new instrument but I usually sense a lot of nerves and bad self talk. I believe when learning anything, one should be comfortable to fail and ask questions. I try to make sure this is understood right away. I have a basic structure at the beginning of my lessons that includes scales and chords, but I like to use the rest of the sessions to work on what the student has been inspired by. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Drums

The following are books that I start my lessons with. In addition, I supplement with materials that my students are interested in learning. If there is a particular song or style that they would like to learn(and is reasonably within their ability level or I am able to modify), I work to teach it to them. Drums: ***The book chosen depends on a student's level and personal goals, but these are great books to start with: Drumset For Preschoolers by Andy Ziker(for students ages 2-6, or students that would benefit from a color-coded system initially) The Drumset Musician By Rod Morgenstein and Rick Mattingly(great for beginning drum beats!) Alfred's Drum Method(for learning rhythms and rudiments) A Fresh Approach to the Drumset by Mark Wessels with Stanton Moore(teaches an intro to a variety of styles, including rock, samba, jazz, etc.) Piano: Alfred's All-in-One Course This book has simple, child-centered lessons that are reasonably paced, teaches beginning music theory, and allows students the opportunity to write. Read More